Thracian Lowlands, Bulgaria | Best Wine Destinations 2017

Wine Enthusiast magazine has named Bulgaria’s Thracian Lowlands area (around Plovdiv) one of the 10 best wine travel destinations of 2017.

Archaeological wonders combined with modern wines in a travel fantasyland.

BY MIKE DESIMONE AND JEFF JENSSEN

Located south of the Balkan Mountains, bounded by the Black Sea to the east and Greece to the south, Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley is considered by many historians to be one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world. Recently unearthed archaeological evidence suggests that wine was made 7,000 years ago by members of the cult of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.
The lowlands have a mild climate, rolling hills and a maritime influence that provide a perfect environment to grow grapes. Base yourself in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second city, to discover indigenous grape varieties, ancient culture and modern winemaking techniques.