BULGARIAN WINE REGIONS
 
Map of Bulgaria
Northern region
 
The Northern region spans the area between the Danube river and the Balkan mountain range from North to South and between the Dobrudzha Valley and the Yugoslav border from East to West respectively. High quality wines are produced from a number of different grapes, red as well as white. The reds are made from the local Gamza as well as from the noble Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc are the most prominent whites. This  region is home to the fine wineries of Suhindol and Rousse.^
Eastern Region
 
The Eastern Region covers the territory along the Black Sea coast between the Northern border with Romania and the Southernmost point on the sea coast where Bulgaria shoulders Turkey. The wines from the Eastern region are made mostly from white grapes. Almost all renowned  white grape varieties may be found along with the native Misket and Dimiat. To my personal opinion the whites from this region are a little too spicy to the Western palate, yet they are greatly appreciated by Bulgarians and East and South Europeans in general.^
Sub Balkan Region
 
The Sub Balkan Region contains the kettles at the Southern foot of the Balkan Mountain. These deep valleys produce unique micro climates. The famous in Bulgaria Sungurlare Misket comes from there as well as the excellent Sungurlare Eau deVie. White wines from different grapes are local specialty. Slavjantzi is a popular winery from this region.^
Southern Region
 
The Southern Region includes the Tracian Valley from the Balkan Range to the Greek border and boasts almost Mediterranean climatic conditions particularly good for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot production. The best Bulgarian variety grape-Mavrud grows in the Tracian Valley. Reds coming from this region are superb. Jambol and Haskovo are fine appellations.^
South Western Region
 
The South Western region covers what is popularly known as Pirin Macedonia. The Struma Valley runs along it and brings strong Mediterranean influence in terms of climate. Fine Cabernets are produced there. The appellation of Melnik is home to the Melnik variety. An aromatic and hefty wine that ages very well. Damianitza is the winery to note. Their "reserves" are extremely good and my personal favorite. Another interesting local variety is Keratzuda, a rose type produced only in the appellation of Kresna.^
 
 
At the following sites additional information about the wine regions in Bulgaria may be found:
Bulgarian Wine Guild 
Clickable map linking all five regions.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bulgarian Master Vintners
Solvex-Wine
A short and concise section on Bulgarian Wine Regions
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Last modified: January 18,1998
Rossen Paounov
longa@sprint.ca