Plovdiv has been chosen as the best wine capital in Europe for 2025. The prestigious title is the result of an internal survey by the European Best Destinations organization, in which over 284,000 wine lovers from 82 countries cast their votes. Plovdiv stands out among some of the most iconic wine regions in Europe, including Bordeaux, La Rioja and Tuscany.
“This recognition comes just after the official selection of Plovdiv to host the UN Global Wine Tourism Conference, which will further strengthen the city’s leadership in the field of wine tourism,” said Kostadin Dimitrov, mayor of Plovdiv.
Plovdiv and the region are an absolute paradise for every wine lover. The valley of the Maritsa River is the place where the best winemakers grew their grape varieties 5,000 years ago, and these wines have been praised by many chroniclers during antiquity. Plovdiv is the perfect place for a truly wonderful culinary experience. The city is a favorite destination and the ideal starting point for great tours focusing on wine and authentic cuisine. Travelers looking for culinary experiences will enjoy the combination of exceptional wines, friendly locals and the casual atmosphere of wine bars and places for winetasting. Apart from its history and culture, Plovdiv is gaining popularity with its wine festivals and forums. Every year the city hosts the International Exhibition of Vine-Growing and Wine Producing – Vinaria, The Wine and Gourmet Festival, the Urban Wine Fest, The Young Wine Festival and others.
Plovdiv has hosted some of the world`s most prestigious competitions, such as the Digital Wine Communications Conference, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
Little known facts :
- The Thracians that inhabited the southeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula more than 5,000 years ago were avid winemakers, consumers and creators of the first wine culture.
- Excellent grape varieties are grown in Plovdiv and the region, such as: Mavrud, Rubin, Plovdiv Malaga, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Aligoté and others.
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine chose Plovdiv and the region as one of the 10 best destinations for wine tourism.
In addition to being the best wine destination, Plovdiv has been awarded for the second time as the best destination to visit in Bulgaria.
“It is the largest and most beautiful of all cities. Its beauty shines in the distance and a very large river flows close to it.” Lucian of Samosata, 2nd century.
With these words Lucian of Samosata praised Plovdiv: the oldest living city in Europe and one of the most ancient in the world.
This is the city in which millennial history, art and heritage dance in subtle harmony. With each step and around each hidden corner, the visitor meets with the city’s spirit – subtle and easy-going, hard to pin down yet so captivating. In 2019 Plovdiv deservedly won the title European Capital of Culture. This is the city which will take you back in time to admire the impressive monuments of antiquity – the 1st-century theatre, the 2nd century Roman Stadium, the fine examples of Roman mosaic heritage, exhibited in The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis (4-6th century), in The Small Early Christian Basilica (4-6th century) and in many other locations.
The city, which pulsates with the spirit of the Revival with its magical Old Town with beautiful and richly decorated houses. This city is Plovdiv – the place where there is always something to discover and where every trip feels like a first!
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Source: www.europeanbestdestinations.com