29.10.2021 International Mavrud Day I

IMG_20211027_181042

As a part of the organizing team and Chairman of the Board of Bulgarian Association of Bulgarian Wine Professionals here are a few highlights from the first edition of the International Mavrud Day.

First of all it was a huge pleasure for me to work with my fellow colleagues and to make it happen – under these crazy and unpredictable pandemic circumstances… It was simply not possible to complete all our initial ideas and plans due to the restrictions (a few events have been postponed for 2022 or were transformed, resp. organized online). But how nice is to see so much positive energy, a united wine branch (almost no critics), plenty of celebrating people, recognition, dedication to the local varieties and the Bulgarian king – MAVRUD! Just a few figures about #mavrudday: 102 events in 19 countries, 65 organizers, 53 participating wineries and wine projects!

 

IMG_20211027_094710

How did it go?

The first day of the first Международен ден на мавруда / International Mavrud Day (26th October) included:
– an online discussion with Bulgarian wine experts from different areas about the importance of Bulgarian local varieties;
– a speech + tasting of experimental Mavrud wines from the Agricultural university, conducted by Eng. Lambrin Topuzliev – one-of-a-kind experience for all of us;
– a guided FAM trip with Bulgarian journalists and colleagues from other associations / organizations into wineries;
Thanks a lot to our hosts from Dragomir Winery Estate and Villa Yustina for the support and the hospitality! In both wineries (renowned wine travel destination as well) we had impressive tastings – in addition to the useful information, provided on site.
IMG_20211026_142756
Day 2 of International Mavrud Day (27th October) with 2 more attractive wineries – as part of the FAM:
Winery Zagreus – Винарна “Загрей” – probably the most dedicated to Mavrud and highly respected winery in Bulgaria – with white, rose, red, Amarone style, sweet wines from Mavrud…;
Винарска изба “Манастира”/ “Manastira” Winery – a boutique winery on the Western edge of the Thracian Lowland with excellent Mavrud wines in the elegant, medium-bodied profile;
And last but not least – the virtual tasting on 28th of 6 selected Mavrud wines with wine professionals from the UK, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Germany, Poland, Netherlands… Moderated by one of the best outside experts in Bulgarian wine at the highest level Caroline Gilby MW and myself. Thanks to DiVino.BG for hosting us and to ADL “Anywhere Delivery & Logistics” for supporting us!
vt 3
Thanks and cheers from Bulgarian Association of Wine Professionals – see you in person (hopefully!) at Международен ден на мавруда / International Mavrud Day 2022!
MDM 2