Thracian Valley
Greeks believed Thrace was where Dionysus — god of wine — was born.
Chapter 11 of Roman Wine Odyssey · Romania
The stops
- Tour · Price: low Plovdiv Roman Theatre One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built during Trajan's reign. Still hosts performances. Plovdiv's old town is filled with wine bars and Roman ruins.
- Tour · Free Plovdiv Roman Stadium An ancient Roman stadium seating 30,000, now lying beneath the main pedestrian street. Excavated sections visible through glass and open walkways.
- Adventure · Price: moderate Thracian Valley Wine Route Bulgaria's premier wine region producing excellent Mavrud and international varieties. Visit multiple estates along the valley where Dionysus was born.
- Tasting · Price: high Bessa Valley Winery One of Bulgaria's top premium wineries, producing world-class Enira and Bessa Valley wines. Modern architecture, serious winemaking, and Thracian heritage.
- Tour · Price: low Kazanlak Thracian Tomb UNESCO World Heritage Thracian burial tomb with stunning frescoes including wine vessels and banquet scenes. A window into pre-Roman wine culture.
- Adventure · Price: moderate Valley of Roses Wine Trail Famous for rose oil production, this valley also produces excellent wines. Rose wine made with actual rose petals alongside traditional varieties. Roman road traverses the valley.
- Adventure · Price: moderate Melnik Wine Town Bulgaria's smallest town but biggest wine caves. Sandstone pyramids, medieval architecture, and cellars carved into the cliffs. Famous for Shiroka Melnishka Loza grape.
- Wellness · Price: moderate Sandanski Roman Spa Roman thermal spa town still operating today. Hot mineral springs where Romans relaxed after travel. Wine tasting combines with thermal wellness.
The story
This mythological homeland of wine offers stunning Roman ruins in Plovdiv, world-class Mavrud wines, and Melnik's cave cellars. Bulgaria's wine renaissance is happening now.
Plan the trip
Insider tip Melnik wines are exceptional and little-known. Churchill ordered them by the barrel.
Getting there and around
- Car required
- Yes
- Parking
- Easy throughout Bulgaria
- Nearest airport
- Sofia (SOF) or Plovdiv (PDV)
- Drinking and driving
- Designate driver; Bulgarian wine is strong
Where to stay
- Base yourself in
- Plovdiv (central location)
- Nightly range
- $30-100/night
What it costs
- Includes
- 4 nights, car rental, tastings, site entries
- Per person
- $400-600