The Wines of Melnik and Struma Valley tour takes you to one of the most famous Bulgarian wine regions – the Melnik region. The wines of Melnik were proudly present at the tables of the European royal families in the 17-18th centuries and, in addition, the local variety Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broadleaf Melnik) was among Winston Churchill’s favourites. The Melnik region has a high concentration of local wine varieties and during the tour you get to taste them at six carefully selected wine cellars; one of which is a 100% organic and bio-certified winery. Wine making has been a proud tradition in this region for centuries. During the tour, you will learn more about the wines, terroir, winemaking and history of this traditional wine region. This tour also includes visits to two famous Bulgarian monasteries – Rila Monastery (the largest monastery in Bulgaria and featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983) and Rozhen Monastery. This famous wine region is all about wine-making and wine drinking. Locals and their ancestors have been making wine for centuries. Join us on this travel adventure for wine lovers.
The Wines of Melnik and Struma Valley
Day 1.
Welcome by tour leader. Departure from Sofia airport (or other pick-up point) at latest 2 pm. Visit to the famous Rila Monastery – the largest monastery in Bulgaria designated a UNESCO world heritage site since 1983. Continue to the Melnik region. Check-in to a traditional guesthouse. Welcome dinner including local wines in the evening.
Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse
Day 2.
A day dedicated to wine, gastronomy, nature and good conversations. Today, we visit two boutique wineries located in a picturesque landscape of green fields, vineyards, small villages and farm animals. The day starts with a cultural experience with a visit to the Rozhen Monastery – one of Bulgaria’s most important Orthodox monasteries. A wine tasting and lunch will follow at the Zlaten Rozhen Hotel & Restaurant. We continue to Orbelus winery located on top of a hill in the surroundings of the quaint village of Kapatovo. Orbelus is a modern winery with an unusual architecture. The facility is shaped as a giant wine barrel with half of the barrel located underground and half over the ground. It is quite a spectacular winery proudly working with only organic grapes. A passionate winemaker will greet you with a show-around of the winery followed by a wine tasting session. Next is a visit to the delightful Villa Melnik. A boutique winery that has quickly gained recognition for its excellent wines. Here we will tour the winery, taste wines and sample traditional appetizers. Return transfer to the guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse
Day 3.
After breakfast, a one-hour transfer to the charming Orbelia winery awaits you. Today, the focus is on the stories of the region, the local varieties and the cycle of wine making from grape to bottle. The local expert will guide you through a wine tasting session. Expect a personal, informal, informative and fun day! A traditional lunch will follow. Transfer to Melnik. The afternoon is free to explore the charming town of Melnik – the smallest town in Bulgaria. The town is surrounded by unique sandy pyramid-like hills. Here you will find countless cultural monuments and historical buildings. Visit the Kordopulov house – a mansion once owned by a rich merchant in the 1700s. The house is built in national revival style and boasts of an impressive underground wine cellar typical in this region for this time period. Discover Melnik at your own pace. There are many typical Bulgarian restaurants, wine shops, galleries, wine museums and the list goes on. Overnight at traditional guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse
Day 4.
After finishing breakfast, we visit a small family-owned winery and are welcomed into their family home and wine cellar for a unique tasting of local wines. A rustic homemade lunch is served. Possibility to visit the nearby outdoor art centre if there is time and interest. A second tasting of a selection of wines is held in the area. Dinner before return transfer to guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse
Day 5.
Check-out at 10 am. Transfer to Sofia Airport/Centre (3h).
Included in the price of The Wines of Melnik and Struma Valley tour:
✓ Group transfer from/to Sofia airport
✓ All ground transportation with a minivan included in the tour’s itinerary
✓ 4 nights in traditional guesthouses in shared double rooms
✓ Visit to Rila Monastery
✓ Visit to Rozhen Monastery
✓ Tours and tastings at 6 wine cellars
✓ Visit to Rila Monastery (self-guided)
✓ Meals: Daily Breakfast, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 2
✓ Tour leader from Bulgaria Wine Tours
✓ Guided tours of wineries by onsite winemaker
✓ Tour operator insurance in case of non-provision of services
- Flight tickets
- Private transfers
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the tour description
- Travel and medical insurance (please, consult your insurance provider)
- Visa fees, if applicable
- Extras and incidentals
- Tips
Price of The Wines of Melnik and Struma Valley:
€540 per person for a group of 6+ persons (*)(**)
€660 per person for a group of 4-5 persons
€760 per person for a group of 2-3 persons
Contact us for a quotation for groups larger than 10 persons.
* The BGN/EUR exchange rate is fixed at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN (http://www.bnb.bg/?toLang=_EN)
** Price per person is based on double occupancy e.g. two persons sharing a room
Payment:
- A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to be paid within 7 days of the invoice issue date.
- The balance of the amount due to the Company must be paid no later than 45 days before departure.
- In the event that the Client makes a booking within 45 days of departure of the tour, the full tour price must be paid up-front.
Payment method:
Payments are made in Euros or Bulgarian Leva by bank transfer.
Bank transfer to:
Bulgaria Wine Tours Ltd.
Bank name: Raiffeisen Bank
Bank address: 1 Knyaginya Mariya Luiza Str., Plovdiv 4000
BIC: RZBBBGSF
IBAN: BG09RZBB91551005461558
We will provide confirmation once the payment is received.
- Credit or debit card payments:
We accept credit/debit card payment. Information will be provided along with your booking.
Please, refer to the Booking Terms & Conditions for detailed information about payment.
Zlaten Rozhen is a relatively new winery in the Melnik wine region, once the most famous wine region of Bulgaria. Zlaten Rozhen’s young and ambitious team strive to produce wine reminiscent of the times when wine from this region was served at the tables of respected Western European families. The winery owns a boutique hotel in the village of Rozhen, walking distance from one of the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries – Rozhen monastery. The tasting room at the boutique hotel is the ideal setting to enjoy Zlaten Rozhen’s wine, while experiencing the rural atmosphere of the Melnik region.
Orbelus
Surrounded by seven mountains in the Melnik region in southwestern Bulgaria lies the organic winery Orbelus. Not only is the wine-making process organic but also the architecture of the winery reduces the input of resources such as lighting, heating and cooling. This provides for a wine experience in full unison with nature. These environmental considerations do not come at the expense of the wine quality; Orbelus has already gained international recognition, including a gold medal from the prestigious Millésime Bio Challenge. Staying true to its Melnik origins, Orbelus emphasizes the local varieties and presents them in a different way to its visitors – the organic way.
Villa Melnik
The Melnik region has been and still is one of the most famous wine regions in Bulgaria. Each year Winston Churchill himself used to purchase 500 litres of the traditional Melnik variety – Shiroka Melnishka loza. With such a history, it is not surprising that one of the newest wineries in the region – Villa Melnik – has quickly gained recognition for its high-quality wine, beautiful winery and warm hospitality. Villa Melnik has even dared to produce wine with its own grown Mavrud variety – traditionally the undisputed master of another wine region in Bulgaria – the Thracian valley. Such boldness and distinct character are typical for Villa Melnik, which makes a visit to the winery indispensable for every wine explorer of the area.
Orbelia
The Orbelia winery is situated in one of the sunniest places in Bulgaria, where wine has been produced since Thracian times. In fact, Orbelia, meaning the White Mountain because of the all-year snow caps, was the Thracian name of the mountain, in which foothills the winery is situated. Orbelia winery diligently caters to promoting the local varieties such as Shiroka Melnishka loza, Sandanski misket and Kerazuda. Orbelia provides an authentic atmosphere of Bulgarian hospitality, garnished with excellent wines and beautiful surroundings.
Kiossev Boutique Wine Cellar
A family-run boutique wine cellar situated in the family home in a picturesque village. The wine cellar produces high-quality wines and has a high focus on local grapes such as Broadleaved Melnik, Melnik 55 and Melnik Ruen. The wine cellar is run by a father and his son continuing the family tradition of winemaking. The wines are limited series of only 300 – 3000 bottles per series. The serene village surrounded by mountains, the unique wines and the warm welcome of a wine making family makes this winery an unforgettable one.
• Group pick-up from Sofia Airport/Centre at latest 2 pm. The representative will have a Bulgaria Wine Tours sign.
• Group transfer on Day 5 is just after breakfast – 10:00. You may be dropped off at Sofia airport or Sofia centre. Please inform us of your preference when you book.
• For late arrivals on Day 1 or early departures on Day 5, it is necessary to pre-book a private transfer. We can assist you with that if you wish so.
Visa Requirements
• In general, EU citizens do not require visas to travel to Bulgaria. Citizens of some other countries also do not need visas to travel to Bulgaria. For visa requirements to enter Bulgaria, please consult the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at: http://www.mfa.bg/en/pages/109/index.html or the respective institutions in your country of residence.
Insurance
• You are encouraged to purchase travel and medical insurance at your own judgement.
Notes
• The tour does not require any special medical condition or fitness level. The tour does not involve intensive walking, hiking, or other physical effort apart from the normal efforts for sightseeing.
• Tour leader from Bulgaria Wine Tours will accompany group to Rila Monastery and Rozhen Monastery but will not give an in-depth tour.
• Tour leader from Bulgaria Wine Tours will accompany group to Melnik and give a short introduction to the town. Rest of the day will at the disposition of the participants.
Additional services or surcharges
• Please contact us for prices and information about private transfers from Sofia to Melnik
• Single supplement: 50 EUR
For any questions, please contact us at: +359 888 487 113 or email: info@bulgariawinetours.com or contact us through the Facebook page – Bulgaria Wine Tours.
We are committed to making this tour a pleasant and memorable experience for you.
Enjoy Exploring! Enjoy Bulgaria!
Try Churchill's favourite wines
Why Choose Us
✓ Because we are the original tour operator in Bulgaria specializing in wine tours.
✓ Because we have visited each and every winery, hotel and place we offer on this tour in order to ensure the highest possible quality of the offered services.
✓ Because we work closely with the wineries and the hotels offered on this tour and we are flexible to accommodate your wishes.
✓ Because we have made academic research on the potential of wine tourism in Bulgaria: https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/search/publication/4091904.
✓ Because we are promoting alternative tourism and helping the development of rural regions in Bulgaria.
✓ Because you will be supporting a young start-up.
✓ Because we will make sure you have fun and enjoy the tour!
Tour Map
