Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov: "We are launching a national partnership in support of Bulgarian wine"

The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food are joining forces with the wine sector to create a national partnership to promote Bulgarian wine as an important part of Bulgaria's identity.

The meeting held today at the initiative of the Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Plamen Abrovski, the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Forestry in the National Assembly Yavor Gechev, representatives of the National Association of Bulgarian Winegrowers, organizations from the wine sector and producers.

"We are launching a national initiative to give Bulgarian wine the place it deserves. It is important to have a clear map for action with specific steps and an action plan," Minister Dimitrov said.

According to the Minister for Agriculture, Plamen Arbovski, authentic grape varieties and traditions are one of Bulgaria’s hallmarks.

"The development of wine tourism is also a way to encourage the development of rural areas and local communities. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but the possibilities are unlimited," he said.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Yavor Gechev, pointed out that currently Bulgarian establishments and tourist complexes mainly offer imported wines.

"Now there is a horizon to develop winemaking at full strength and I guarantee the legal changes. The industry must participate actively," said Gechev.

Among the proposals on which the institutions and the wine sector will partner are the national initiative "Choose Bulgarian Wine", joint training for hoteliers and restaurateurs on domestic production, professional tastings, development of national and regional wine routes and events.

We will also work together to promote local producers and promote the connection between Bulgarian wine, seasonal Bulgarian cuisine and authentic tourist experiences.