site.btaYoung Wine Festival in Southern City of Plovdiv Lures Visitors with More than 300 Wines

The 14th annual Young Wine Festival in Plovdiv, Southern Bulgaria, started on Friday with a Dionysius Procession, a concert with folk music and dancing, and a ceremonial opening of the first cask with young wine. Until November 27, visitors will be able to sample 300 types of wine from 45 cellars, showcased at 17 houses in the Old Town. 

In an address at the opening ceremony, Deputy Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva said that Bulgaria has 80 wine cellars, 22 of which offer sleeping accommodation, meaning that the infrastructure for wine tourism is ready. Georgieva said that the ministries of tourism, of agriculture, and of culture, the Executive Agency of Vine Growing and Wine Making, and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, have been actively working in the past six months to make Bulgarian wine making part of the non-tangible cultural heritage. 

This year's edition of the traditional forum saw a 15% increase in exhibitors. This year they are nearly 70, including 45 wine and 20 food companies.

An expert jury comprised of professionals from the University of Food Technologies in Plovdiv, sommeliers, wine journalists, and members of the Executive Agency on Vine Growing and Wine Making, will taste and evaluate the wines of the new vintage. Medals will be awarded in three categories: Young Wines for Quick Consumption, 2022 Vintage, for ready-to-drink and ready-to-sell wines, Latest Vintage Young Wines not yet ready for sale and consumption, and Fruit Wines, Flavoured Wines and Wine-based Beverages. The best wines will be awarded medals during a gala on November 26.

Events related to the festival started on November 21 with a presentation on the journey of local grape varieties. The programme also includes films, concerts, and art activities.

BTA is a media partner of the 14th annual Young Wine Festival.