Bulgaria joins the European Cultural Route of Wine

Bulgaria has launched the process of joining the prestigious European Cultural Route “Iter Vitis – Paths of the Vine”, a Cultural Route certified by the Council of Europe since 2009. The announcement took place during Bulgaria’s hosting of the 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism in Plovdiv.

The Minister of Tourism, Mr. Miroslav Borshosh, held a working meeting with Emanuela Panke, President of the Iter Vitis Federation, which brings together regions with well-established winemaking traditions and promotes viticultural heritage across 23 countries.

The main focus of the discussion was on the opportunities for Bulgaria’s participation in the initiative and the various models of membership According to Minister Borshosh, Bulgaria will be able to choose the most suitable approach for membership, with the possibility of future expansion. “Bulgaria has exceptional potential to establish itself as a leading wine tourism destination in the region. Our wines, traditions, and regions can tell a unique story — not only of taste, but of culture and identity. The opportunity to join the European Cultural Route Iter Vitis is both recognition of this potential and a chance to develop it on a European scale,” said Minister Miroslav Borshosh.

Also attending the meeting were Petya Minkova, Chairperson of the Bulgarian Organization for Wine Tourism, and Emil Koralov, representative of the Bulgarian Association of Wine Professionals. In the coming months, specific steps will be taken towards the official accession of Bulgaria to the network of European wine routes.