The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food are joining forces with the viticulture and wine sector to establish a national partnership aimed at promoting Bulgarian wine as an important part of Bulgaria's identity, the Tourism Ministry announced on July 27.
The meeting, initiated by Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov, was attended by Agriculture Minister Plamen Abrovski, the Chair of the parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Yavor Gechev, representatives of the National Association of Bulgarian Vine Growers, organisations from the wine sector, and producers.
"We are launching a national initiative to give Bulgarian wine the place it deserves. It is important that we have a clear roadmap with specific steps and an action plan," Dimitrov said.
Abrovski said that authentic grape varieties and traditions are one of Bulgaria's greeting cards. "Wine tourism development is also a way to promote rural areas and local communities. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but the opportunities are limitless," he added.
Gechev pointed out that Bulgarian restaurants and tourist resorts currently offer mainly imported wines. "We now have the opportunity to develop the wine industry to its full potential, and I guarantee that the necessary legislative changes will be made. The industry must play an active role," he said.
Institutions and the wine sector will collaborate on the national initiative Choose Bulgarian Wine, joint training programmes for hoteliers and restaurateurs on domestic production, professional wine tastings, and the development of national and regional wine routes and events. Local producers and links between Bulgarian wine, seasonal Bulgarian cuisine and authentic tourist experiences will also be promoted.