Spend the day connecting with nature, learning about Bulgarian wine and taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the Bachkovo Monastery.
What to expect
Spend the day connecting with nature, learning about Bulgarian wine and taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the Bachkovo Monastery. The orthodox monastery situated in the luscious Rhodope mountains is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria, and an absolute must-see if visiting Plovdiv. Learn more about Bulgarian wines and the history of wine production during a visit to a local wine cellar. Sample a flight of 5 wines in the wine cellar. There will be time to stop for lunch or refreshments in a traditional restaurant during the tour.
This 6-hour tour combines culture, history, nature, wine and food in the best possible way, and your friendly Tour Leader will be present to explain everything and answer any question that you may have!
Inclusions
- Visit to one winery including a tour of the winery and a tasting of 5 wines
- Visit to Bachkovo Monastery
- Transportation in comfortable car/8-seater passenger van
- Pick-up & drop-off from/to accommodation in Plovdiv
- English-speaking Tour Leader
- VAT & Local Taxes
- Mandatory Insolvency Insurance
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Private transfers
- Meals & Beverages not mentioned in the tour description
- Alcoholic not mentioned in the tour description
- Travel and medical insurance
- Extras and incidentals
- Tips
Where to meet
We pick you up from your hotel, Airbnb or any other landmark location. Please advise at time of booking.
Practical Notes
- Remember to wear comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour takes place in sunshine or rain.
- The monastery is a religious site. Please wear appropriate clothing. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees.
- Bring your camera along to capture special moments
- Bring some local currency (BGN) for purchases just in case the winery does not accept card payment
- The minimum number of people per tour is 2. The maximum number of people per tour is 6.
- Transportation is either in a comfortable car or a 8-seater passenger van (depending on the group size)
- Food allergies or dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised before the tour. Please advise at time of booking.
Wineries
The wine region immediately surrounding Plovdiv is called the (western) Thracian Valley. The Thracian Valley is the largest wine region in Bulgarian in terms of number of wineries, and has a diverse collection of wineries. There are more than enough wineries in the Plovdiv region to visit making this region in particular a suitable area for wine tourism. We work with multiple, carefully selected vineyards and wine producers in the region. There are more than 20 boutique wineries in an 80-kilometer radius from Plovdiv. It is more than possible to visit a few wineries around Plovdiv in one day and still be back in the late afternoon. Many of the wines produced at the wineries are only available at the winery, in Bulgaria or have very limited distribution. Be sure to take some wines home with you (at attractive cellar-door prices) to share with friends and family. Chances are slim that you can find them back home!
Grapes
Bulgaria grows both international and native grapes. Interestingly, there are more international grapes planted in Bulgaria than local grapes for historical reasons. The ratio of international to local is roughly 70% to 30% with the plantations of local grapes increasing in recent years.
The local grapes that call the western part of The Thracian Valley home are Mavrud and Rubin.
Mavrud is a very old local variety that has its birthplace at the foot of the Rhodope mountains. Wines made from Mavrud may vary in style. Generally, it has deep dark color, medium tannin, medium acidity and develops wonderfully in contact with oak acquiring a complex aroma, dense taste and medium to full body. Mavrud can be consumed as a single varietal or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It also marries very well with Rubin – another local grape that is quite a few years younger than Mavrud.
Rubin is a hybrid between Syrah and Nebbiolo, and was created in the 1940s-50s. It was planted in the Plovdiv area but can now be found in a few other areas across Bulgaria. The wines are deep in color. The aroma is intense with berries, spices and herbs on the nose. Rubin can be consumed young or matured. With maturation, the tannins smoothen out, the flavor improves yet the freshness remains.
Cancellation
- Up to 30 days before the tour = 70% refund
- Up to 14 days before the tour = 50% refund
- Less than 14 days before the tour = no refund
- Changing the tour date is possible (according to availability)
- No shows are fully chargeable with no refund
- In the unlikely event that Bulgaria Wine Tours is forced to cancel a tour, you will receive a full refund.
- Please see our general booking terms and conditions for more information
