With the promotion of old local vineyards and modernized wine cellars we attract enotourists to the border region between Bulgaria and Greece

BGN 4.7 million have been invested under the cross-border cooperation programme between the two countries for the development of wine tourism in the region

Modernised wine cellars, researched rare grape varieties and promotion of grape and wine varieties typical for the border region between Bulgaria and Greece. These are the results of projects worth BGN 4.7 million for the development of wine tourism in the border settlements. The funds were provided under the INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020 cross-border cooperation programme, which is co-managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.

Over BGN 2.2 million have been invested in the project “SOS for endangered traditional vine varieties”. It is implemented in partnership between the Executive Agency for Vine and Wine, the Association “Prosperity and Development for Bulgaria”, the Exhibition Research Institute, Thessaloniki and the International Hellenic University, Greece. The aim of the project is the conservation of vineyards, especially those in the Natura 2000 ecological network in the border region. With the help of the scientists, measures have been proposed to protect local vine species from unwanted loss due to climate change and human activities related to agriculture, tourism and urban development and the introduction of new varieties. To this end, has built an experimental field in which vines of endangered species have been planted. After surveys in the districts of Blagoevgrad, Smolyan, Kardzhali and Haskovo, 14 endangered varieties have been identified - 'Tamyanka', 'Keratsuda', 'Gergana', 'Dimyat', 'Sandanski Misket', 'Bouquet', 'Shevka', 'Red Misket', 'Mavrud', 'Ruen', 'Shiroka Melnishka Vine', 'Pamid', 'Rubin' and 'Melnishka Rubin'. The preservation of old local varieties, which have excellent adaptation to the regions, contributes to the sustainability of natural resources at local level. The project has set up a training centre to provide practical training for local farmers and local authorities.

More than BGN 1.4 million have been invested in the project “Developing the identity of production, soil and region” (DIONYSOS). It is implemented in partnership between the Agricultural University of Athens, Greece, the Institute of Viticulture and Wine, Pleven, Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski”, Kavala Development Agency - Local Authorities Enterprise, Greece, the Federation of Professional, Craft and Trade Associations of Evros, the Agency for Transnational Training and Development, Greece, the Municipality of Kirkovo and the Haskovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It is aimed at increasing the added value of viticulture as a natural and cultural asset for the development of wine tourism, enhancing the attractiveness of the area, as well as improving the conservation of the local landscape and biodiversity. The project promotes the cultivation and cultivation of old indigenous grape varieties, highlights the local cultural and productive identity and applies different approaches to promote the area as an agro-tourism destination. To this end, the identity of the region's wines and vineyards has been studied, a wine tourism guide has been produced, and hotels and restaurants have been trained on the types of wines and their qualities. A digital platform for local wine cellars has also been created and local cuisine based on wine has been promoted. Information boards have been placed in wine-growing areas, participation in specialised fairs has taken place, and wine tasting tours have been organised.

More than BGN 1.1 million have been invested in the investment project LAKOSTO, which was implemented between the companies VINOS LTD, Bulgaria and Konstantinos V. Lalikos & Partners, Greece under the measure providing direct aid to small and medium-sized enterprises. Through this project, the winery of the Greek partner has been modernised with modern machinery produced in France, which improves the characteristics of the grapes and gives a better quality product. A wholesale wine company has been set up in Bulgaria to promote the wines of the cross-border project partner. Through the established wine sales base and tasting centre, not only wine as a product is presented, but also a culture towards wine consumption and local traditional related products is created.