Bulgaria has a unique terroir and the potential to become a benchmark in winemaking once again. The Minister of Agriculture and Food, Plamen Abrovsky, said this during the official opening of the grape harvest campaign at the AYA Estate vineyards in the village of Harsovo, Sandanski municipality.
He recalled that his professional career as a lawyer began in 2004 precisely at the Executive Agency on Vine and Wine. "I have had the opportunity to learn from exceptional oenologists, agronomists, and colleagues, as well as from European practices. What I know is that Bulgaria is one of the best places in terms of terroir for wine production," the agriculture minister pointed out.
Plamen Abrovsky said our country can compete with the world's most established wine regions. He cited France as a winemaking benchmark, noting that Bulgaria also has the history and traditions that have long established it as a leading nation in the sector.
Minister Abrovsky described the start of the grape harvest as a celebration for the sector—the moment when the year ends for agronomists and begins for wine producers. He also emphasized the importance of winemaking for the development of the local economy in the Sandanski region, focusing on the opportunities for combining wine and tourism, promoting local production, developing rural areas, and creating new jobs.
"The AYA Estate winery demonstrates that Bulgaria can successfully combine wine and tourism, foster local production, develop rural areas, and create new employment opportunities," Minister Abrovsky added.
For his part, the Mayor of Sandanski Municipality, Atanas Stoyanov, noted the vital role of viticulture and winemaking in the local economy and regional development.
"The Sandanski-Petrich region, and the Melnik area in particular, have traditionally relied on viticulture and winemaking as a major source of livelihood. Through the dozens of wineries in this area, innovative methods are being explored to expand the vineyards. Over the past 15 years, hundreds of decares have been planted with new vines, which in itself speaks to the sustainability of this process," stated Atanas Stoyanov.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Krasimir Chakarov also attended the official opening.