Book a full day wine tour starting from Plovdiv to the under-the-radar Sakar region. Meet small winemakers that are striving to put Sakar wine on the map. Enjoy wine tastings with the charming owners and winemakers that are passionate about their region and their wine. Have an unforgettable day!
What to expect
It is safe to say that the Sakar region is a micro-area that is not yet developed and does not have masses of tourists coming through and that is part of the charm!
At the small, under-the-radar wineries of Sakar, you will meet winemakers and winery owners who will take their time presenting their wines to you and might even let you taste a few barrel samples as they eagerly ask for your feedback. The Sakar region is a close knit community of winemakers that are passionate about their region and their wines.
Spend the day in Sakar sampling delicious local wines at two wineries while your Tour Leader takes care of you and offers information about the region and about Bulgarian wine in general.
There will be time to sit down for lunch or refreshments at an unpretentious restaurant that only locals frequent.
The last stop of the day is a regional tasting room, where you will enjoy a selection of wines from the region.
Inclusions
- Visits to two hidden wineries including a tour of the wineries and a tasting of 5 wines per winery
- Visit to the Sakar Regional Wine Shop & Tasting Room including a tasting of a selection of wines from the region
- Transportation in comfortable car/8-seater passenger van
- Pick-up & drop-off from/to accommodation
- English-speaking Tour Leader
- VAT & Local Taxes
- Mandatory Insolvency Insurance
Exclusions
- 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.
- Bring your camera along to capture special moments
- Bring some local currency (BGN) for purchases just in case the wineries do 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 comfortable car or 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.
The Sakar Region
Hidden away in the southeast corner of Bulgaria, the Sakar wine region is an under-the-radar area waiting to be discovered. Historically, the terroir was deemed suitable for Merlot and Syrah and these two varieties were vastly planted. To this day, the largest single plot of Merlot is in this region. The region is distinct, unique and memorable. Most of the wineries are small producers that are passionate about growing the potential of the wine region. There is plenty of enthusiasm and passion among the local wine producers. If you are looking for a personal and unpretentious wine tasting experience, Sakar is the region for you. It is the only wine region to have a regional tasting room and wine shop. 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. In the Sakar region, the dominating international grapes are Syrah and Merlot. In fact, the largest single plot of Merlot is located in this region. The soils in the Eastern Rhodopes and Sakar wine region are varied and it is often the case that different soil types are found at immediately neighboring plots of land; however, the predominant soil types are brown and brown forest soils as well as leached (nutrient-poor) granite, which is characteristic of the region.
One of the most promising and exciting local grapes in the region is Tamianka. Tamianka is one of the Eastern European names for Muscat Blanc a Petit Grain. Single vineyard Tamianka wine from Sakar has served as a flagship wine for the aromatic whites of the country and a flagship for the region.
Other grapes grown in the region are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Rubin, Mavrud, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Traminer and Pinot Gris among others.
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
