The annual leading wine tourism event International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) took place this year in Bulgaria – in the beautiful, ancient city of Plovdiv. It was an honor but also a challenge in the post-pandemic times to host the 15th edition of the conference, “arriving” for the first time in Bulgaria! With 8 000 years of history, rich cultural heritage, Plovdiv is also in the heart of the Thracian Lowland wine region, resp. very often a starting point for exploring the most important wine area of Bulgaria. The country as a whole is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world, so that was a deserved recognition and way to promote all the (still) hidden wine and food travel gems.
However, the kick-off was in Sofia – with a city walking tour which I had the pleasure to guide, followed by a BYOB wine tasting. A lot of fun, great wines from all around the world (from Sweden to Canada!) and meeting fellow participants at IWINETC – new and from previous editions.
The conference itself started on the 9th April. The 2-days program was full of master-classes, speeches, tastings, trips, networking opportunities and meetings – over 100 professionals in the field of wine tourism from around 30 countries attended. The event was very intense and I hope equally successful!
I was involved in the organization and guided one the FAM-tours with professionals from Norway, Hungary, Sweden, Hongkong, Germany, etc., dedicated to the fascinating and mysterious tiny wine region South Sakar. It is located in the south-eastern corner of Bulgaria – just a stone’s throw away from Greece and Turkey. A place for red wines, where wine experts assert that it’s the best terroir for Merlot and Syrah in the country, in addition to Cab Franc, the local Rubin and Tamyanka (white) etc. The oldest (planted in the 70’s) and the biggest (ca. 700 ha) Merlot vineyard, called after the nearby village of Kolarovo is here.
The region is the perfect choice for wine lovers who prefer small, family wineries, homey ambience and tasty local food. Beyond that – wild life, bird watching, plenty of megalithic sanctuary sites (1000-2000 years old) are among the highlights in that less-crowded area without industrial . Don’t miss some of the events (taking place in every season and hosted by different wineries), join some of my tailormade wine tours or explore it by your own. Definitely you will fall in love and get convinced that South Sakar ROCKS!
Congratulations to all Bulgarian colleagues! With a lot of desire, professionalism, emotion and common efforts, we presented Bulgaria as an attractive wine and culinary destination – just like the slogan #ADiscoveryToShare. The best feedback I have personally heard is “You have passion, you love your country and wines” – THANK YOU!