Bulgaria’s capital city serves up some of Europe’s most underrated wine experiences. The best tours combine tastings of robust local varietals with authentic cultural connections. In Sofia’s atmospheric Old Town, intimate wine cellars offer excellent private tastings, while day trips to places like the wine town of Melnik let you sample directly at historic vineyards.
I especially love the small-group walking tours through Sofia’s hidden wine spots – they’re perfect for learning about Bulgarian wine traditions without leaving the city. For a fuller experience, the Melnik wine region tours stand out by combining wine tasting with visits to traditional Bulgarian villages.
Check out these top-rated wine tours that showcase the best of Sofia’s wine scene:
Key Points
- Tempus Vini Wine Tasting offers a private tour with tasting of five local Bulgarian varietals, paired with local cheeses and breads.
- Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting provides a hand-picked selection of five Bulgarian wines, accompanied by traditional cheeses and cold cuts.
- Plovdiv and Thracia Valley Tour combines a visit to the UNESCO-listed Plovdiv Old Town with a guided wine tasting at a local vineyard.
- Sofia Wine Walk offers an educational walking tour showcasing the city’s wine culture through visits to curated wine bars and specialty stores.
- Melnik Wine Tasting Tour includes a personalized wine tasting at the Villa Melnik winery and a visit to the charming town of Melnik.
Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia
One of the most captivating wine tasting experiences in Sofia takes place at Tempus Vini, a cozy venue nestled in the heart of the city’s historic Old Town.
This private tour invites small groups of 3-4 to gather around a wine barrel, embarking on a delightful journey through Bulgaria’s 5,000-year-old winemaking heritage.
Guests will savor five unique local varietals, including misket, Melnik, mavrud, gamza, and rubin. As they sip and swirl, they’ll learn about the evolution of Bulgaria’s vibrant winemaking scene.
To complement the wines, the experience includes a tasting of local Bulgarian cheeses and artisan breads.
With a 99% recommendation rate and an average 4.9/5 rating from 475 reviews, this wine tasting tour has earned a Badge of Excellence.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable hosts, the captivating atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover Bulgaria’s remarkable wine culture.
Many leave having purchased bottles of their newfound favorite vintages.
Read our full review: Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia Review
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Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting
Tucked away in the heart of Sofia, the Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting invites guests to embark on a captivating exploration of the country’s rich winemaking heritage.
With an impressive 4.8 rating from 21 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, this experience has earned a coveted Badge of Excellence.
Guests will savor a hand-picked selection of five Bulgarian wines, including reds, rosés, and whites, accompanied by traditional cheeses and cold cuts.
The tasting takes place in a stylishly decorated venue, offering a unique vintage ambiance enhanced by music. Unlike visiting out-of-town wineries, this urban experience provides the convenience of staying within the city center.
Priced at $63 per person, the Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting welcomes a maximum of 100 travelers per session, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Positive reviews highlight the informative hosts and the exceptional quality of the wines, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Bulgaria’s winemaking traditions.
Read our full review: Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting Review
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Plovdiv and Thracia Valley With Wine Tasting
For travelers seeking a well-rounded exploration of Bulgaria’s historical and oenological treasures, the Plovdiv and Thracia Valley With Wine Tasting tour offers an exceptional experience.
This full-day adventure from Sofia takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed Plovdiv Old Town, where they’ll stroll through the charming streets and marvel at the Roman Theater. The tour includes a traditional Bulgarian lunch and a visit to a local vineyard for a guided wine tasting and tour.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience is intimate and personalized. 93% of previous participants recommend the tour, which boasts a Badge of Excellence. Pickup and drop-off at any address in Sofia make the logistics seamless.
While a few travelers noted discrepancies regarding lunch inclusion, the overall feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides, delicious wines, and friendly atmosphere.
For those interested in discovering Plovdiv’s history and Thracian Valley’s wine culture, this tour is a must-try.
Read our full review: Plovdiv and Thracia Valley With Wine Tasting Review
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Sofia Wine Walk
The Sofia Wine Walk offers an exceptional opportunity for oenophiles and curious travelers alike to enjoy Bulgaria’s rich wine heritage.
This educational walking tour provides an in-depth exploration of the capital’s vibrant wine scene, which dates back to the pre-Roman era. Accompanied by a private guide, you will visit three carefully curated venues – wine bars and specialty stores – where they’ll have the chance to taste a variety of Bulgarian wines and savor light nibbles.
Praised by 100% of past travelers, the Sofia Wine Walk is an intimate experience tailored to individual schedules. Participants can expect to learn about the country’s unique wine culture through engaging discussions and knowledgeable insights from the guide.
With flexible departure times and a convenient city center meeting point, this tour is an accessible and must-do activity for oenophiles visiting Sofia. The experience is priced at $57.75 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
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Melnik Wine Tasting Tour From Sofia
Why not embark on a captivating Melnik Wine Tasting tour from Sofia? This 9-hour excursion takes you to the charming town of Melnik, where you’ll explore an 18th-century mansion and sample a variety of locally produced Bulgarian wines.
Priced at $145.94 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and includes comfortable round-trip transportation from your Sofia hotel, an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking driver/guide.
Upon arrival in Melnik, you’ll visit the Villa Melnik winery for a personalized wine tasting experience in a small group setting. Discover the region’s rich wine heritage as you explore the winery’s cellar and savor the flavors of the locally crafted vintages.
This tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals or those requiring wheelchair accessibility.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a 5.0-star rating from previous participants, the Melnik Wine Tasting tour promises an authentic and enjoyable wine adventure just outside of Sofia.
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Bulgarian Prime Cuts and Wine Tour
Set out on a captivating culinary adventure with the Bulgarian Prime Cuts and Wine Tour in Sofia. This tour offers a unique opportunity to savor the best of Bulgarian cuisine, particularly for meat enthusiasts.
You’ll sample four types of organic prime cuts, including beef, veal, and pork, accompanied by traditional dishes and locally-produced wine.
The knowledgeable guide provides insights into Bulgaria’s rich food culture and history, allowing you to learn about local culinary practices and traditions.
With a maximum of 100 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience, including food suggestions for the rest of your trip.
Conveniently located in the heart of Sofia, the tour starts at 6 PM and returns to the meeting point.
While not wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and public transportation is nearby.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 9 reviews, this tour is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic Bulgarian culinary adventure.
Read our full review: Bulgarian Prime Cuts and Wine Tour Review
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Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour From Sofia
Eager to explore Bulgaria’s ancient roots and indulge in the country’s acclaimed wines? The Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour from Sofia is a must-try. This full-day excursion delves into the region’s rich Thracian and Roman history, with visits to the 5th-century BC Thracian temple and palace in Starosel, as well as the Roman ruins in Hisarya.
The tour includes a wine tasting experience at a local winery, allowing you to savor the country’s celebrated vintages. With a maximum of 15 travelers, this intimate group tour ensures personalized attention from the professional guide, who’ll share insights into the region’s fascinating past.
Although the winery may not appeal to all, the overall feedback on the tour is positive, with reviewers praising the historical sites and the guide’s expertise.
Read our full review: Hisarya, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour From Sofia Review
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The Sum Up
Sofia’s thriving wine scene offers an array of exceptional wine tours. From exploring the historic Plovdiv and Thracia Valley to savoring Bulgarian Prime Cuts and wine, visitors can enjoy the country’s rich winemaking heritage. Whether seeking a casual wine walk or a comprehensive tasting experience, Sofia provides ample opportunities to discover Bulgaria’s world-class vintages.