PIRT

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK

SEA BASIN REGION

2014

“Cradle of Wine” Black Sea WineTour

Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Wineries, Vineyards and Wine Related Sites ................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Armenia ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Bulgaria .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Georgia ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63

Turkey .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 108

Technical Requirements, Issues and Solutions .......................................................................................................................................................... 131

Detailed Itinerary ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 132

Additional Sites Included in the Itinerary .................................................................................................................................................................. 142

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

1

Introduction

With the development of humanity and formation of cultures, wine has gradually become one of the constituent parts of a man’s lifestyle and way of thinking, while winemaking has been considered a great art. The Caucasus region played a pivotal role in the early history of wine and is likely to have been one of the earliest wine-producing regions of the world. Archaeologists are unsure whether wines birthplace was in southern Anatolia or Transcaucasia. Stating the difficulty to precisely date the first appearance of the cultivated vines, some researchers say that, geographically, the Trans-Caucasian countries of Armenia and Georgia seem to be the birthplace of viticulture. This is the reason why three out of four countries covered by this project- Armenia, Georgia and Turkey, compete for the title of the first wine producing region in the world.

This itinerary will take you through the Black Sea Region from East to West and to some of the best and most authentic wine cellars, vineyards and wine related crafts. At the same time you will have the opportunity to visit famous cultural landmarks of Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and Bulgaria. The excellent local food and wine will make this experience even more enjoyable and rewarding. After all, discovering the local cuisine and drinks is part of the pleasure of travelling.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

2

Wineries, Vineyards and Wine Related Sites

Armenia Armenia is considered one of the most ancient cradles of grape growing and wine making in the world, where original traditions and aboriginal grape sorts have been preserved until today. Vine is in fact, an indigenous plant in the valleys of Armenia. The wild vine (Vitis vinifera silvestris) was already established in this region over a million years ago. It is believed that the domestication of the Eurasian grape occurred in the mountainous regions of Armenia before moving to the south. The Bible states that vine was God’s gift to Noah who, after the Great Flood, planted the first vine in the Valley of Ararat and got wine of its fruits.

For those who prefer facts over legends, the scientifically proven figure of 6000 years of winemaking history in Armenia will be the best example of how much grape and wine have always been important products in this country and one of the major survival means for the Armenian people across centuries. Archeologists have found grape nucleuses which confirmed the assumption that wine production at Ararat plain has very old history. In 2011 the discovery of the world’s oldest-known wine production facility, which was proved to date back to 4000 B.C., was announced. The facility is located in Areni Cave complex, Vayots Dzor region. It consisted of a shallow basin to press grapes, a vat for storage, and fermentation jars. Grape seeds, remains of grapes, and dozens of dried vines were also found in this location. The seeds were of Vitis Vinifera, a sort of grape still used to make wine. Other ancient artifacts unearthed by archeologists state that the grapes were used in the second half of the 6th millennium B.C. and were discovered in the Neolithic residency of Aratashen, not far from Vagharshapat. Besides that, the ancient remnants of wine grapes were found in the south-eastern plain of Kharberd, dating to the second half of the 5th millennium B.C., as well as the 4-5 thousand years old prints of ancient grapevine, which were discovered in the clay lake sets of the upper flows of the river Eghegis in the Vayots Dzor region.

In Armenia, viticulture and winemaking achieved a significant level of development since the Urartian times (10th-9th cc. BC). This is evidenced by the Assyrian cuneiform records, as well as the archaeological excavations carried out in a number of historical places (particularly in Dvin, Karmir Blur). Ancient rock inscriptions found during 1949-1950 archaeological excavations in the town-fortress Erebuni (founded in 762 B.C. on the territory of Armenia’s current capital city of Yerevan) evidence that vine growing and winemaking were already well developed in Armenia in the 8th century B.C. In the region of Tavush (part of the State of Urartu before Christ) wine related archaeological artefacts were found in the cellars of Berdavan fortress, in the old village of Tvaraeghtsi near Koghb, in Paravakar and in the Aygehovit village. From the archaeological excavations

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

3

of the Urartu Teysheban (nowadays Red hill) castle, wine cellars were discovered, where 480 clay containers were found with a capacity of 800-1200 liters each. An olden grape seeds were found in those containers, similar to Voskehat, Kharji, Mskhali and Garandmak grape sorts. Moreover, the sulfur, found in wine cellars is verifying that the early winemakers were familiar with those technologies. The manuscripts from those times are confirming the high values of viticulture and winemaking in historical Armenia. Also, a lot of royal carvings about planting vineyards and ceremonies concerning it, wine sacrificing, wineries and wine storage were found in Van kingdom (Urartu), Armenian Highland, in the 9th –8th centuries B.C. One of its most vivid evidences is, for example, an Armenian peasant digging the vineyard with a spade, depicted in one of the high reliefs of the Akhtamar Monastery built in the X century.

Armenians were the first ones, who were engaged in wine export. Over two thousand years the wine of Armenian wine producers appeared on the tables of seniors in different countries of the world, which is confirmed by written sources. About aromatic, obsolescence and surprisingly diverse Armenian wine wrote Herodotus Galikarnaski. He told how the ships full of wine travelled to Mesopotamia from Armenia by Aratsani River (East Euphrates) where these kinds of wine had great demand. This is also proved by ancient Greek historians’ evidences. The written sources left by Herodotus, Xenophon and Strabo say that nearly 2,5 thousand years ago great vintage wines were exported to the ancient world countries from the territory of Urartu (nowadays contemporary Armenia is situated on the Northern part of this region).

At present Armenia, winemaking as industrial production began in the second half of the 19th century. Brandy production was founded only in 1887, but began to develop on a large scale. Armenian brandy has a highly-marked taste and rich aroma which differs a lot from any other brandy or French Cognac. During the Soviet period winemaking in Armenia developed to a great extent, but the disintegration of the Soviet Union led to a temporary collapse in the industrial winemaking. Recently, wine producers have begun recovering vineyards and establishing new wineries. The traditional labels of Armenian wines are returning, and new varieties are being established. Nowadays there are more than 60 wine producers in Armenia, and this number is growing every year.

For millennia, Armenian villagers have been cultivating grapes, sorting out the best varieties out of the thousands that existed. Armenia once had a large gene pool of numerous grape varieties; a fact that allowed scientists some 100 years ago to claim that the grape is native to the Armenian Highlands. Globally, there are 6-7,000 varieties of grapes and 600 are to be found in the Armenian Highlands. The researches of the Armenian grapes seeds discovered from excavations of the largest cities of Van kingdom (8th-7th cc. BC) in Ararat plain show that they belong to the processed grapes grades. When comparing the modern sorts of grapes, it became clear that the grapes discovered from Urartu monuments are similar with their shapes to the local grades of grapes widely raised in Ararat plain today. During the Soviet era, new grape varieties were selected for Armenia that were supposed to reflect Soviet policy. They were designed to be of poor quality but provide bumper harvests. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the vineyards of both the old and new varieties fell into disuse.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

4

Armenian highlands conditions are ideal for wine cultivation: fertile land, favorable hot climate and 300 sunny days a year.

The main wine regions of Armenia are:

• Tavush Province • Ashtarak Region in Aragatsotn Province • Armavir Province • Ararat Province • Vayots Dzor Province • Syunik Province

Map. Wine regions of Armenia

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

5

WINERIES -ARMENIA

Nr. Name/Type/Contact Description Location/Address Telephone Email/Skype Website/Facebook

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

6

Tavush Province

Tavush province has a long history of wine making. Tares with wine leftover and grape nucleuses were found in the cellars of historical fortress in Berdavan village, in ancient village called Tvaraeghtsi near Koghb village, in Paravakar and in the village of Aygehovit, which prove that people of Tavush have been engaged in wine production and viticulture since immemorial times. The region's vineyards are located at an altitude of 700-1200 meters. The center of wine production of the Tavush province is Ijevan town where is located the Ijevan Wine Brandy factory. The other area with substantial potential for wine tourism spreads north of Noyemberyan, especially along the Debed River banks.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

7

01. Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory

The factory was founded in 1951 and produces 40 different types of wine, as well as brandy and vodka. It features a wine cellar, an aging cellar for brandy, a small museum and a newly refurbished tasting room with rustic décor. The Ijevan Wine Factory offers tours and tastings with advance notice, and has cellar-door sales with possibility to obtain your personalized stamp. There are 6 different packages which range from 3500-6700 AMD and include the factory excursion, 3-5 different types of wine, vodka or brandy and appetizers (cheese, fruits, lavash). The winery also puts on lunches overlooking the river. Languages: Russian, English (basic).

9, Yerevanyan Str., Ijevan, Tavush Province, Armenia

Atom Yegoryan, director Gohar Tamamyan, excursion manager (+374) 263 33 953 (+374) 263 33 342 (+374) 263 34 233 (+374) 99 14 09 18 Office in Yerevan (+374) 10 37 13 73

ijevanwine@mail.ru www.ijevanwine.am

02. Hovsep Amirjanyan, wine producer

A private wine cellar located in Aygehovit village with the possibilities of wine tasting and purchasing.

Aygehovit village, Ijevan Region, Tavush Province, Armenia

(+374) 98 17 47 67

03. Rafik Dalakyan, wine producer

A private wine cellar located in Aygehovit village with the possibilities of wine tasting and purchasing.

Aygehovit village, Ijevan Region, Tavush Province, Armenia

(+374) 93 67 53 47

04. Levon Achinyan, wine producer

A private wine cellar located in Aygehovit village with the possibilities of wine tasting and purchasing.

Aygehovit village, Ijevan Region, Tavush Province, Armenia

(+374) 94 06 24 06

05. Yerevan Brandy Company branch

Yerevan Brandy Company (YBC) is the leading enterprise of Armenia for the production of alcoholic beverages. Its main brand name is Ararat. Yerevan Brandy Company was founded in 1887 by a wealthy 1st guild merchant Nerses Tairyants with the help of his cousin Vasily Tayrov. From 1953 until 1991 YBC was the only plant that produced Armenian brandy. Since 1998 YBC has been owned and operated by the French giant Pernod Ricard. Currently YBC brandy is supplied to 25 countries.

12b, Tavushetsi Street, Berd, Tavush Province, Armenia

Garik Vardanyan, branch manager (+374) 267 22 492

www.araratbrandy.com www.ybc.am www.ararat.ru

06. Berdavan Wine Factory Berdavan Wine Factory in the village of Berdavan organizes wine tastings and factory tours.

Berdavan village, Noyemberyan region, Tavush Province, Armenia

Arshak Avagyan

07. Vardan Zurabyan, wine producer

A private home with a wine cellar with the possibilities of wine and vodka tasting and purchasing. Products: vodka (grape, peach, plum), wines (Rkatsiteli, Izabella, Saperavi).

5, 2nd alley, 2nd Str., Berdavan village

(+374) 77 28 07 28 zurabyanvardan@mail.ru

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

8

08. “Yerevan Factory of Sparkling Wines" branch

"Yerevan Factory of Sparkling Wines" was founded in 1939. At the beginning the factory made only sweet and dry wines. Later, since 1954, production of sparkling wines has been established. In 1995 “Yerevan Factory of Sparkling Wines” was privatized and reorganized into an open joint-stock company. Currently, the factory is one of the leaders in Armenia for production of wines and spirits. It produces a full range of sparkling wines, including classic and collection wines according to French technology, as well as brandies with aging from 3 to 10 years. Only the best quality grapes from different regions of Armenia are used in wine production. The factory's products have repeatedly been honored with gold, silver and bronze medals at international exhibitions.

Debedavan village, Noyemberyan region, Tavush Province, Armenia Yerevan Office: 20, Tbilisyan Highway, Yerevan, 0052, Armenia (Kanaker-Zeytun adm. district of Yerevan)

Fiameta F. Hakobyan, managing director Yerevan office: (+374) 10 28 54 76 (+374) 10 28 66 71 (+374) 10 28 51 42 Fax: (+374) 10 28 54 68

ysgg.ojsc@mail.ru info@bestarmalco.com www.armchampagne.am

Kotayk Province with Yerevan

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

9

09. “Shahnazaryan” Wine and Brandy Factory

The “Shahnazaryan” Wine and Brandy Factory was established in Armenia in 2005 as a family enterprise. In 2009 a new modern complex for wine and brandy production was built in Yeghvard, Kotayk province. The village is situated at the foot of the mountain Ara, on the vast territory among fruit gardens, vineyards and fields, only 15 km away from Yerevan. This is a very beautiful place with a rich history. Magnificent two-storied old church Zoravar built in the middle of the 7th century decorates the vineyard at the west side. This church was built by an Armenian duke Grigor Mamikonyan. The eastern side of “Shahnazaryan”’s vineyard is decorated with a burial vault Astvatsatsin, which was built in 1301. Near the Wine and Brandy Factory there is a new vineyard with the area of 50 ha. Brandy produced by the “Shahnazaryan” Wine and Brandy Factory is made with such white grape sorts as Garandmak, Rkatsiteli, Mshali and Kangun. Special horizontal pneumatic presses which do not crush the seeds are used for pressing process. Before destilation the fermentation of the must occurs in special vessels on a thin yeast deposit and lasts approximately for three weeks. Maturation is fulfilled in casks of Caucasian oak. Brandy is blended with crystal pure and soft spring water. Chemical preservatives and genetically modeled compounds are absent in the final product. The company is the member of Armenian Brandy-Makers Union, and it is considered to be in the top five leaders, possessing major old brandy spirits stocks. Brandy produced by the company specialists is exported to Russia, Ukraine, Belorussia and Germany.

7, Yerevanyan Highway, Yeghvard, 2401, Nairi region, Kotayk Province, Armenia

Armen Shahnazaryan Vardan Vardanyan, director Marina Arakelyan (+374) 99 00 20 65 (+374) 96 00 20 65

info@shahnazaryan.com www.shahnazaryan.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shahnazaryan-Wine-Brandy-House/265424670334402?ref=stream

10. “Glanzh Alco”

“Glanzh Alco” is premium wine, brandy and vodka company located at the foot of Mt. Hatis in Aramus village, Kotayk Province, which is famous for its pure spring water, fruit and fine vegetables. It has been the dream of Glanzh founder Mr. G. Hambardzumyan to make highest quality products. In order to maintain the quality, Mr. Hambardzumyan himself oversees every aspect of the production. From the blending of the finest grapes to the maturing of the champagne, the coupling of old world traditions with the best progressive technology demonstrates the Glanzh commitment to produce the very finest wine and brandy. Their products are natural, locally grown, and made of Armenia sourced fruits and grains. Wine brands include white semidry “Muskat”, red dry “Areni”, red sweet “Kagor”, red semisweet “Saperavi”, sweet and semi-sweet “Pomegranate” and other fruit wines. “Glanzh Alco” produces several types of Armenian brandy as well. Today Glanzh products are sold in many regions across Armenia and the USA.

62, Kentronakan Str., Aramus village, Abovyan region, Kotayk Province, Armenia

Gagik Zh. Hambardzumyan, director (+374) 22 26 00 41 (+374) 94 14 99 24 (+374) 99 70 57 74

glanzh@mail.ru www.glanzhwine.am

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

10

11. “Ginevan” Wine Factory

The "Ginevan" winery was founded in 2005. The factory introduced its range of "Ginevan" wines to the Armenian consumer in 2011, and the next year made its quality wines and strong alcoholic beverages available for the foreign buyers under brand name "Georgeo Varlamess". The factory was the first in the whole Transcaucasus region to produce strawberry wine and received gold medal at the "Logos Expo" held in Armenia in 2012. Currently "Ginevan" winery is considered among the five largest Armenian wineries. Due to its high technology and advanced equipment, the company produces more than 40 types of wines and spirits in both standard and souvenir bottles. In addition to wines, the factory also produces hard drinks, which are exported abroad as well.

2nd Industrial Zone, N3/5, Abovyan City 2207, Kotayk Region, Republic of Armenia

(+374) 10 43 65 43 (+374) 96 00 69 00 (+374) 99 00 65 00 Fax: (+374) 10 49 90 12

info@goldvar.am goldvar@gmail.com ginevan@goldvar.am www.goldvar.am

12. “Proshyan Brandy Factory”

The "Proshyan Brandy Factory" LLC was founded in 1887. Two years before, the famous Armenian philanthropist and entrepreneur Proshyan Abgar, who comes from a noble family of the Prosh princes, arrived in Russia to represent the interests of European manufacturers of equipment for distilleries. Later he returned to Armenia and founded his own distillery “Proshyan” in a picturesque corner of the Ararat valley. He started cultivating varieties of native grapes and manufacturing the cognac which subsequently received worldwide recognition. Today the factory occupies the territory of 35000m2 and has a large assortment of alcoholic beverages including cognac, wine, vodka, liquor and champagne. The main products of the factory are the Armenian brandies of 3-30 years maturity known all over the world, which are made of selected sorts of grape grown in the Ararat valley. Brandies in souvenir hand-made glass bottles enjoy spatial popularity. The plant is also famous for its original fruit wines, such as pomegranate, quince, blackberry and cherry. As a result of cooperation with foreign partners, the factory exports to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Germany, USA, Greece, Poland, Israel, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the Baltic countries etc.

2, Yerevan, Ashtarak highway, Ajapnyak district, 0088, Yerevan, Armenia

Hasmik Aleksanyan (+374) 10 39 56 41 (+374) 10 31 91 44 (+374) 10 35 06 12 (+374) 10 35 06 10

info@proshyan.am proshyan@arminco.com proshyan@mail.ru www.proshyan.am www.proshyan.ru https://www.facebook.com/armeniaproshyan/info?tab=page_info http://www.atb.am/en/tourist/city/vinnoe_delo/proschanskiy/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

11

13. Yerevan Brandy Company “ArArAt”

Yerevan Brandy Company “ArArAt” has preserved the traditions of the legendary brandy manufacturing since 1887 when a merchant named Nerses Tairyan built the first wine and brandy factory in Yerevan. In 1899 the company was acquired by a Russian industrial company “Shustov and Sons”. At the beginning of the 20th century the company acquired the status of Armenian brandy supplier to the court of His Imperial Majesty Nicholas II. The products of the company were awarded numerous medals at various international exhibitions. In 1902, Mkrtich Musinyants crafted the first Armenian vintage brandy Fine-Champagne Select (Otborny) and presented it in France - motherland of the cognac. Armenian brandy won the recognition of French masters which was evidence of the highest quality. During the nationalization of all wine and brandy factories in 1920, the Yerevan Factory was the first to be nationalized by the state. In 1953 it was renamed to Yerevan Brandy Company and transferred into a new monumental building. This plant, outfitted with the latest state-of-the-art equipment, produces the legendary Armenian “ArArAt” brandies to this day. In 1998, Yerevan Brandy Company became part of Pernod Ricard Group, the world’s leader in premium wines and spirits. The special endemic grape varieties with flavor properties that are no longer available anywhere in the world are used in production of “ArArAt”. In all, there are about 13 such varieties, with the main ones including grapes such as Voskehat, Garan Dmak, Kangun and others. The method of double steam distillation preserves the flavor and aroma of grapes, and transfers them into the brandy spirits. The ageing of the brandies is done exclusively in oak barrels, and in 2002 the factory rebuilt its own cooperage industry in accordance with classic technology and using only Armenian varieties of oak. During the ageing process the spirit is enriched with natural flavors of dried fruits, spices, chocolate and vanilla. Each of the 7 brandies included in the ArArAt line: 3 stars, 5 stars, Ani, Otborny, Akhtamar, Vaspurakan, and Nairi, has its own unique taste. In 2011, Yerevan Brandy Company launched the ArArAt Exclusive collection uniting the most exquisite brandies in the ArArAt range: Armenia and Dvin. An undocumented anecdote claims that during the Yalta Conference, Winston Churchill was so impressed with the Armenian brandy Dvin given to him by Joseph Stalin that he asked for several cases of it to be sent to him each year. Reportedly 400 bottles of Dvin were shipped to Churchill annually. This brandy was named in honour of the ancient capital Dvin, and was first produced in 1943.

2, Admiral Isakov ave., Yerevan 0082, Armenia Working days: Monday-Friday Working hours: 09:00-18:00

(+374) 10 51 01 00 Fax: (+374) 10 58 77 13 Yerevan Brandy Company Tour: (+374) 10 54 00 00

info_ybc@pernod-ricard.com www.araratbrandy.com

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

12

14. “NOY” Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory

Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory was built by the first guild merchant Nerses Tairyan in 1877 on the former sight of Erivan fortress. In 1899 the company was acquired by a Russian industrial company “Shustov and Sons”. In 1920 the factory was nationalized and renamed Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory. In 2002 the company was purchased by a multigroup concern, and after two years of reconstruction started production of brandy and vodka. Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory's products include ordinary and vintage brandies under the trademark “NOY”. The “NOY” brandies are based on the ancient traditions of Armenian brandy production. The company produces 5, 7, 10, 15 and 25-year aged brandies. The company's scientific center has an accredited laboratory meeting international standards. In 2012 an “Armenian Standard” jointventure between Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory and the Republic of Belarus was opened in Minsk. In the joint venture company 3 and 5-year aged brandies are bottled. Taking part in many international exhibitions and closed degustation, the “NOY” brand has been awarded with various Grand-Prix awards, gold medals and diplomas. The company has been the official supplier of the Kremlin since 2006. The company's main export markets are Russia, CIS and EU countries. Located on the territory of Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory the magnificent building built by Nikolay Shustov was reconstructed and turned into a museum as a gift of honour to all who contributed to the development of wine and brandy-making in Armenia. Every day many tourists from different parts of the world admire walls made of egg white, preserved from the 16th century, as well as the catacombs that are at the depth of 30 meters. Company “Nikolay Shustov and sons” was one of the leading Russian producers of alcoholic beverages of 19th century. The company was founded in 1863, and in 1870 took over 80% of the alcohol market of tsarist Russia. “Nikolay Shustov and sons” company carried out major investments in the factory’s operations and represented its products in international exhibitions. In 1902 only Shustov, the only one in the world, was granted with the right to use the name “cognac” for the brandies produced in Armenia. In the history of brandy production it was an exceptional advantage, as only the French had the right to use the word “cognac”. In 1912 “Nikolay Shustov and sons” company, for the highest quality of their products, became the Supplier of the Imperial Court.

9, Admiral Isakov Avenue, Yerevan, 0015, Armenia

Liana Margaryan Elisabeth Aleksanyan (+374 10) 547048

info@noy1877.am www.brandy.am www.noy1877.am http://araspel.by/en/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

13

Aragatsotn Province / Ashtarak Region

Ashtarak Region, geographically being a part of Ararat Valley, has long tradition of viticulture and wine-making. With about 2,700 hours of sunshine per year, long summers that give grapes the opportunity to ripen fully, its suitable position on the southern slopes of Mt. Aragats and finally the fertile volcanic soil, this region has almost ideal conditions for vine growing. If we add abundance of historical and architectural monuments and its proximity to Yerevan, Ashtarak, together with its satellite villages, has all the predispositions to become top wine tourism destination. However, most of this potential goes untapped due to the lack of information, adequate infrastructure and established wine routes which would conveniently link attractions with wine makers. Fortunately, the prospects for wine tourism development in Ashtarak region are brightening. Recently, several new wineries were established, while old Soviet-style production is in the process of modernization. In total, there are six wineries, located in the villages of Sasunik, Oshakan, Voskevaz and Kosh. At the moment, wine tasting is possible only in two wineries, but starting from 2015 many new facilities will hopefully become operational, including several tasting rooms with restaurants and a hotel built among 180 ha of newly planted vineyards. Besides different types of grape wines, tasting packages include cognac, pomegranate and other exotic fruit wines. Wine makers have lot of projects and plans regarding wine tourism development, from establishment of a wine museum, clay pottery workshops, to different types of activities including grape harvesting and making your personal wine blend.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

14

15. "Armenia Wine"

“Armenia Wine”, one of the leading Armenian companies for wine, brandy and vodka production, has production facilities in Sasunik village, Aragatsotn province. The company, which was established in 2008, produces a wide range of grape and fruit wines and vodka. The whole complex is built with orange tuff stones in classic Armenian architectural style and covers territory of 50,000 square meters. This modern and beautiful wine making factory has all necessary premises and equipment for preparing high-class wine that meets all the international standards. The entire process starting from grape storage, wine preparation till bottling is performed in situ. The portfolio of wines is supported by vineyards in the best winemaking regions of Armenia. The company’s manufactured grape wine assortment includes dry and semisweet types of red, rose and white, and special editions of white and red wines. The company also produces pomegranate dry and semisweet varieties. Armenia Wine's distribution network covers all of Armenia, and its products are exported to Russia and CIS countries. It has the biggest export share in the Armenian wine category. The visitors can see the production process and taste wines made of aboriginal Armenian sorts of grapes. Excursion with guide is free of charge. Special wine-tasting packages will be developed starting from 2015. Guiding services are available in Armenian, Russian and English. One of the future goals of the company is to build a tourist complex near the factory and introduce visitors to Armenian wine and brandy-producing traditions.

Sasunik village, 0223, Ashtarak region, Aragatsotn Province, Armenia

Artur Harutyunyan, director Vahagn Mkrtchyan, shareholder Armine Margarova (+374) 60 46 77 17 (+374) 10 48 25 98

marketing@armeniawine.am info@armeniawine.am www.armeniawine.am Facebook: Armenia Wine Company

16. “Van Ardi” Winery

“Van Ardi” is a newly established boutique winery with vineyard and lots of interesting plans for the future growth. The winery is owned by Varuzhan Mouradian, who has returned to Armenia after twenty years of living in the U.S. Back in the States, Varuzhan immersed himself in viticulture. He travelled to the wine centers of the U.S., France and Italy and took courses in wine making at U.C. Davis. Varuzhan purchased sixty hectares of land near Sasunik village and so far 6.5 hectares has been planted with wine grape varieties. At the moment, the winery has only two types of wine, but this number will double next year. Varuzhan plans to build a multi-functional site with a wine tasting hall and a wine cellar, so that visitors can see how the entire process from grape to wine unfolds. There’ll be a parking lot, fountains and even horses. It will also serve as a club where jazz concerts and harvest festivals will be organized. Daily visits with wine and cheese tasting will start in summer 2015.

Sasunik village, 0223, Ashtarak region, Aragatsotn Province, Georgia

Varuzhan Mouradian (+374) 94 53 50 50

vmouradian@yahoo.com vanardi@gmail.com http://vanardi.com/ http://hetq.am/eng/news/20264/20-years-later-yerevan-native-returns-to-put-down-roots-and-make-wine.html

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

15

17. “Ashtarak’s Wines”

Established in 1954, “Ashtarak’s Wines” is renowned producer of cognac and Sherry wine. Nicely decorated tasting area is located within impressive wine cellar which houses a remarkable collection of old wines. Among others, in “Ashtarak’s wines” one can taste some uncommon wines such as: different types of Sherry, rose petal wine and wine made of 40 different herbs.

9, Mashtots Str., Oshakan village, 0226, Ashtarak region, Aragatsotn Province, Georgia

Varsenik Grigoryan, director (+374) 98 77 77 55

18. “Hayasy Group”

"Hayasy Group" is an Armenian company for production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Although it's a young company, it has already been highly estimated and appreciated by its customers. The factory is located in the village of Voskevaz, Ashtarak region, a place famous for its winemaking. The factory is equipped with high technology of international standards and is regarded as one of the biggest factories in the region. Different types of wine, cognac, vodka, fruit juices and preserves known for its high quality and unique taste can be purchased in the factory store.

11, Aragats Str., Voskevaz village, 0220, Ashtarak region, Aragatsotn Province, Georgia

(+374) 55 50 72 20 (+374) 55 50 72 72 Marketing department (+374) 98 57 77 00

info@hayasy.am www.hayasygroup.com www.facebook.com/Hayasy.Group http://www.dailymotion.com/tobelyan

19. “Voskevaz” Wine Cellar

Established in 1932, “Voskevaz” Wine Cellar has a long tradition of wine production. The winery makes 11 different types of wines, including fruit wines made of pomegranate and strawberry, but plans to launch its own line of cognac. Currently, the winery is in construction phase. Once completed, it will include a chateau with degustation room, restaurant, shop, ceramic workshop and art gallery among other. Visitors will have chance to participate in the process of winemaking and blend their own wine. The completion of work is planned for 2016, but official opening will be in May 2015.

19, 8th Str., Voskevaz village, 0220, Ashtarak region, Aragatsotn Province, Georgia

David Hovhannisyan, owner Levon Nurazyan, director (+374) 91 40 94 91 (+374) 99 00 70 19

voskevaz1932@mail.ru www.voskevaz.ru

20. “Golden Grape Armas” LLC- Vineyards, Winery, Hotel & Tasting Room

Golden Grape ArmAs was founded in 2007 by Armenak Aslanian. Alongside his daughters, he preserves an 80-year-old family tradition of wine, naming ArmAs in honor of his grandfather Armenak Aslanian Sr., the original winemaker in the family. “Golden Grape Armas” possesses 180 ha of stunning vineyards and orchards with more than 400000 vines and 7000 fruit trees planted on the hills north of Nor Yedesia village. The winery is held to the highest international standards and boasts the latest enological equipment, as well as hundreds of traditional French and Karabakh oak barrels used for aging. The full winemaking process is strictly controlled by the company's Italian specialist. A hotel with 10 double rooms/suites, tasting room, tonir tun and BBQ is in the final phase of construction and will start to operate from the end of fall 2014. Unique experience: sip your wine on a terrace overlooking the rolling vineyards with snowcapped Mt. Ararat in the background.

Nor Yedesia, Ashtarak region, Aragatsotn Province, Georgia Yerevan office: 18, Aram Khachatryan Str., apt 16, Yerevan, Armenia

Victoria and Arman Aslanyan (+374) 11 77 37 74 (+374) 77 77 47 74 (+374) 99 00 92 62 (+374) 91 21 11 25

info@armas.am www.armas.am www.armaswines.com Facebook: Golden Grape Armas

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

16

Armavir Province

Located in Ararat Valley, between Mount Aragats and Mount Ararat, Armavir is the smallest and the most densely populated region in western Armenia. The convenient location and the favourable climate have allowed this thriving region to become the epicentre of agricultural development. Aside from its highly agricultural background, Armavir also holds a rich historical and cultural legacy, thus attracting thousands of natives and tourists each year to well-known sites, such as the Sardarapat Battle Memorial and the religious and spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church: the Holy City of Echmiadzin.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

17

21. “Alvan Alco” Winery and Brandy Barrel Workshop

The factory is located in the village of Lukashin, Armavir Province. The winery was founded in 1957 as a branch of the Yerevan Brandy factory. In 1998 the plant was privatized by "Alvan" company. In 2002, the plant was equipped with French and Italian equipment for distillation of cognac and wine storage. Since 2003 the company began the process of creating their own vineyards, which now account for about 110 acres. Most of the vineyards are located on the lands of the Lukashin village with the best conditions for growing quality grapes. The company also makes hand-crafted barrels for brandy distillers and organizes wine tours for groups upon request.

"Alvan Alco" LLC 1st app., Aleksandr Tamanyan Str., Lukashin village, Armavir Region (0902), Republic of Armenia

(+374) 98 06 06 02 Fax: (+374) 23 72 25 30 ,

info@alvanalco.am www.alvanalco.am

22. “MAP” Winery

The Wine Brandy Factory of Hoktemberian was founded in 1944 in the village of Lenughi. After privatization in 1995 it was renamed to “MAP” CJSC. Today the factory is well equipped with modern winemaking machinery, various high capacities, French, Cyprian and Bulgarian tuns, German butts and highly qualified specialists. Due to all this, “MAP” has become one of the leading companies in Armenia that can produce up to 14 million litres of first-class alcohol drink annually. The entire cycle of wine and brandy production (receiving grapes, processing, ethyl alcohol distillation, ageing in oak casks in wine-cellars, brandy blending and bottling) is carried out by a classic technology. Vineyards of “MAP” Company are located in the Ararat valley, which is considered one of the most favorable places in the country for grape growing. The total vineyard area is about 114 ha. Initially, the aim of the company was to use local wine base (Kharji, Voskehat, Garan Dmak, Rkatsiteli grape varieties), but later other grape sorts like Mskhali, Kakhet, Areni were brought from the remote regions of Armenia and Georgia. Such new sorts as Nerkeni, Tigrani, Muscadine Yerevanian and many others were produced as the result of interbreeding. A few months after the privatization of the company, canning foundation was laid in the factory. Due to the new workstation and installation of new machinery, MAP started producing tomato paste and marinades that are famous for their high quality and excellent taste. Within the same year the factory began producing goods with the brand mark “Arame” (the first King of Urartu – one of the vineyards of viniculture). Nowadays, MAP products can be found not only in all corners of Armenia, but also abroad mainly in Russian Federation, several countries of Europe, in the USA and elsewhere. The collection of “MAP” CJSC includes konyaks ARMAVIR, GYUMRI, ARAME and wines SAPERAVI, ARAME, TIGRAN and HASMIK.

Factory: Lenughi village, 0926, Armavir Province, Armenia Head Office: 8, Kievyan Str., Yerevan, Armenia Working days: Monday-Friday Working hours: 09:00-18:00

(+374) 23 76 97 99 (+374) 10 26 82 29 (+374) 10 27 06 30

map@map.am info@aramewine.com www.map.am/ http://www.aramewine.com/ http://www.atb.am/en/tourist/city/vinnoe_delo/oktomberyanckiy/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

18

23. “Armavir Vineyards” (Karas Wines)

“Armavir Vineyards” is a newly established winery in Arevadasht village in the West of Amavir Region. “Armavir Vineyards” has more than 400 hectares of vineyards located at an average altitude of 1100 metres above sea level. The soil characteristics are mainly volcanic and ideally suited for the production of highly concentrated wines rich in color, aromas and flavours. Both international and indigenous varietals are planted in the vineyards, including Chardonnay, Viognier, Kangun, Sauvignon Blanc, Voskehat for white wines and Malbec, Tannat, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon for the red ones. The vineyards are part of “Tierras de Armenia” CJSC, a company that owns 2300 hectares of land in the west of the Armavir region which was founded by Argentinean-Armenian Eduardo Eurnekian in 2003. The vineyards are cultivated with modern techniques together with an individual approach for each varietal, aiming to develop the potential of each. The winery has 300 permanent employees and 500 employees during the spring, summer and autumn seasons. The amazing collaborative work of wine consultant Michel Rolland and Argentinian winemaker Mariano Vignoni turned a vision conceived in 2003 into a reality in 2010, when the first commercial vintage was produced. The company also owns a greenhouse in the same area, providing vegetables to the guesthouse on the property.

Arevadasht village, Armavir Province, Armenia

(+374) 10 49 32 00 (7730)

info@armavirvineyards.am http://www.karaswines.com/ https://www.facebook.com/armavir.vineyards http://hetq.am/eng/news/20926/eurnekians-wine-biz-$40-million-investment-500-new-jobs-in-armavir.html

24. “Proshyan” Brandy Factory branch

This “Proshyan” Brandy Factory is one of the largest in Armenia. Proshyan Brandy Factory has branches in Armavir and Artashat, with an area of 25,000 square meters, where grape procurement and primary processing is performed before transport to the main factory. The facilities in Armavir village are equipped with modern wine and brandy distilling equipment. The resulting brandy is some of the best in Armenia. They are also beginning to receive visitors in their new restaurant and tasting facilities. The pleasant grounds have beautiful gardens to enjoy dried fruits, nuts, and of course brandy and wine.

Armavir village, Armavir Province, Armenia

(+374) 10 39 56 41 (+374) 10 31 91 44 (+374) 10 35 06 12 (+374) 10 35 06 10

info@proshyan.am proshyan@arminco.com www.proshyan.am https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.536656123028210.142047.301877643172727&type=3

Ararat Province

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

19

25. “Artashat VinCon”

Factory “Artashat VinCon” CJSC, located in Ararat Province, produces wine, cognac and other alcoholic beverages.

Mkhchyan village, Ararat Province, Armenia

J. Abrahamyan Henrik Papikyan (+374) 23 56 38 38

artashat-vinkon@mail.ru https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZVK5Y22k5g

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

20

26. "Mrganush” Wine and Brandy Factory

"Mrganush” wine and brandy factory, located in the village of Mrganush in Ararat province, is proved to be one of the best carriers of the traditions of brandy production. Cognacs are aged in oak barrels. Blending of “Mrganush” brandy is carried out with modern technologies and equipments using traditional methods. “Mrganush” wine and brandy factory has laboratory where professionals analyze drinks and give final approval about brandy's quality. Besides the brandy production, the factory is known for producing vinegar, which has been recognized as the best in the local market due to natural ingredients and high quality. In the nearest future, the factory will begin production of wine.

24, Andraniki Str., Mrganush village, 0726, Artashat region Ararat Province, Armenia

(+374) 93 41 29 42 mrganush@mail.ru www.mrganush.am

27. “Van 777” Winery

“Van 777” wine and brandy factory is a family-owned estate situated in the countryside of Ararat Valley, the main winemaking region of Armenia. The company was founded by Mihran Manasseryan in 1993. He has created the most faboulous wines and brandies based on the traditions that his ancestors originated and followed in what is today known as Van, Turkey. The first portfolios of wines were marketed in 1997. Among the wide range of products are different types of wines and 3-15 year old brandies. The company exports its products to Russia, USA and Germany. The company also has a wine-tasting hall, which hosts incoming tourists to taste and to assess the quality of its production.

1, Paruyr Sevaki Str., Taperakan village, Ararat Province, 0628, Armenia

(+374) 09 42 13 07 (+374) 09 42 42 19 (+374) 93 87 77 66 (+374) 93 54 37 77

van777m@mail.ru www.van777.am

28. “Ararat Cognac Factory”-“A.K.Z.” LTD

Ararat Cognac Factory-”A.K.Z” has more than 119 years of history of wine, cognac and cognac spirits manufacture. In 50’s of the 20th century it was one of the major companies in Armenia for production and storage of cognac spirits. In the Ararat Cognac Factory the whole production cycle of cognac, wine and strong spirits is done by classic technology, from receving grape to bottling. Grape for spirits is mainly cultivated in the factory’s own 255 hectares large vineyards. The cognacs of Ararat Cognac Factory have been awarded gold medals in many international winemakers competitions in England, Russia, etc.

Taperakan village, Ararat Province, 0628, Armenia

(+374) 10 52 66 36 (+374) 10 52 66 39

info@araratcognacfactory.am www.araratcognacfactory.am https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ararat-Cognac-Factory/494465563917914

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

21

29. “Avshar” Wine Factory

“Avshar” Wine Factory is one of the leading producers of alcoholic drinks in Armenia, located in the village of Avshar in Ararat Province. Founded in 1968, the factory operated as a state enterprise but was privatized in 1995 in the aftermath of Armenia’s independence from the USSR and the ensuing transition to a market economy. The factory is located in the Avshar village of the Ararat region, one of Armenia’s leading agricultural areas. Armenian traditions and folklore suggest that wine production in the region dates back to Noah planting grapes upon his descent from Mount Ararat in the Book of Genesis. The Avshar company was founded by Temur Grigoryan, who transferred ownership and operations of the factory to his son Arayik Grigoryan in 1994. The factory underwent a thorough renovation and modernization after it was privatized. Since 1999, the company has exported products to Germany, Belgium, Israel, CIS countries, and USA. The factory’s main products are brandy (Armenian cognac), wine and vodka.

Avshar village, Ararat Province 0605, Armenia Working days: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00

Arayik T. Grigoryan, President (+374) 23 84 17 82 (+374) 23 44 57 82 (+374) 10 57 78 52 Fax: (+374) 10 57 78 42

avshar@arminco.com www.avshar-wine.am http://www.avshar-wine.am/index/browse http://www.atb.am/en/tourist/city/vinnoe_delo/avshar/

30. “Ararat wine factory” LLC

1/1, Raffu Str., Ararat village, Ararat Province, Armenia

(+374) 93 70 33 77 araratwine@mail.ru ssedrak@mail.ru

31. “Eraskh” Wine and Brandy Factory

“Eraskh” Wine and Brandy Factory is located in Yeraskh village, Ararat province, 80 km south of Yerevan. The winery was built in 1967 and put into operation in 1970. Construction of the “Eraskh” winery was the impetus for the development of vine-growing in the southern part of the Ararat Valley. “Eraskh” Wine and Brandy Factory has developed a unique technology for aging, processing and bottling cognac. The factory has a special cellar where ageing of the brandies occurs in the oak barrels. The factory produces the famous “Three Graces” dessert wine, “Vernatoun” wines and “Tigran Mets” brandy. The company is also engaged in the production of berry, fruit liqueurs and vodkas. “Eraskh”’s high quality wheat vodka "Marani" is exported and sold in the US.

3, Rafik Oghikyan Str., Yeraskh village, 0609, Ararat Province, Armenia

Razmik Tevanyan (+374) 94 43 06 65 (+374) 93 43 06 65 (+374) 93 40 57 67

eraskh.69@bk.ru www.eraskhwine.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eraskh-Wine/883866238320210?sk=timeline

Vayots Dzor Province

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

22

The south-eastern region of Armenia, Vayots Dzor, is the most prolific wine making region of Armenia and has been throughout history. Here, at 1800m above sea level grows one of the world’s oldest sorts of grape –Areni, which is particularly well known for producing excellent wine. It is a black grape with singular taste, from which astounding and colorful sweet, semi-sweet and dry wines are made. Areni grapes grown in Vayots Dzor have an amazing quality. This grape grows in the other parts of Armenia as well, but lacks the special taste and aroma that one can find in Vayots Dzor. The resulting wine has made Vayots Dzor the wine capital of Armenia. There are nine wineries in the region. Most wine villages have sampling rooms where the tourists can taste many different varieties of wine. Thousands of years of refining viticulture and wine production have culminated in the exceptional and famous wine produced in the village of Areni. As a result, Vayots Dzor province has been becomes the center of wine tourism in Armenia and an essential stop for any wine fan traveling through the region. Tourists can participate in the entire process of wine making which includes the harvesting of grapes, squeezing the grapes by foot to traditional music, pouring the wine into jugs and finally, enjoying the taste of immortal Areni wine. Each year in Areni and surrounding villages villages (Yelpin, Rind, Malishka) takes place already a traditional “Wine Festival”, which includes professional and homemade wine-makers’ exhibition-fair, cheese producers’ exhibition-fair, “Armenia in your eyes” best wine label contest (graphic-design), excursion programs, carpet exhibition, and national Armenian music and dance performances. More information at http://visitvayotsdzor.weebly.com/.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

23

32. “Zorah” Wines

A wonderful journey into the world of wine began many years ago when “Zorah”’s founder Zorik Gharibian visited Armenia for the very first time. He returned powerfully impressed by the beauty and spirit of his ancient homeland. As he began to spend more time there, travel among its people and uncover its secrets and traditions, he came to realize that Armenia had a deep rooted wine culture which seemed to have all but disappeared after years of Soviet rule. He decided to restore traditional viticultural values with a modern approach and create truly profound wines which would speak of this magical place. Gharibian founded “Zorah” Wines in 1998. Surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains, 1400 meters above sea level and only steps away from a 6100 year old winery, the vineyards of Zorah are situated in the small rural village of Rind in the heart of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia’s quintessential grape growing region. The land belonging to Zorah winery is 40 hectares in size, of which 9 have been set aside for researching wines indigenous to Armenia. “Zorah”’s carefully selected indigenous vines, which derive from the abandoned vineyards of a nearby 13th century monastic complex and have remained pure and unchanged for hundreds of years. The wines are aged not only in French oak, but also in much denser Armenian oak barrels. “Zorah” embraces the ancient local tradition of aging its wines in distinctive clay amphorae known as “karas”, which are sealed with wax and dug deep into the earth to preserve the intense flavors and authentic varietal purity of the wine. Today the Karasi Areni Noir is the winery's only wine that is available for purchase. It is exported to the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, the US, the Baltic states, and Russia, and will soon be sold also in Australia and Greece. The Karasi Areni Noir caught the attention of a Bloomberg author, who included it in the list of top 10 wines of 2012. In the coming 1–2 years, two new Zorah wines, one red and one white, will be available for sale.

Rind village, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia

Zorik Gharibian, founder Alberto Antonini, winemaker Stefano Bartolomei, viticulturist

info@zorahwines.com www.zorahwines.com https://www.facebook.com/zorahwines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoOeoDiBDeo&feature=youtu.be&hd=1 http://hetq.am/eng/news/54131/diasporan-armenians-vineyard-in-armenia-produces-one-of-the-worlds-top-10-wines.html

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

24

33. “Areni” Wine Factory

“Areni” Wine Factory is located at the entrance of Areni village, Vayots Dzor Province. The winery was founded in 1994 by Rafik Simonyan with the aim of continuing and enriching ancestral winemaking traditions. Although a young company, the “Areni” Winery is already a local landmark, known for its famous wine grapes and traditional process of Armenian wine production. The winery specializes in the production of premium dry red Vayots Dzor wines from the Areni grape. The grapes have been bought formerly, but nowadays the winery has 10 hectares of its own, recently planted vineyards. The factory has only 8 employees. Another 10-12 people treat the vineyards. The winery produces 250,000 bottles of wine a year and ages its wines in oak barrels for one to fifteen years. The half of its products is exported to Russia. “Areni” Wine Factory with a newly build degustation hall is the best place to taste Areni wine. Tours of the wine making process are available as well as meals of local Armenian foods. The tour of the factory is followed by a short movie (available in 4 languages) about Vayot Dzor’s and factory’s history, wine and grapes. Tasting of variety of 14 grape and fruit wines with dried fruits, “lavash” and local cheese is available in the large dining room.

1st building, 15th Str., Areni village, (Yeghegnadzor region), Vayots Dzor Province, 3604, Armenia Working days: Mon -Fri Working hours: 09:00-21:00

Rafik Simonyan (Founder, Director) (+374) 93 42 44 06 (+374) 94 42 44 27 Tourism and tour department: (+374) 94 42 44 02 Fax: (+374) 281 60 410

areniwines@gmail.com http://www.areniwines.am http://www.atb.am/en/tourist/city/vinnoe_delo/areni/ http://hy.blackseasilkroad.com/en/business/Areni-Wine-Factory/68 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rGdUjtTQA0

34. “Areni Wine Vault” Restaurant and Wine Cellar

“Areni Wine Vault” tavern is located in Areni village of Vayots Dzor province. It is positioned on the right side of Yerevan-Meghri highway. The services of the tavern include providing dishes and homemade Areni wine. In “Areni Wine Vault” guests can try Areni red wine with tasty fish of Arpa river. Generally tavern provides food from the local producers (green, cheese, yogurt and variety types of dried fruits). The wine vault is cooperating with tourist agencies and is trying to create the high quality of services. The tavern can host up to 50 people. Visitors can make orders in advance. The building of “Areni Wine Vault” is made of yellow-red stone from Areni village which is called “Travertin”. There is a fossilized feather in one of the stones. Inside the tavern there are beautiful works made of wood. The authors of design are the founder of tavern Vardan Simonyan, Mushegh Mkhitaryan and Hovik Vardanyan. From the the “Areni Wine Vault” one can see the stunning nature of Areni village and the St. Mariam Astvatsatsin church, which was built in 14th century by architect Momic. One kilometer away from the “Areni Wine Vault” is located “Trjni” cave, where was found the oldest shoe in the world.

98 km, Main North-South Highway, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia

Vardan Simonyan (+374) 94 58 17 60 (+374) 93 63 05 10 (+374) 93 50 89 00

simonyankaren@yahoo.com https://microsoft.facebook.com/pages/Areni-wine-vault/885157008178837?pnref=about.overview https://microsoft.facebook.com/vardan.simonyan.71

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

25

35. “Mets Syunik” Winery

“Mets Syunik” company was established in 1995. Having founded the wine factory in 2001 in Aghavnadzor village, Vayots Dzor province, the company started producing wine. The province is the largest grape growing and processing center in the country and is famous for its black Areni variety. The company owns 60,000 square meters of vineyards that are located in Aghavnadzor village, 1700 meters above the sea level. “Mets Syunik” grows Areni grape and uses this variety for production of dry, semi-dry and semi-sweet elite red wines which won a number of awards. The company uses modern facilities and traditional methods in the wine production. Matevosyan Wines uses specific technology that prevents wines from deterioration, even if bottles are not kept in special storage facilities. “Mets Syunik” exports its products to Russia, Ukraine, Europe and the USA. The company is planning to expand its current market and enter new markets the other countries in the near future.

Aghavnadzor village, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia Office in Yerevan: 63/113, Komitas Str., Yerevan, 0009, Armenia

(+374) 28 12 48 09 (+374) 77 20 20 26 (+374) 10 20 72 08 (+374) 60 52 20 26

info@matevosyan.am metssyunik@mail.ru www.matevosyan.net https://www.facebook.com/Matevosyan.net?fref=browse_search

36. “Vedi Alco” Winery Branch

“Vedi Alco” Winery branch is located in the eye-catching and gorgeous village of Getap, Vayots Dzor Province. Getap is especially famous for its rich vineyards, which produce the best quality Areni grapes. Getap Winery was established in the village in 1938. In 1998 “Vedi Alco”, the biggest wine producing company in Armenia, privatized the winery and currently it is one of the three winemaking enterprises operated by Vedi Alco LLC. The company has 150 hectare fields of native grape sorts in Vayots Dzor and Ararat valley, which are located between 800-1300m above sea level, on hilly lands. A great portion of “Vedi Alco” winemaking activities is accomplished in Getap. The wines made from Areni grape, among them Areni, Vernashen, Getap, and Yeghegis, are processed and aged in Getap Winery. To assure the future prosperity of winemaking in Getap Winery, “Vedi Alco” started to cultivate Areni grape vineyards. The excellent quality of Getap wines is the derivative of the superior quality of Areni grapes and expertise of winemakers. The company 'Vedi Alco "produces alcohol, vodka, high-quality wines and champagne. The products manufactured by the company at international exhibitions and tastings won 40 gold, silver and bronze medals and honorary diplomas.

Getap village, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia Yerevan office: 21/3 building, 4th room, Pushkin Str., Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan office: (+374) 10 54 74 01 (+374) 10 54 74 02 (+374) 10 54 74 03

info@vedi-alco.am http://vedi-alco.am/ http://www.virtualarmenia.am/vayots_dzor/getap/wineries/getap_vedi_alco/getap_vedi_alco.htm http://www.virtualarmenia.am/ararat/veduginugortsaranibanavan/wineries/vedi_alco/vedi_alco1.htm Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdunNyrcrM4#t=16

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

26

37. “Maran” Winery

“Maran”, a winery that produced the first wine in the Republic of Armenia after the country gained independence, is located in Yeghegnadzor town. The origins of “Maran” date back to 1829–1830, when Grandma Maran emigrated with her family from Persia to Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province. In 1860, Maran's son Harutyun planted a vineyard in the village of Artabuynk, calling it Maran's Vineyard after his mother. Three years later, a semi-production winery was founded. “Maran” itself was founded in 1991 by Artur and Avag Harutyunyan, whose grandfather Avag and father Frunzik were also vintners, and it will pass on to Avag's two sons Frunzik and Tigran. Also participating in the "birth" of wine is Avag's wife Armine. Apart from the Harutyunyan family, the winery has 5 employees. The company's 20-hectare vineyard planted in 2000–2001 is found in the village of Aghavnadzor in Vayots Dzor. In 2013, the company received a gold medal in an international wine contest held in Moscow. The award-winning wine is produced in a small room using new technologies — a modern touch to the winery's centuries-old history. “Maran” has 20 types of wine and also produces fruit vodkas. Dry and semi-sweet wines are aged for 1.5 years in oak barrels. The company also produces pomegranate and apricot wines with raw material collected from Armenia. “Maran” exports 40,000 bottles of wine annually — to France, Belgium, China, Poland, and Russia. The winery organizes wine and fruit-vodka tasting for tourists.

22, Atarbekyan Str., Yeghegnadzor town, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia Yerevan office: 18/18 Vagharshyan Str., Yerevan, 0012, Armenia

Avag Harutyunyan, director Frunz Harutyunyan Nelly Mkrtchyan (+374) 10 27 25 30 (+374) 10 34 94 71 (+374) 91 06 13 42

info@maran.am maran@maran.am http://maran.am/ https://www.facebook.com/MaranWinery http://hetq.am/eng/news/54678/independent-armenias-first-wine-producer-receives-bronze-medal-in-2014-decanter-world-wine-awards.html/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

27

38. “Getnatoun” Wine Cellar

“Getnatoun” winery is situated in the Valley of Arpa River, in Vayots Dzor region. The winery was founded in 1999 by entrepreneur Aghasi Baghdasaryan on the basis of his family business. The region has an ancient history of winemaking traditions and is famous for unique indigenous grape varieties Areni and Voskehat. The microclimate of the 1450-1500 m above sea level mountainous valley, abundant with sun rays grants an exceptional flavor and taste to the grapes and hence the wine made from them. The winery uses the high quality yield of its own vineyard and modern wine making technologies. This combined with meticulous control throughout the production process has led to the production of superior “Getnatoun” wines, now famous and demanded among the consumers. To ensure the high quality of the wine, the fermentation occurs naturally. Presently Getnatoun winery produces more than 7 types of wines among them red and white, ordinary, dry, semidry and semisweet natural wines as well as vintage wines through the method of natural fermentation. The wines do not contain any admixtures and preservatives. Before bottling, the wines age in 225-228 l oak barrels. “Getnatoun” winery is actively involved in Agritourism development effort. A newly constructed tasting hall as well as the drip irrigation installed in one of the vineyards, have contributed to the increase of the number of the tourists.

11, Yerevanyan Road, Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia

(+374) 28 12 55 65 (+374) 93 41 75 44 (+374) 91 41 75 44 (+374) 93 42 17 96

info@getnatoun.am getnatoun@mail.ru www.getnatoun.am https://www.facebook.com/pages/Getnatoun-Winery/172894282723206

39. Arman's Wine House

In a quiet residential neighborhood of Yeghegnadzor, Arman Hakhverdyan has turned the front of his house into a wine tasting room and dining room. With a long family history of making his own wines and spirits, Arman decided to renovate his home to show off his production facilities as well as open the doors to visitors who want to sample the family’s wine and home cooking. If you want a truly unique experience of local wines and local foods, Armen’s house is well worth the visit. Language: Russian

3, Tumanyan Str., Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia

Arman Hakhverdyan (+ 374) 98 05 06 35

armanhakhverdyan@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/WINE-HOUSE-ARMAN-Hakhverdyan/551307131641815 http://hy.blackseasilkroad.com/en/business/Arman039s-Wine-House/60

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

28

40. “Old Bridge” Winery with B&B

The “Old Bridge” Winery and Bed and Breakfast is located in Yeghegnadzor, just off the Goris-Meghri road. Owned by Armen and Ashkhen Khalatyan the “Old Bridge” winery was established in 1998. It is a very small boutique winery that specialises in producing wine using Armenian grapes, made mainly from Areni, Kakheti and Voskehat varietals. Their vineyards are located in five different geographical locations near the right bank of the Arpa River in the village of Arpi, 1250-1300m above sea level. The winery combines traditional Armenian (especially Vayots Dzor) and modern winemaking technologies and equipment to make 3 dry reds, as well as a slightly off dry white and a Grappa. All the wine is aged in 350 liter Karabakh oak barrels for at least 1.5-2 years. The Grappa, which weighs in at an impressive 63% alc, comes in a wood matured, as well as a non wooded version. Although not generally open to the public, they are happy to welcome visitors and organize the tour in “Old Bridg” winery on request. The guests can participate in grape harvesting, winemaking, grappa distillation, botaling and labeling wine for themselves. Armen and Ashkhen also operate a Bed and Breakfast and can serve a lunch or dinner with traditional armenian dishes for extra charge on request. They have 2 double bedrooms and one bedroom with 4 beds on the first floor. On the ground flour there is a nice sitting room with fireplace and kitchen available for the guests. There are bathrooms in each floor. There is also a lovely garden with fruits, grapes and a small swimming pool. The region also has a lot of other attractions. Yeghegnadzor is only 15 minutes from Vayk. The Darb River Canyon is just the other side of Vayk which is a stunning visual experience. There are many historical sites in the area. Armen is a native of the area and knows all the areas and organises tours. He can organize sightseeing tours to historical monuments which may include: Noravank, Tanahat monastery, Proshaberd, Smbataberd, Tsakhats Qar monastery, old jewish cemetory in Yeghegis, Zorac monastery, Arates monastery, Areni “Birds” cave (Armenian antique winery) e.t.c.

16, Levonyan Str., Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia

Armen (+374) 91 80 02 40 (+374) 93 80 02 40 Ashkhen (+374) 93 21 97 56

info@oldbridgewinery.am http://oldbridgewinery.am/am/ www.oldbridgebedandbreakfast.com

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

29

41. “Vayk Group” CJSC Winery and Dry Fruits Production

“Vayk Group” CJSC winery and dry fruits production is located in Vayk town, Vayots Dzor Province. The company was stablished in 2001 by Ashot Zakaryan. “Vayk Group” is specialized in production and exporting of 4 types of wine (white semisweet, white dry, red semisweet, red dry), fruit spirits, dried fruits (apricot, plum, cherry, apple, peach) and fresh fruits. Since 1998, the company made an effort of planting about 70 ha of apricot, apple, plum, peach, almond, Greek nut and cherry orchards and 30 ha of vineyards. “Vayk Group” has its own wine factory with 450m2 large wine cellar and storehouses. The wines, made from the local grape sorts Areni and Voskehat, are produced using a local traditional way, then aged in oak barrels and bottled with Italian state of the art system. Each year these wines get hight scores from jury in Areni Winemakers Association annual tasting festival. Much of the fruit is preserved in the company s drying operations. “Vayk Group” exports up to 10,000,000 bottles of wine, 500 tonnes fresh apricot, 50 tonnes of dry fruits and about 10,000 bottles of apricot brandy per year.

Moz-1 District, Vayk, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia

Ashot Zakaryan, owner David Zakaryan, manager (+374) 77 04 55 30 (+374) 91 33 34 53 Fax: (+374) 91 41 96 34

vaykgroup@yahoo.com www.vaykgroup.am https://www.facebook.com/vaykgroupwines/timeline http://www.armproduct.am/en/vayk-group-wines-%D5%8E%D4%B1%D5%85%D5%94-%D4%B3%D5%90%D5%88%D5%92%D5%8A-%D5%93%D4%B2%D4%B8/

Gegharkunik Province

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

30

42. “Samelon” Vardenis

Sea-Buckthorn Processing Plant

“Samelon” Vardenis Sea-Buckthorn Processing Plant is located in Vardenis town, Gegharkunik province. The company processes ecologically clean sea buckthorn (Hippophae) and produces juices, wine, vodka and sauces. The company organizes factory tours with tasting upon arrangement.

14, Hrant Madoyan Str., Vardenis, Gegharkunik Province, Armenia

Samvel Madoyan, director (+374) 269 62 204 (+374) 91 92 22 04 (+374) 95 92 22 04

madoyan.samvel@gmail.com

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

31

Bulgaria

Grape growing and wine production have a long history in Bulgaria, which goes back to ancient times. Vines were first cultivated 4,000 years ago. The first producers were the Thracians, the oldest local inhabitants of these lands, who have grown grapes on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Thracian wines were thick and very strong. They used it not only as a drink on the table but also for many of their religious rituals. They believed that with wine they could reach their gods. The ancient Greek god Dionysus and his Thracian analogue Zagreus were worshipped by the Thracians as gods of wine and merriment. Evidence for the ancient Thracian traditions in wine production and consumption are the magnificent and world famous Thracian golden treasures consisting predominantly of wine vessels. Amphorae and Rhytons for ritual wine have also been found in the Thracian tombs around the town of Kazanluk, where the frescoes clearly depict a cupbearer with a jug and a phiale (a Thracian wine bowl). The Greek historian Xenophont describes a feast organised by the Thracian king Sevt (424 –410 BC) in which wine was served in animal horns as a ritual practise. Even Homer often mentioned the superior qualities of the Thracian wines in his works-the Iliad and the Odyssey. During the time of the Eastern Roman Empire (4th-5th cc.), Constantinopol becomes an important trade centre for the Balkan wines. After the establishment of the Bulgarian state in the 7th century, the traditions in winemaking were inherited and continued. During the Middle Ages the improvement of the wine production takes place in the small monastery cellars in the region. Many medieval travelers, who traveled across Bulgaria, mention the properties of the various wines they have tasted on their way. In the late 19th and early 20th century the viticulture and winemaking were already approached professionally and the foundations of the modern Bulgarian wine production were laid. In the years of communism Bulgarian wines were mainly marketed around the regions of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. In the 1980s Bulgaria was the world’s second-largest wine producer, but the industry declined after the collapse of communism. During the last two decades the Bulgarian wine industry has been transformed and it's 100% private now.

Today, Bulgaria is one of the three biggest wine producing nations in Eastern Europe, giving about 2 percent per year of world wine production. The high-quality wines from Bulgarian producers successfully compete with well-known French, Italian, Chilean and Californian wines and can be found all over the world. The country has over 100 functioning wineries. Many new wineries already make an impression with its well-crafted wines, while some local cellars have gained international awards. As Bulgarian winemakers strive to perfect their techniques and train new experts, they are producing more and more quality and competitive wines. Special attention is paid to New World winemaking techniques, and within the past few years Bulgaria has started to produce wines with a very strong New World character in taste and quality. Along with the novelties in wine production the industry has kept it's time honoured traditions, classical techniques, and Old World wines which have kept their secrets for hundreds of years. Priority is given to the indigenous grape varieties as Mavrud, Melnik, and Gamza.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

32

Bulgaria is famous for its traditional wine grape varieties. The country’s climate, landscape and fertile soils are exceptional for vine – growing and winemaking. According to the different soils and climate conditions, the country is divided into several wine- growing and winemaking regions, each with particular grape varieties and wines. The country has five official wine regions, each with their own microclimates and grape varietals. These include the Danube River valley, the Black Sea coastal region, Strouma River valley, Thracian valley and the Rose valley.

Image. Wine growing regions of Bulgaria

The taste for good wine and the interest in the local varieties triggered the entry of wine tourism, wine tours and tastings in Bulgaria. Many of the wineries in the country organize events where experts and guests get acquainted with their best products. Every year Wine Fair is held in Plovdiv, while one of the most interesting wine related holidays, which comes from ancient times, "Trifon Zarezan" is celebrated on February 14th.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

33

WINERIES -BULGARIA

Nr. Name/Type/Contact Description Location/Address Telephone Email/Skype Website/Facebook

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

34

Thracian Lowland (South Bulgarian) Wine Region

The Southern Region includes the Thracian Valley from the Balkan Range to the Greek border that boasts almost Mediterranean climatic conditions. The region includes the central part of the lowland, as well as parts of the Sakar mountain. The Balkan Mountains serve to block the cold winds blowing from the plains of Russia, and the region to the south of the Balkans, the valley drained by the Maritsa River, has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. It includes around 35% of the vineyard massifs. The temperate continental climate in the area and the favourable distribution of precipitation during the vegetation period are good premises for the developed red wine growing in the lowlands of Upper Thrace. Reds coming from this region are renowned. Mavrud, a famous local wine, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscatel and Pamid are grown in the Thracian Valley. Mavrud is a red wine grape that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines, indigenous to the region of Kara Thrace in Bulgaria. The grape has been described as a characterful, low-yielding, small-berried and late-ripening grape capable of producing tannic, spicy wine with a potential for ageing. Jambol and Haskovo are two fine examples of South Bulgarian Wine Region.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

35

01. Midalidare Estate

Midalidare Estate, one of the best boutique wineries in Bulgaria, is located in the Thracian Valley - the most suitable region for grape growing in Bulgaria. The estate is huddling among the southern slopes of Sredna Gora Mountain in the village of Mogilovo (to the North-East of Chirpan). The region has thousands of years of wine tradition; the wines produced here were taken to Piraeus and Enos by caravans as early as in the antiquity. At the heart of the project is Evgeniy Yussupov, a Russian businessman who lives in Kazahstan and whose love for history, nature and good wine urged him to invest in the village of Mogilovo and to turn this piece of land in a real oasis. There are 160 hectares of vineyards where the premium quality white varieties have been planted: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier and reds: Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Mourvedre. The complex includes winery, hotel, guest house, spa center and restaurant. Midalidare Hotel & Spa is located in the center of Mogilovo, in a 19th century biliding, and has a capacity to accommodate 69 people. Each room has a garden view, spacious bathroom, minibar, satellite TV, AC, internal telephone, room service, wireless and LAN internet. The Guest House is situated on the territory of the small winery of Midalidare Estate and can accommodate 8 people. It has 4 double rooms with queen size beds each having own bathroom and a TV set. Guests can enjoy a spacious living room and dining room for 12 that is suitable for holding private gatherings. The newly built section of the Spa offers services not only for the hotel guests, but to all that have decided to combine a good wine tasting with relaxation and spa procedures. Midalidare Vintage Restaurant has 40 seats indoor and additional 60 seats in the summer garden and offers warm and cozy atmosphere. Here, you might sample seasonal dishes of freshly cooked meals as well as special weekly offers from the world cuisine. Midalidare Estate is only a two-hour drive from Sofia, one-hour drive from Plovdiv and half-an-hour drive from Stara Zagora. One of the best spa and wellness centers in Bulgaria, Starozagorski mineralni bani and Pavel Banya, are located close to the estate. In Chirpan, lovers of Peyo Yavorov's poetry can see his home which is turned into a museum, as well as an old house from the period of the national revival with 40 paintings of the artist Nikola Manev.

6239 Мogilovo village, Chirpan Municipality, Stara Zagora Province, Bulgaria

Tsvetelina Kolarova, Wine Tours and Tastings (+359) 882 041 226 Reception Desk of Midalidare Hotel & Spa: (+359) 886 655 721 Desislava Stoycheva, Contact Person for Clients, Events and Conference Booking (+359) 882 030 654 (+359) 889 217 413 Lilia Gochkova, Manager (+359) 886 740 886 Working Hours: Monday - Fryday - from 10:00 a.m. - to 5:00 p.m. Weekends - preliminary inquiry. For groups, the visit should be booked 10 days in advance. Working hours for the Midalidare Vintage Restaurant: 11:30 am - 23:00 pm

info@midalidare.bg cvetelina@midalidare.bg lilia@midalidare.bg office@midalidare.bg http://midalidare.bg/ http://shop.midalidare.bg/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Midalidare-Estate/166069116744637 Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JewFjUbTwzM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e4zqm2cVGA

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

36

02. Chateau-Hotel "Trendafiloff"

Chateau "Trendafiloff" is located in the Central part of the Thracian valley, just 4 km from the hometown of the great bulgarian poet P. K. Yavorov, and very close to the highway "Thracia". Chateau "Trendafiloff" cultivates about 100 acres of its own vineyards. The capacity of the winery is up to 100 tons, but at this stage it produces about 50 tons. The Wine cellar is specialized in production of "Cabernet Sauvignon", "Merlot", "Shyraz & Cabernet Sauvignon", "Chardonnay", "Muscat Ottonel" and "Rose". The tasting hall is 7 m under the ground and has a constant temperature conducive to maturing of the wine kept in Canadian oak barrels. Tastings are held by a professional winemaker, who acquaints guests with the process of growing grapes, grape harvesting, wine manufacturing and different types of wine at Chateau "Trendafiloff" Chateau-hotel "Trendafiloff" is a three star hotel offering comfort and calmness, combined with a perfect service and high standard. The hotel has 18 rooms, out of which: 1 suite, 2 studios, 4 deluxe double rooms and 11 standard double rooms. The guests will enjoy the lovely atmosphere of the uniquely designed rooms and the wide assortment of tasty delights offered in the elegant restaurant. If you choose a table out on the terrace, you will be captured by a breathtaking view of the beautiful bulgarian nature. In addition to the wonderful cuisine, the hotel offers a selection of white and red wines, produced in the Chateau "Trendafiloff" winery. For the leisure of their guests the complex provides a summer garden suitable for a relaxing walk, an outdoor bar, outdoor swimming pool, well equipped gym, and a SPA center. The conference hall of Chateau-hotel "Trendafiloff" is suitable for seminars, corporate trainings, team building, special events and presentations.

Chirpan, Stara Zagora Province, Bulgaria

(+359) 896 73 32 51 trendafiloff@shatohotel.com www.shatohotel.com http://www.booking.com/hotel/bg/chateau-trendafiloff.en-gb.html?aid=356980;label=gog235jc-hotel-XX-bg-chateauNtrendafiloff-unspec-rs-com-L%3Aen-V%3A0CDMQFjAB-O%3Aunk-B%3Aunk-N%3AXX-S%3Abo;sid=e0993d429f8c0f2fa79654e3beb1799d;dcid=4;dist=0&type=total&

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

37

03. “Svoboda” Winery

“Svoboda” Winery is a small wine cellar, located 10 km southeast of the town of Chirpan, in one of the most propitious vine growing regions of Bulgaria - the sunny Thracian Plain, part of the South Bulgarian Region. “Svoboda” Winery preserves the deeply rooted traditions of this old vine-growing and wine-making region, which date back to the time of the ancient Thracians, who were skillful vine-growers and amazing wine masters. “Svoboda” Winery produces only 500 tons of high quality wine from grapes grown on 1000 decars of their own vineyards. They cultivate both red and white grape varieties, typical for the Chirpan region: rkatsiteli, dimiat, misket, muscat, aligote, chardonnet; merlot, cabernet, and pamid. “Svoboda” Winery is located close to a small forest of evergreen pines, and is surrounded by its own vine growing terrains. Arranged around the internal yard, which is planted with walnut trees, are the wine cellar with the production premises, the cellars for wine ageing, two tasting rooms, and a small hotel. The region has a rich ancient history evidenced by the Karasura archeological excavations, located only 5 km northeast of “Svoboda” Winery. Very interesting findings dating back from the prehistoric times (5th-4th millennium B.C.) to the Medieval crusades (12th c. A.D.) have been found there. There is also a Thracian mound not far from the wine cellar, on the winery's own land.

Svoboda, 6230 Stara Zagora Province, Bulgaria Office: 100A, Tzar Simeon Veliki Blvd., Stara Zagora, 6000, Stara Zagora Province, Bulgaria

(+359) 42 638 717

info@vinaris-bg.com http://www.vinaris-bg.com/

04. “Four Friends” Winery

The Four Friends winery has over 40 hectares of vineyards in the Thracian Valley, the best wine growing region of Bulgaria. The estate is nestled in the folds of the landscape near the village of Gorno Botevo, east of the district centre of Stara Zagora. The first vineyards of the varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot were planted back in 2006, following a careful study of the terrain, the climatic and soil conditions of the region. Vineyards are grown using a special method that combines modern viticultural practices with hands-on care. All the vineyards started bearing fruit as early as 2010 and in 2012 the winery started producing their first batches of superb, high-quality wines bearing the “Four Friends” brand name. The wines at “Four Friends” are made using classic methods with an exceptionally high share of manual labour. The winery has a total production capacity of 400 thousand litres annually, and a bottling capacity of some 300 thousand bottles. The wine is then left to mature in oak barrels. The winery has a modern quality control lab with state-of-the-art equipment.

Gorno Botevo village, 6053, Stara Zagora Province, Bulgaria

(+359) 893 391 616 (+359) 893 336 650

office@zitara.bg sales@zitara.bg http://www.fourfriends.bg/ https://www.facebook.com/Four.Friends.Winery

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

38

05. Edoardo Miroglio Wine Cellar

Boutique winery Edoardo Miroglio is located in the Thracian valley, in the region of Elenovo village, 22 km from Nova Zagora. The winery was established by Edoardo Miroglio, a well-known Italian textile and wine producer, in 2002 with first production in 2005, and has rapidly become one of Bulgaria’s leading vintners. The village of Elenovo is a highly important terroir for quality wine production. The winery is located in the central part of an array of approximately 220 hectares of vineyards, which cover the hillside of Saint Ilia close to the village of Elenovo. Some of the varieties cultivated by Edoardo Miroglio wine cellar are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Mavrud, Rubin, Melnik 55 and Bouquet. The annual production capacity of Edoardo Miroglio winery is approximately 1 million liters of wine. The production cycle covers all technological operations - from primary grape processing to wine bottling. Edoardo Miroglio winery is specialized in the production of quality white, rosé and red wines, as well as white and rosé sparkling wine (Traditional Method), rakia and liqueur. The major brands produced by the winery are: Elenovo (Reserves), Edoardo Miroglio (premium brand), Sant'Ilia, Soli and Saint Ilia Estate (commercial brands). Edoardo Miroglio is offered exclusively to selected restaurants, hotels, and specialized wine stores. Some of these wines have BIO certificate. The cellar is surrounded by vineyards, a natural lake, and green meadows, which creates favorable conditions for wine tourism. The boutique hotel Soli Invicto (The Unconquerable Sun) soars above the Edoardo Miroglio wine cellar with its 10 elegantly-furnished rooms, tasting room, restaurant, lobby bar and a panoramic outdoor swimming pool. The hotel offers 7 studios and 3 suites which are individually furnished with antique and contemporary furniture. Each room is named after a different Bulgarian grape variety, and disposes of en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, mini-bar, satellite TV and free Internet access. The restaurant is situated on the ground floor and offers a selection of traditional Italian and Bulgarian dishes. The tasting room is constantly open and allows the guests of the winery and the boutique hotel to taste the quality wines of Edoardo Miroglio. Wine tasting costs 15-50 EUR per person. The guests can also practice fishing in the local pond and visit a small zoo.

Elenovo village, Nova Zagora Municipality, Sliven Province, 8943, Bulgaria

Wine Cellar: (+359) 44 500 411 (+359) 44 500 437 (+359) 44 500 432 Hotel: (+359) 889 066 330 (+359) 44 500 412 (+359) 44 501 700 Fax: (+359) 44 500 481

sales@soliinvicto.bg http://www.emiroglio-wine.com/en/ https://www.facebook.com/EdoardoMiroglio Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHqui_42SMk

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

39

Sub-Balkan Wine Region – Rose Valley

The Sub-Balkan Wine Region, situated between the south slopes of the Balkan Mountain and Mt. Sredna Gora, includes the regions of Sliven, Karnobat, Karlovo, Slaviantsi and Sungurlare. The region covers about 7% of the Bulgarian vineyards. These deep valleys produce unique micro climates. The Balkan Mountain provides protection from the north as it stops cold currents, which helps for higher average annual temperatures. This geographical feature acts in a beneficial way, improving conditions for the cultivation of various grape types. The Sub-Balkan Region is divided into two parts: the Eastern Sub-Balkan Sub-Region (lower) and the Western Sub-Balkan Sub-Region (higher), also known as the Rose Valley. Better known for rose oil production, this small region nevertheless packs a punch when it comes to producing dry and off-dry white wines, which make up 75 percent of total production. It’s particularly famous for Red Misket (Misket Cherven), grown to perfection in the Sungurlare Valley, as well as Muscat. Red Misket is one of the best representatives of the white wines in Bulgaria that have a rich fruity aroma, elegant body and memorable aftertaste. It is considered to be an old local variety, cultivated nowadays mainly in the Sungurlare Valley, and the Karlovo and Brezovo districts. There are also smaller plantations in the Stara Zagora, Sliven, Yambol and Vratza districts. The red Kadarki and Cabernet Sauvignon grape grow in Sub-Balkan Wine Region and are used for the production of red wines. This region is also known for its Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling and Rkatsiteli. The jumping-off point for trips in the valley is the town of Kazanlak. Here is a list of the cities/towns that are producing wine/spirits in the Sub-Balkan Region: Sliven, Slavjanci, Venetz, Grozden, Karlovo, Karnobat, and Yambol.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

40

06. Korten Winery Domaine Boyar International

Korten Winery is situated in the viticultural region of Thracian Valley, in the village of Korten, only few kilometers away from Nova Zagora. The winery belongs to Domaine Boyar International. It is a small winery, famous for its methods of microvinification and its emblematic red wines. Korten Winery possesses an excellent cooling system for must and wine which enables application of the contemporary winemaking practices. The winery holds 2300 American and French casks – a must-have element for vinification and production of premium wines. Since 2003, Korten produces mainly limited series of red and white boutique wines, making use of selected cabernet sauvignon, merlot and mavrud. The high quality Solitaire and Cluster brands are also produced there. The concept, based on methods applied in France, grew both in scope and size in 2007 and the so-called vin de garage wines were born. The grapes for these wines are from selected and controlled vineyards in the region. The hand-harvested grapes are picked and transported in cassettes, then go through vinification in small oak fermenters of 600 liters. All important phases of the process – such as sinking “the hat” and basket-pressing – are done by hand.

Korten village, Municipality Nova Zagora, Sliven Province, Bulgaria GPS Coordinates: 42°32'21"N 25°59'56"E Central office: Domaine Boyar 2B Marinkovitza Str., 1st floor, Boyana District, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria

(+359) 2 96 97 980 info@domaineboyar.com office@domaineboyar.com www.domaineboyar.com https://www.facebook.com/DomaineBoyar http://kata.bg/index.php/en/wine-catalog/wineries/224-domaine-boyar-en

07. Angelus Estate

Angelus Estate, a new jewel in Bulgarian winemaking, is situated in close proximity to the Zhrebchevo (Stallion) Dam, on the hillsides of Mt. Sredna Gora. From that location was derived the name of their most successful wine the “Stallion” - symbol of the emergence of new life, full of energy and love. Angelus Estate possesses 106 ha of vineyards planted in 2007-2008. The vineyards are located near the villages of Chervenakovo and Banya. The soil composition is heterogenous, and includes sandstone, cinnamon-forest and clay-calcareous soils. The vine density is 5000 vines/ha with 70% of red wine grapes and 30% of white wine grapes. Red varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot. White varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Traminer. Total area of the wine cellar is 14 000 m2 out of which 7 000 m2 are underground, which facilitates fermentation by gravity. Angelus Estate has a processing capacity of 650 tons of grapes. Hall for fermentation has area of 3 000 m2 with 88 fermentation tanks. The winemaking technology is traditional, using mainly manual labor. There are two cellars for aging of wine in 225-litre barrique wine barrels with a capacity of 1 400 barriques, plus 420 barriques on two temperature-controlled levels.

Bania village, Municipality Nova Zagora, Sliven Province, Bulgaria GPS Coordinates: Latitude - 42.6281 Longitude - 25.9942

(+359) 2 421 40 65 info@angelusestate.com http://www.angelusestate.com/index.html https://www.facebook.com/angelusestate

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

41

08. Chateau “Windy Hills”

Chateau “Windy Hills” is situated 12 km west of Sliven, on the main road from Sofia to Burgas, near the Slivenski Mineralni Bani. The winery was built several years ago and brags its modern technology. The first vintage of the company was in 2004. The winery is specialized in the production of small quantities of quality wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mavrud, Syrah and Muscat of Alexandria. Chateau “Windy Hills” uses only the grapes grown on its own lands. The terroir is suitable for cultivation of high quality red sorts of grapes. Wine matures from six to 36 months in oak barrels. Conditions for wine tourism and tasting are excellent. Chateau “Windy Hills” is located in the center of a 420 acres large vineyard, and comprises the winery, tasting room, restaurant and hotel. The architectural style of the building gives the impression of coziness, tradition and style, behind which is hidden a modern wine production plant, open daily for visitors. A hall for wine tasting with 25 seats is situated in the subterranean part of the cellar, where oak casks are forming and aging wines. The restaurant with 60 seats has wonderful panoramic views, taking in the whole region. The hotel Chateau "Windy Hills" has 11 cozy double rooms. Definitely a place to relax and enjoy the view. Wine tasting costs 10-30 EUR per person.

"Terra Invest" Ltd., Sliven Slivenski Mineralni Bani, Sliven

Mariana Vasileva, Manager (+ 359) 884 777 997 Petar Kolev, Manager (+359) 886 467 444 (+ 359) 45 112 990 Fax: (+ 359) 45 112 898 Working hours: 9.30-17.00

kalinka@hotel-guinness.com http://windyhills-bg.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chateau-Windy-Hills/325752020845143 http://www.visitbulgaria.net/en/sliven/hotels/windy_hills_chateau.html

09. “Sinite Skali” Winery

“Sinite Skali” Wine Cellar is strategically situated in the Thracian Valley near the town of Sliven, a region renowned for the production of high quality white and red wines. The winery is named “Sinite skali” (the Blue Ridge) after the bluish slopes of the Balkan Mountains towering above it. “Sinite Skali” follows Australian design and is one of the most modern and technologically advanced wineries in all Eastern and Central Europe. The winery, which belongs to Domaine Boyar company, opened its doors for the first vintage in September 1999. The winery operates with the latest wine-making technologies and maintains the highest standards of hygiene, cooling and temperature control. All processing lines and equipment are made of stainless steel and the winery owns a large cellar with over 2000 French, American and Bulgarian oak casks. The main types cultivated there are cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot, muscat and dimiat. The winery produces a wide range of quality white and red wines. Most of its production gets exported. In Bulgaria, the cellar is popular under its Blue Ridge trademark. Wine tasting is organized there very often.

Sliven, Sliven Province, Bulgaria Central office: Domaine Boyar 2B Marinkovitza Str., 1st floor, Boyana District, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria

(+359) 2 96 97 980 info@domaineboyar.com www.domaineboyar.com https://www.facebook.com/DomaineBoyar

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

42

10. Vini Sliven

Vini Sliven was originally founded in 1920 as a winemaking cooperative under the name of "Shevka" and modernized in the 60s. Currently it is one of the biggest wineries in Bulgaria with an annual capacity of about 80 million kg of grapes, 3 bottling lines, and 3000 barrels. Vini Sliven manages several wineries. The biggest cellar, the bottling facilities, and the administration of Vini are located in the town of Sliven which lies at the Southern foothills of the Balkan Mountains and to the East of the Valley of Roses. Additionally there are 4 wine cellars for initial winemaking in the region - in the towns of Nova Zagora and Shivatchevo, and the villages of Padarevo and Blatets. Vineyards of white grape varieties are located around the cellars in Padarevo and Blatets, while the red wine grape varieties are located around the wine cellars in Sliven, Nova Zagora, and Shivatchevo. The red types include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir and pamid. White varieties include muscadine, muskat ottonel, chardonnay, alogote, rkatziteli, traminer and dimiat. Vini Sliven’s cabernet and merlot wines are very popular. Balkan Crest and Truida wine brands have gained an impressive market share.

51, Tsar Simeon Blvd., PO Box 168, Sliven, Bulgaria

(+359) 44 66 76 66 (+359) 44 66 71 17 (+359) 44 66 72 42 Fax: (+359) 44 66 73 74

office@vini.bg http://www.vini.bg https://www.facebook.com/ViniBulgaria

11. Marvin Wine Cellar

“Marvin” winery was established in 2005 on the territory of Hadzhi Dimitrovo village in the municipality of Yambol, 20 km away from the town of Sliven. The location in the ”Valley of the Thracian Kings”, a region with a rich historical heritage, benefits to the development of cultural, historical and wine tourism. All wines are made from hand-harvested, carefully selected, fully ripe grapes grown at 120 ha of Marvin’s vineyards, located 200 meters away from the cellar. The winery produces red wines from the varieties Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Rose. The white varieties include Chardonnay, Aligote, Muscat Ottonel, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. All red wines are aged in 225 l high quality French oak barrels. The equipment is new and highly efficient and a modern technology is used to produce high quality wines. “Marvin” is a boutique winery and produces no more than 8-10 thousand bottles of each type per year.

Hadzhi Dimitrovo village, 8635, municipality Tunja, Yambol Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 42°31'37"N 26°24'18"E

Krasimir Marinov (+359) 44 666 511 (+359) 888 214 221 Fax: (+359) 44 666 522

office@marvin.bg http://marvin.bg/ https://www.facebook.com/marvin.winery/timeline

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

43

12. Domain “Marash”

The “Marash” Winery is a new generation winery established in the town of Straldzha. Its focus is to preserve the product’s nature and to have a minimum interference in the technological process. The wine is produced from 50 ha of own vineyards and the main varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Muscat, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. For the spirits "Domain Marash" uses raw material from orchards with 200 hectares planted with apples, plums and cherries. The winery possesses modern equipment and vessel capacity of 4,000 hectoliters, as well as vessels of small capacity of 10 to 100 hectoliters for the selection of small batches of high-quality wines. Wine tasting and cellar tour are available upon prior reservation. Straldzha region is known for centuries as a place for growing high quality varieties of grapes and fruits. The name Marash comes from a pass in the Balkan Mountains and an area located in proximity of Straldja town. In this region flows an eponymous river, glorified in many poems from ancient times. Every spring in the region is held the folk fair "Marash singing." Its purpose is to preserve the rich Bulgarian folk art in its diversity and color. There, people from different parts of the region come to compete in singing and dancing, together with presentation of traditional regional folk costumes.

5, Ivan Rilski Str., Industrial Area, Straldzha, Yambol Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 42°35'50"N 26°41'30"E

Oenologists: Daniel Nedyalkov, Iliana Naidenova (+359) 894 627 274 Wine tour: (+359) 889 886 490

office@marash.bg www.marash.bg https://www.facebook.com/DomainMarash?fref=ts

13. “Chateau Sungurlare”

"Chateau Sungurlare" was built in 2012 near the town of Sungurlare. The region is characterized by its terroir which gives the distinctive qualities of the wines. The wines are produced from 40 ha of own vineyards planted with Muscat, Italian Riesling, Chardonnay, Muscat and Merlot. Chateau has the most modern technical equipment for the production of white and red wines, with capacity to process 250 tons of grapes and to produce 150 tons of wine per year. Wine tasting and cellar tour are available upon prior reservation.

25, Deveti September Str., Sungurlare, 8470, Burgas Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 42°46'01"N 26°46'59"E

(+359) 899 98 60 92 (+359) 557 15 284 (+359) 557 15 294

agrovin2007@abv.bg www.chteausungurlare.com https://www.facebook.com/ChateauSungurlare/timeline

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

44

14. “Vinex Slavyantsi”

Vinex Slaviantsi is one of the biggest and most famous wineries in Bulgaria functioning since 1950. Its success is due to the combination of old wine traditions and new modern technologies. The enterprise produces wine and brandy in the region of the Sungurlare Valley, which is the most Eastern part of Bulgarian sub-Balkan wine-growing and wine-producing region, the "Valley of Roses". The vineyards of “Vinex Slavyantsi” are about 7 000 decares and are located on the southern slopes of hills in the Valley. Local climate is very suitable for white vine-growing of Red Misket, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Muscat Ottonel, German Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Vyonnie, Pinot Gris and Gryner. Red types here include Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. Vineks Slaviantsi manages five wineries in the region: Slavyantsi, Sungurlare, Lozarevo, Chernitsa and Karnobat. A wide range of wine production takes place there. Its most popular wines are white. According to archaeological finds in the region and written data, vine-growing and wine-producing were practiced since the antiquity. After the liberation from Ottoman yoke, the area of vineyards increased, wine-producing spread, wines and brandy trading emerged. At the exhibition in Antwerp Belgium in 1898 wine sort “Red Misket”, made from a local trader gets the first gold medal for white Bulgarian wine. After the First World War, the wine-producing developed furthermore, when export of draft wines to Germany started. After 1929, the local consumer cooperations built wineries in almost all of the villages in the area. The wineries in the villages of Slavyantsi, Grozden and Sungurlare became separate wine cooperations that existed until 1950. Using highly efficient technologies and employing qualified personnel the company produces about 150 000 hectoliters of wine, vermouth and rakia per year. The volume capacity is 300 000 hectoliters, including 200 000 hectoliters for preliminary wine production and 1600 oak barrels with volume 200dm³. Its production is welcomed in Europe, Africa, and America. Since 2008 the “LEVA” Foundation, founded by “Vinex Slavyantsi”, performs socially useful activities in the form of financing educational, cultural, sports and other similar events for ethnic minorities within the Sungurlare Municipality.

Slavyantsi, 8460, Burgas Province, Bulgaria

(+359) 5571 4500 (+359) 5571 4217 Fax: (+359) 559 22131

office@vinexbg.com sales@vinexbg.com http://www.vinexbg.com/en/index

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

45

15. Winery "Minkov Brothers"

Winery “Minkov Brothers” is a fascinating new destination for wine tourism located about 15 km west of Karnobat. It brings the spirit of the Bulgarian Revival and the comfort of the old townhouse built on a hill, among the magnificent vineyards of Karnobat region. “Minkov Brothers” Wine Cellar represents the Sub-Balkan wine-growing region and combines 135 years of experience with beneficial soil, favourable climate and a passion for winemaking to produce wines with excellent quality and uniqueness. The grapes are picked by hand from more than 300 hectares of young vineyards in the vicinity of the villages of Devetak, Ognen and Terziysko. The winery grows the following grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Viognier. In 2012 about 500 ha of Sauvignon Blanc and Colombard were added and this year there will be new plantings of Semillon and Gewurztraminer. The exceptional terroir of this countryside makes an indispensable contribution to the unique character of their wines. “Minkov Brothers” products are complex wines crafted in the Karnobat Winery. Made by classic grape varieties, they ferment and mature in barrels in the 80 m long tunnels of the underground cellar. Their potential to mature in bottles makes them attractive to the wine-collectors. The winery has a small museum that complements the atmosphere and presents the history of wine producers, the Minkovi family, during the times of Bulgaria’s national revival and millenary tradition of winemaking in Karnobat region. Wine tasting includes the award-winning white and red MINKOV BROTHERS and CYCLE wines. They are served with delicious traditional Bulgarian dishes and world cuisine. The wine cellar’s oenologists organise “journeys” through the various wine styles featured in their selection and the guests can personally witness the winemaking stages. Tourist attractions near “Minkov Brothers” winery Include: • The medieval fortress “Markeli”, situated 7.6 km west of

Burgas. • The church “St. John the Evangelist” in Karnobat, a cultural

monument of national significance with a unique iconostasis. • The natural park The Blue Mountains: beautiful green area,

lovely views and a trilling chair lift trip. • The village of Zheravna- an open air museum with wooden

houses from the Revival period. • The town of Kotel famous of its carpets and weaving art

museum.

Venets village, 8473 Karnobat municipality, Burgas Province, Bulgaria Wine tasting and cellar tour are available upon prior reservation at Coordinates: 42°38'23"N 26°48'11"E Wine tasting and visits to the winery are offered on weekdays from 09.00 - 17.30 h and with extended working hours during summer from 7.00 – 19.00 h, or upon reservation.

Oenologist: Ivan Bakalski, Hristo Yordanov Viticulturist: Dushan Nyagolov (+359) 882 15 15 00

marketing@minkovbrothers.bg www.minkovbrothers.bg Facebook.com/MinkovBrothers http://enosiasti.bg/index.php/mesta/113-vinarska-izba-bratya-minkovi

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

46

Eastern Region – The Black Sea coast Running down the coast from Romania to Turkey, The Eastern Region houses about 30% of Bulgaria’s vineyards. The region, which is affected by the climate from the Black Sea, is characterized by hot summers and long, mild autumns that are a favorable condition for the accumulation of sugars to make delicate, white semi-dry wines (53% of all white wine varietals are concentrated in the region). Grown varieties are: Chardonnay, Dimyat, Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Ugni Blanc, Traminer, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, the latter being especially renowned for its exquisite grapes in this region. Some of Bulgaria’s finest dry and semi-dry white wines are produced in these territories, wines that combine pleasant fruity aroma, dense taste, and elegant freshness at the end. This area in Eastern Bulgaria comprises several sub regions. Shumen county is a traditional region for wine industry in Bulgaria. The most popular wineries are situated in the villages of Osmar and Khan Krum. Veliki Preslav (Great Preslav), located in Shumen region, was the second capital of Bulgaria in the period 893 - 971 and is associated with the Golden Age of Bulgarian culture. Dating back to this period, a winery is discovered in the outskirts of the city that has survived from the 7th till the 10th centuries. Known since hoary antiquity, the wine-making has been a main means of livelihood for the population that has lived on these lands. Having combined tradition, classics and science, nowadays it’s an art. Pomorie (with the ancient name Anhialo) is a famous vine-growing and wine-producing centre situated at the Southeast part of the territory of Bulgaria, on the Black Sea coast. Vine-growing and wine-producing are the main means of livelihood of the inhabitants of Pomorie since most ancient times. The first settlers - the Thracians, along with barley, rye, millet and flax had grown vines to produce wine. They had worshiped in a special way the god of wine and gaiety Dionysus. An embossed plate (consecration plate) has been found from this period, at present in the Hermitage collection, depicting a woman over wine press holding a grape cluster and a caption reading that Avludsena presents gift to god Apollon "for her salvation and for the salvation of her vineyard situated on top of the hill".

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

47

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

48

16. LVK-Vinprom Targovishte

Viticulture and winemaking in the area of Targovishte date back to ancient times. Various archaeological findings provide evidence for the lifestyle and customs in the region, related to this divine elixir. LVK–Vinprom Targovishte, which is one of the biggest wine producers in Bulgaria, inherited the ancient winemaking traditions in this land. The cellar was created in 1947 and has additional facilities in Popovo and Omourtag. The winery is located in the North-East viticultural region of Bulgaria mainly consisting of hilly and semi-hilly terrains. LVK–Vinprom has 700 hca of new vineyards in the Targovishte region, in the villages of Vradun, Dalgach, Krashno and Kralevo. LVK-Vinprom Targovishte makes white and red wines of guaranteed appellation of origin, sparkling wines, fortified wines and spirits. The hight-quality white wines are mainly made of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muskat Ottonel and Traminer and the high-quality red wines are made of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In the past, the winery produced one of the most popular white wines in the country, Magareshko Mliako. The winemaking philosophy of the Targovishte Wine Cellar is to make world-class wine with distinctive fruit character using modern technologies yet preserving its distinguishing Bulgarian character.

8, “29 January” Blvd, Targovishte 7700, Bulgaria Coordinates: 43°15'28"N 26°34'36"E

(+359) 601 696 02 (+359) 601 696 18

manager@lvk-vinprom.com plasment@lvk-vinprom.com www.lvk-vinprom.com

17. Vinex Preslav

Vinex Preslav is located within the boundaries of the second Bulgarian capital Veliki Preslav (893-971). A winery, which functioned form the 7th to the 10th centuries was discovered in the outskirts of the town. Since that time vine-growing and wine manufacturing have been the occupations of the population from this region. It is extremely favourable for growing white grapes. The good climatic conditions and the successful technology yield the unique white wines of the Preslav region. Vinex Preslav was created in 1948 under the name of State Spirit Monopoly with initial capacity of 600 tons of grapes and equipment of hand grape crushes and decanting pumps. Today the company has at its disposal modern technological equipment with annual grape processing capacity of 12,000 tons. The cellars have storage capacity of 15 million litres of wine. The vineyards are situated in the vicinity of Han Krum, Veliki Preslav and Novi Pazar. The cultivated varieties are Traminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Merlot and others. The production of Vinex is currently exported to Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Germany, Poland, The Check Republic, Slovakia, USA, Japan, Israel and Austria.

District Shoumen, Veliki Preslav 9850, Industrial Area Coordinates: 43°09'47"N 26°49'31"E

(+359) 548 420 15 vinex@infotel.bg info@vinex.bg www.vinex.bg

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

49

18. Hotel “Chateau Des Bergers”

Hotel “Chateau Des Bergers” is located on the slopes of Preslavska Mountain inside the protected area of Urumovo Lale, next to Ovcharovo village, Targovishte municipality. The complex consists of a winery and a hotel. “Chateau Des Bergers” offers to its guests the spectacular views, outstanding cuisine and excellent wines from the cellar of the winery. The capacity of the hotel is 38 beds in 3 studious and 16 double rooms. Each of the studios has individual interior design. The restaurant is available as well as spa with sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi. The winery produced its first vintage of 100,000 bottles in 2014, making the hotel suitable for lovers of good wine. Grape types used for wine production are Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Weather conditions in the town of Targovishte are favorable for these varieties. Sightseeing near the hotel include: • Ovcharovo village- prehistoric Neolithic cult scene. There is a

well maintained mosque in the village center and a fountain with Arabic motifs. Above the dam of the village there is an unexcavated castle fortress.

• Ancient city Mesionis – Krumovo Kale. • Old Varosha neighborhood in Targovishte. • Momino village with the historical monument Kaz Ana Teke.

This place is worshiped by those who profess Islam, but is known more as a cult kazalbashko place. It is a brick building and used to be a saint`s tomb.

• Historical museum in Targovishte. • Saint Preslav • ECO trail from hotel Mladost to hotel Patleyna.

6, Avram Topalov Str., Ovcharovo village, municipality Targovishte, Bulgaria

(+359) 600 299 92 Fax: (+359) 600 299 92

hotel@chateaudesbergers.bg http://chateaudesbergers.bg/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

50

19. “Khan Krum” Wine Cellar

“Khan Krum” Wine Cellar is situated in the outskirts of the village with the same name, along the southern slopes of Shumen Plateau, 9 km. north-east of the town of Veliki Preslav and the same distance west of the town of Shumen. “Khan Krum” Wine Cellar was opened back in 1939, when part of vineyard owners in the village of Khan Krum found their own vine growing and wine making cooperation. A wine cellar of classic type with concrete reservoirs was built on an area of 30 decares. The first reconstruction of the wine cellar started in 1976, including a technological line for high - quality wines (AOC), bottling line and a compartment for wine stabilization. In the years of socialism “Khan Krum” Wine Cellar was an elite cellar for production of high - quality white wines. Another reconstruction of the wine cellar was carried out in 2005, including modernization of the vessel capacity for preservation of wines of the bottling capacities. Today, “Khan Krum” Wine Cellar exports its production to the following countries: Russia, England, USA, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Malta, Mongolia, Kazakhstan. The grapes in the region of the wine cellar are about 5500 decares. The classic white sorts Chardonnay, Aligote, Muscat Otonel, Traminer, Rakatziteli, Rhein Riesling and of the Bulgarian sorts - Dimyat comprise a basic part. The work vessel capacity of the wine cellar is 3500 tons, and the possibilities for processing of grapes about 4500 tons. Besides an equipped technological line for white wines, the wine cellar disposes of vessels for preservation and aging of red wines. The fermentation department has a capacity of 900 tons and possibility for control of temperature. Traminer form Khan Krum is a wine of recognized quality both in the Bulgarian and foreign market. It impresses with its exclusive gustatory qualities. The winery produces other quality wines which are often winners of international awards: Muskat, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Khan Krum village, 9863, Shumen Municipality, Bulgaria

(+359) 53 33 374 Fax: (+359) 54 800 200

khankrumtrading@gmail.com http://www.khankrum.bg/ https://www.facebook.com/khankrumtrading?fref=ts

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

51

20. “Osmar” Wine Cellar

“Osmar” Wine Cellar is located in the village of Osmar, nestled between the towns of Shumen, Targovishte and Veliki Preslav, on the southern foot of the Shumen Plateau, just below its highest point. The cellar was opened in 1999 and is situated in a building with high towers, decorated in medieval style to look like an old castle. The winery owns 200 acres of new vineyards planted in 2005 with French planting material specifically designed for local climatic conditions. The “Osmar” Winery is specialized in the production of Pelin (wormwood) absinth wine, an aromatic wine featuring slightly herbal bittersweet flavour. The production of the Pelin wine began at the end of the 19th century by an unknown resident of Osmar. In 1994, the traditions in pelin making were revived by the Vichevs brothers and today the winery produces its best production. Besides wormwood, a set of other herbs and fruits are often added to fragrant Pelin wine such as yarrow, camomile, thyme, basil etc. In barrels from 1920 the red elixir with 34 herbs and the white laid pelin with 28 herbs are being taken care of. The recipe is the most strictly kept secret and only two persons in the winery know the composition and proportions. Besides white and red absinthe, “Osmar” Wine Cellar produces Chardonnay, Muscat, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Arinar Noal. "Osmar" Winery organizes tastings for tourist groups and individual travelers. The tour includes a brief history of the winery, acquaintance with traditions of pelin wine production, specifics of the different grape varieties and wine tasting. The winery is annually visited by 6,000 Bulgarian and foreign tourists. They are offered to taste four kinds of wines, traditional Bulgarian cheeses, handmade bread in the accompaniment of Bulgarian folk music. There is also a wine shop where the guests can purchase the products of the cellar at special prices. A luxury accommodation is offered to the guest at the Osmar residence.

1, Vasil Kolarov Str., Osmar village, municipality Veliki Preslav, Shumen Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 43°13'15"N 26°51'03"E

(+359) 54 890 101 (+359) 54 890 102 Wine tour: (+359) 889 237 098 (+359) 889 314 825

osmar@osmarpelin.com manager@osmarpelin.com http://www.osmarpelin.com/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

52

21. “Shumen” Winery Domaine Boyar

“Shumen” Winery is located in the northeastern part of Bulgaria. The region is characterized by a moderate continental climate and a favorable influence of the Black Sea - conditions which make "Shumen" a key winery for the production of white wines. Temperature and humidity in the region, together with soil characteristics, are particularly suitable for the cultivation of noble white varieties such as Chardonnay, Traminer, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc and the indigenous variety Dimiat as well as red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The winery is a successor of Shumen Vinprom created in 1948. Its white wines are the first in Bulgaria’s exports to Western Europe. The winery became part of "Domaine Boyar" in 1996 and since then it has been subject to a number of investment projects for its modernization which main goals were to improve the quality of the wines produced in it. In 2010 high-tech equipment for the production of sparkling wines was installed in the winery. Along with the innovative approach, there is also special consideration for preservation of the winery’s traditions for the following generations. The company exports wine to England, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and the eastern markets. “Shumen” Winery offers gourmet tastings. The cool cellar for aging wine is at the guests’ disposal. There is also a special room for tasting the wines with photos of the old cellar, the vineyards and vine - growing events showing the path of wine form the grapes to the glass. Professional guides detail the winery’s history, and serve the winery’s spectacular Chardonnay and champers (among others). Traditional Bulgarian cheeses are offered along with the selection of wines.

Shumen, Shumen Province, Bulgaria

(+359) 2 96 97 980 info@domaineboyar.com http://www.domaineboyar.com/wineries.php?l=e https://www.facebook.com/DomaineBoyar

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

53

22. “Varna” Wine Cellar

“Varna” Winery is located on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, between “Albena” and “Golden Sands” resorts. The winery is part of a wine tourism complex with wine tasting room, restaurant, motel and wine shop. “Varna” Winery has 500 ha own vineyards in the Black Sea region. White grape varieties are Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Traminer and the red varieties are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Viognier, to which they added some unusual grape varieties like Pignoletto and Gruner Veltliner. Cellar "Varna" is equipped with modern facilities to produce high quality wines. The technology is in line with the latest global trends, with emphasis on manual operations. In the process of processing the grapes and wine are handled carefully and friendly. For the first time in Bulgaria transfer pulps and wine is done by gravity, without the use of pumps. This method complements the friendly manual operations to produce unique wines. The winery offers three different wine tasting packages wich include thecellar seeing and production technology presentation by a technologist and tasting of 3 or 5 types of wine produced in the cellar together with a meal (Gold package). Nearby the winery are the Aladza Monastery, Palace of the Romanian Queen in Balchik, "Pobiti Kamani"or "Stone Forest", which are cylindrical stone columns, surrounded by a small sandy desert. They are made of limestone formations containing many fossils – nummulites, mussels, snails.

village of General Kantardzhievo, municipality Aksakovo, Varna Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 43°21'35''N 27°58'54''E Wine tasting and visits of the winery are available during workdays from 9.00 until 17.00 or upon reservation.

Tihomir Trifonov, technologist Tsanko Stanchev, oenologist (+359) 887 574 148 (+359) 882 434 345 (+359) 52 603 810 (+359) 52 712 123

sales@varnawinery.eu office@varnawinery.eu http://www.varnawinery.eu/en/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

54

23. Chateau Euxinograde

The Euxinograd Winery is located north of Varna and it is situated within the palace complex of Euxinograd. A former royal summer palace, the majestic Chateau Euxinograde was established in 1891 by Prince Battenberg, and then catered to the communist elite from 1944 to 1989. The 90-hectare Euxinograde complex includes a palace featuring elaborate period furnishings, botanical gardens with rare plants and a boutique winery specialising in Riesling, Traminer and a French-style brandy. The Euxinograde cellar takes up two underground floors. It preserves valuable 125-year-old French wines from the Liberation of Bulgaria. The priceless wine collections of Prince Ferdinand and Tsar Boris III, which includes a Chateau Margaux from 1904, are also kept here. The lovely Euxinograde Park is surrounded by spectacular vineyards. Historians say they were selected and brought here by King Ferdinand himself, who was an avid naturalist. Here in this park is grown one of the most beautiful and tasty grapes in the world. 11 ha of new vineyards were planted in 2005. The grape varieties are German Riesling, Traminer, Chardonnay, Vrachanski Misket and Red Misket. Today the winery produces around 55 000 bottles of wine, 10-15 000 bottles of rakiya and 3000 bottles of French-style brandy, Euxignac per year. The winery specializes in producing white wine varieties- Aligote, Traminer, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat. The wine produced in the palace nowadays is thought of as one of the best in Bulgaria and are world famous, too, especially the Chardonnay. One can taste 12 varieties of white wine and 7 of brandy.

Euxinograd, Varna, Varna Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 43°13'26"N 27°59'42"E Working Hours: Monday – Friday (09:00 - 18:00) Saturday - Sunday: (09:00 - 14:00)

(+359) 52 361 241 (+359) 52 393 165 (+359) 52 393 349 Wine cellar: (+359) 52 361 205 (+359) 52 393 135

e-grad_izba@au.bg euxinograde@government.bg http://euxinograde.bg/ https://www.facebook.com/Euxinograde?_rdr

24. “Old Varna” Museum and Wine Cellar

“Old Varna” Museum and Wine Cellar are located in Varna town, in the 112 years old house with an authentic atmosphere. A unique tour of “Old Varna” Museum offers the only permanent exhibition of old photographs of the city from 19th-20th cc. in Bulgaria. The visitors can see the "Map of the wine in Bulgaria", the only of its kind in Europe. It contains information about 182 Bulgarian wineries: description of tastes, colors and aromas of the best Bulgarian wines of each winery, conditions for wine tourism, agricultural area of vineyards, address and coordinates of all Bulgarian wine. Degustation of the best wines is available for domestic and foreign guests and tourists. The guests can try the wines from one of the wineries shown on the Map.

5, Tcar Kaloyan Str., Varna, Varna Province, Bulgaria

(+359) 52 654 065 Fax: (+359) 52 633 070

bars2000@mail.bg http://oldvarna.com/eng.html

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

55

25. Hotel-restaurant and wine cellar “White House”

Hotel-restaurant and wine cellar “White House” is located in Varna town. The hotel has 6 double rooms and one apartment. It is located in front of the unique Dolphinarium in the Balkan Peninsula offering wonderful sea views. Every room has an air-conditioner, satellite TV, internet, mini bar, WC and bathroom. Be sure to visit the restored restaurant. Excellent service, reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere and the wide choice of dishes and drinks are warranty for the good stay of every guest. The restaurant has its own unique wine cellar, built in 1906. There are over three hundred kinds of wine offered by the best winemakers.

108, Rupi Str., Varna, Varna Province, Bulgaria

(+359) 52 300 021 (+359) 894 737 017

white_house_@abv.bg www.white-house-varna.com http://www.programata.bg/?p=71&c=3&id=3356&l=2

26. “Salla Estate” Wine Cellar and Guest House

“Salla Estate” Winery was established in 2010. It is located in the village of Blaskovo, Municipality of Provadiya. The village finds itself in the heart of the famous Provadiya Plateau Sarta, only 60 km away from Varna. The grapes are grown on 30 ha of own vineyards situated next to the winery, on a southwest slope. The terrain is hilly and the area combines unique natural conditions - a combination of suitable soil, terrain and climate. The varieties planted there are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and the local Bulgarian Vratsa Muscat variety. Wine tasting and tour of the winery are available upon prior reservation. Besides new tasting room for 50 people, it has guest rooms and a dining area. In the mansion there is a hotel part consisting of 9 double rooms and one room with 5 beds. The rooms are furnished with massive timber furniture which brings coziness and comfort to the interior. They are equipped with an air conditioning, TV and internet. There is a steam room and right next to the house is located the cozy restaurant. In the mansion are bred elite Lipizzaner horses which can be ridden or the guests can go for a walk with a phaeton to the restored church school and church of village of Blaskovo, which are 150 years old. The naturally protected medieval fortress Muhaliysko Kale rises next to the village with the rock monastery dating back to the 12th – 14th centuries carved into its vertical walls as well as the Tapanite site inhabited since the Stone Age.

Village of Blaskovo 9240, municipality Provadia, Varna Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 43°07'18"N 27°19'45"E

Anelia Hristakieva, oenologist Stoyanka Peneva, viticulturist (+359) 879 833 366 (+359) 894 387 592 (+359) 52 611 420 (+359) 52 600 939

office@salla.bg salla@salla.bg www.salla.bg Facebook.com/SallaEstate

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

56

27. Chateau “Medovo”

Chateau “Medovo” is a new ethnographic tourist complex built in authentic Bulgarian style, which includes a boutique winery, chapel, small hotel area, outdoor and indoor restaurant and handicraft artisan shops. Completed in 2006, the Chateau spans 9,000 m2 and is located 7 km from Aheloy, 12 km west of Sunny Beach and 22 km north of Burgas, near the Black Sea coast and the mountain skirts of Stara Planina. The Chateau brings together elements of Bulgarian architectural design, authentic artisans and handicrafts, traditional cuisine, exclusive folklore spectacles, and excellent Bulgarian wine. Mineral spring water great for drinking and suitable for balneological spa procedures runs through the complex. Guest House Chateau Medovo provides accommodation in 6 apartments and 7 two-story family houses with total capacity of 40 beds. All units are air-conditioned and comprise a kitchen with a fridge, a living area with a sofa bed, a bathroom with a shower and a terrace. At Guest House Chateau Medovo guests can barbecue in a garden which also features a playground. The complex has a conference hall convenient for different trainings, seminars and presentations, equipped with all necessary 57ttractive and tehniques. Guests can park their cars free of charge, and sample wine in an on-site vinotheque. Chateau offers professional tasting of high-quality wines in a specially equipment tasting hall. Wine tasting packages include: Classic Wines – 20 lv; Premium Wines – 30 lv; Premium Spirits – 40 lv. There is also a factory’s shop with abundant assortment of wines and alcoholic beverages and the unique Handicrafts Street, where you will be submerged in the spirit of 18th century Bulgarian lifestyle. Hendicrafts Street has the following handicraft artisan shops: weaving, coppersmith, leather and fur, jewelry, pottery-ceramics and sweets shop. A restaurant with an open-air amphitheatrical terrace with 130 seats, as well as indoor hall with 43 seats, and a café, combining modern with authenic Bulgarian style, are provided as well.

Medovo village, Pomorie Municipality, Burgas Province, Bulgaria Central Office 3, Industrialna Str., Burgas, 8000, Bulgaria

Chateau “Medovo” (+359) 885 642 222 (+359) 884 060 107 Central Office (+359) 56 895 700 Fax: (+359) 56 895 713

medovo.ood@abv.bg wineryrubaiyat@gmail.com http://www.medovo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chateau-Medovo-Winery-and-Resort/323579045092 http://bgstay.com/en-o-19005-house_chateau_medovo

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

57

28. St. George the Victorious Monastery with brandy distillery (free tasting of the local brandy rakia and home-made wine)

Monastery Saint George the Victorious in Pomorie was founded in the 7th century by the Anchialo (Pomorie) Byzantine settlers. In the past, the site was most likely a Thracian sanctuary, as it is evidenced by the existing marble bas-relief of a Thracian rider. Like most of the old Bulgarian monasteries it was destroyed and burnt during the Ottoman rule. Since those days remained only a charred icon of St. George dating back to 1607. The current monastery was built in 1856, and in 1945 it was extended with construction of two lateral altars – one of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and the other – of the Holy martyrs Sofia, Vyara (Faith), Nadezhda (Hope), and Lyubov (Love). There are kept valuable icons from the 17th and 19th century. Nowadays the monastery St.Georgi is the only active male monastery in South-eastern Bulgaria. There are four monks living in the monastery. They produce rakiya and wine, which are believed to have curative effects. You can also drink or take with you in bottle water from a sacred spring located in the monastery’s tower. The monastery building is small and modest. The beautiful wall paintings and the wine and rakiya which are sold in the monastery make the place worth seeing. For accommodation options the abbot Jerotey has to be contacted. St. George Monastery Legend Near the end of 18th c. in Anchialo was settled the Turkish bey Salim, who had a big feudal mansion. The bey suffered from a painful incurable disease. One night his old farmhand Neno dreamed about a Holy Spring with miracle making water in the farm’s yard. At first, he didn’t give too much significance to his dream, until he started frequently seeing a unearthly beautiful young man, riding on a white horse – St. Great Martyr George who had instructed Neno to dig on a certain place in the yard where he would find a marble icon with St. George’s image. Troubled by the dream, he dig secretly and found the marble bas-relief icon of saint George and the sacred water spring. The pious Neno told Selim about his visions and the miraculous way he found the icon and the bey’s hope for healing had emerged. By Neno’s recommendation Selim bay called for the Bishop, who read a prayer and sprinkled him with the water from the holy spring. Cured and inspirited by the great miracle, he accepted Christianity and baptized himself with his whole family and built a small chapel dedicated to St. George. Later he accepted monkhood and become the first Abbot of the monastery.

Knyaz Boris I Str., Pomorie, Burgas province, Bulgaria

(+359) 59 632017 Abbot Jerotey

http://pomoriemonastery.org/ http://www.bulgariamonasteries.com/pomoriiski_manastir.html http://marlowimagefactory.wordpress.com/2014/09/15/post-56-the-pomorie-monastery-of-st-george-the-victorious-nr-borgas-bugaria/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

58

29. “Boiar” Winery, Hotel and Restaurant

“Boiar” winery is located near the town of Pomorie, on the main road Pomorie – Burgas, next to the beach. On this splendid Anhialo soil, now Pomorie, still continues an ancient tradition – the grape growing and production of high quality wines and rakia with which the area has been famous throughout its 25 century history. In 1922 Boychevi family begun the development of vineyards and established a small winery, which was nationalized in 1952. During 1998, the brothers Simeon and Dimitar Boychevi together with Argir Hristoforov, resumed the old family wine growing tradition by the development of 350 decares of vineyards situated in close proximity to their new winery Boiar which represents the Eastern wine-growing region. The vineyards are planted with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Viognier and Riesling. The winery is represented by the following brands: AMARELLE (natural cherry liqueur), ANHIALO (aged Muscat Brandy), ARISTOCRAT (quality wine brandy). The winery also produces dry red and white wines, divided into two memorable series- Terra Anhialo and Avludzena. In Boiar winery one can take a part in organized wine tours. The guests will be accompanied by oenologist who will present the winery, different varieties of wine and grape, the production area and the beautiful views of the vineyards and the Black Sea coast. The winery also has a hotel with a restaurant surrounded by a beautifyl garden. Tourist attractions near Boiar winery include: • Nessebar Old town, an UNESCO Heritage sight with charming

cobbled streets, many old orthodox churches (some of them part of Byzantine heritage, some from 10th-14th cc. AD), and beautiful old-fashioned fishing port.

• The Thracian Tomb in Pomorie from 4th c. AD. • The Monastery of St. George in Pomorie with its brandy

distillery and home-made wine. • The “Pomorie Lake” with salt museum. • Sunny beach- the most famous summer resort in Bulgaria- very

59ttractive from late spring, summer until early autumn. • Little cozy mountain villages of the area. • Burgas, the second largest city at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast,

with the island of St. Anastasia.

“Chaira” area (main road Pomorie –Burgas), municipality Pomorie, Burgas Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 42°33’41.2” N, 27°34’21.4” E Regular wine tasting and tour of the winery are available on weekdays from 08.00 to 17.00 and upon reservation.

Oenologist: Dimitar Boychev Viticulturist: Serafim Serafimov (+ 359) 887 370 686 (+ 359) 596 22 420 Fax: (+ 359) 596 225 83

boiar@abv.bg boyar@abv.bg www.boiar-bg.com http://vinarskaizba.com/eng/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

59

30. “Tohun” Winery

“Tohun” Wine cellar was built in Pomorie town in 2009 in accordance with the latest and modern technological principles of winemaking and with the current Bulgarian and European regulations relating to design and construction. Vine-growing and wine-trade in today’s Pomorie date back to antiquity, when wine was produced as early as 1st century BC. If we add to the traditions the exceptionally favourable natural conditions – sunshine and sea breeze, we will understand why Pomorie is one of the most interesting wine terroirs in Bulgaria. The winery has 700 acres of its own vineyards, which are located in the East – Black Sea region, adjacent to the winery. Temperate climate with typical currents of the sea and surrounding high atmospheric humidity during vine harvesting favors the cultivation of grapes. The vineyards are newly planted and the vines varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Semillon. “Tohun” winery is a modern cellar with classical underground-overground type for grape processing with capacity of 600 tons per year. The winery has a high-tech German and Italian equipment to produce small series of high quality wines. “Tohun” winery has three series of wines – SOROKO GREUS and TOHUN. Wine tasting and cellar visits can be arranged upon reservation.

47, “Knyaz Boris I” Str., “Kosharite” District, Pomorie, 8200, Bulgaria Coordinates: 42°33’22 N 27°38’31” E

Oenologist: Daniela Stamatova Viticulturist: Denish Sekulov (+359) 888 76 84 64 (+359) 888 20 25 66

office@tohun.bg dani.stamatova@mail.bg d.stamatova@tohun.bg www.tohun.bg https://www.facebook.com/TohunWine http://kata.bg/index.php/en/wine-catalog/wineries/196-tohun-winery-en

31. Lozina Estate and Wine Cellar

The winery owns 40 ha of vineyards located in the area of Aheloy. The vineyards are certified according to the requirements for organic agriculture. The following varieties are grown on the estate: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pamid and Muscat. Wine tasting and tours of the winery are available by appointment only.

24, Veliko Tarnovo Str., Pomorie, Bourgas Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 42°33’20’’N 27°38’37’’E

(+359) 887 455 808 (+359) 596 230 80 (+359) 596 245 82 (+359) 888 315 975

Ilievd2002@yahoo.com k_ralev@abv.bg https://www.facebook.com/lozinawine/timeline

32. Black Sea Gold

Located 20 km from Burgas, in the town of Pomorie, Black Sea Gold owns over 600 ha of vineyards with the following varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Ugni Blanc. Black Sea Gold production facilities are located at three sites: a wine cellar in the town of Pomorie with two plots, and a second winery in the village of Kableshkovo, close to Pomorie. The Pomorie winery is specialized in production of red wines and wine brandy, the Kableshkovo winery is producing exclusively white wines. Bottling facilities are in Pomorie only. Tastings are available regularly on weekdays from June to October and upon request.

Industrial Zone, Pomorie 8200, Burgas Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 42°33'53"N 27°37'32"E

Oenologists: Donka Tomova, Nedelcho Avtanski, Nadejda Dyulgerska (+359) 596 35 701 Wine Tour: (+359) 888 669 138

office@bsgold.bg www.bsgold.bg Facebook/BlackSeaGoldPomorie

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

60

33. Wine House Strandzha “Chateau Rossenovo” JSC.

The plant was set up in 1998 and lies near the little village of Rosenovo, Burgass region. "Chateau Rosenovo" owns about 300 ha of vineyards in the villages Rosenovo and Gabar, located at the foot of the Strandja Mountain. It is a well-known winegrowing region where such sorts as Cabernet, Merlot, Muscat Ottonel, Ugni Blanc, Rkatsiteli and others, are nursed. The winery has capacity of 1,450,000 liters of wine and has specialized in the production of quality red wines. The main types of wine used in the production include Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Chardonnay is also used but in smaller quantities. 100% of the crude processed by Stranja – Chateaux Rosenovo comes from the winery’s own vineyards. This is the only way to guarantee high-quality organically-grown products. Stranja – Chateaux Rosenovo wines have the state status of vintage wines of the declared geographical origin with the controlled origin name. Stranja – Chateaux Rosenovo A.D. presents such captivating collections as Vega, Bulgara, Muscat Wines and Xeng Xou. There is a tasting room and recreation area. Wine tasting is available by appointment.

Rosenovo village, 8318, Sredets Municipality, Bourgas Province, Bulgaria Coordinates: 42°17'29"N 27°13'42"E

(+359) 56 89 57 00 (+359) 55 51 69 11 Fax: (+359) 56 89 57 13

strandja@mail.bg rossenovo@digicom.bg www.rossenovo.bg http://kata.bg/index.php/en/wine-catalog/wineries/79-izba/206-chateau-rossenovo-en http://www.luding.ru/en/suppliers/bulgaria/stranja_chateaux_rosenovo/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

61

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

62

Georgia

Georgia is probably the oldest wine producing region of the world. The fertile valleys of the South Caucasus, which Georgia straddles, are believed by many archaeologists to be the source of the world's first cultivated grapevines and neolithic wine production, over 8,000 years ago. From 4000 BC inhabitants of the current Georgia were already cultivating grapes and burying clay vessels - qvevris, in which they stored the wine. The records of the ancient traditions of vine growing and high quality wine in Georgia (or Colchis and Iberia, as it was known in ancient times) can be found in the works of Homer and Apollonius of Rhodes. Up to 500 indigenous grape varieties out of world-known 2,000 grape species are Georgian and still cultivated here. Winemaking remained the basis of the Georgian economy for centuries. The history, culture and lifestyle of the Georgian nation are embodied in the Georgian wine. Wine is part of Georgian heritage including architecture, poetry, and songs, and is associated with celebrations, holidays, rituals and most importantly with Georgia's religion the Christian Orthodox Church. Through the long history of the Georgian nation, the vine has gained iconic significance in Georgia. It is a symbol of regeneration, of wealth and plenty and the foundation of Georgian hospitality, friendship, tolerance and longevity.

Georgia is the only country in the world where winemaking methods that were developed up to 8,000 years ago have not only ever been abandoned, but remain in many ways best practice. Georgia’s winemakers are the guardians of wines oldest traditions, and they are happy that this is now both recognised and respected. Traditionally, the wine is fermented and stored in the buried, wax-lined clay jars the Georgians call qvevri. Both red and white wines can be made in these pitchers. The main distinctive feature of Georgian winemaking is that the fermentation of grape must occur together with the stems and skins, which gives the wine the extract quality, specific fruit aroma, harmonious taste and attractive coloring. During the preparation of wine, pomace and stems together are placed into a qvevri for a slow fermentation. During this time, the pomace is stirred several times a day. At the end of fermentation, qvevris are filled to the top with boiling grape juice, then covered with a wooden lid and finally covered with earth. The product is sealed in hermetically closed pitchers for several months. In some cases qvevris are buried in earth for over 50 years. After self-clarification wine is taken from pomace. UNESCO added the ancient traditional Georgian winemaking method using the qvevri clay jars to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. There are some other types of vessels used for wine storing such as barrels, wineskins whereas jugs, azarpesha (bowl), bowls, chalices, cups and kula are used for wine drinking. For centuries Georgians used to drink wine in special drinking vessels prepared from horns ("Kantsi") of domestic animals and specially elaborated leather. Vessels were fabricated after cleaning, boiling and polishing horns. This tradition of drinking wine is still preserved in some regions of Georgia.

Georgia ranked 2nd (in terms of volume) in grape production in the former Soviet Union behind Moldova, and Georgian wines have always been the most highly prized and sought after in the Soviet space. Presently, the wine is produced by thousands of small farmers (using primarily

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

63

traditional techniques of wine-making), as well as modern wineries, such as Teliani Valley,Gevelli, Telavis Marani, Tbilvino, Kindzmarauli Marani, Badagoni and Mukhrani. Traditional Georgian grape varieties are little known in the West. Although there are nearly 400 to choose from, only 38 varieties are officially grown for commercial viticulture.

There are six main grape growing zones in Georgia:

• Black Sea Coastal Zone (Adjara, Guria, Samegrelo, Abkhazia) • Racha-Lechkhumi, • Imereti,

• Meskheti, • Kartli, • Kakheti.

The best-known region of Georgia where wine is produced is Kakheti, which is further divided into micro-regions of Telavi and Kvareli.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

64

The list of wineries in Georgia, as published in the Georgian Wine Guide 2012:

Nr. Name Contact 01. Alaverdi Monastery Wine Cellar www.since1011.com 02. Alaverdi Ltd. www.alaverdi.ge 03. Aleksandreuli www.aleksandreuli.ge 04. Amiran Vepkhvadze's Wine Cellar * Amiran Vepkhvadze: village of Kldeeti near Zestaponi, Imereti. Tel. +995 591 643654 05. Askaneli Brothers www.askaneli.com 06. Badagoni www.badagoni.ge 07. Bagratoni 1882 www.bagrationi.ge; http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/bagrationi1882.php 08. Besini * Besini: info@besiniwine.ge 09. Chandari Winery * Chandari: 41 Rustaveli St. Chadari near Gurjaani, Kakheti. Tel. +995 353 22252 10. Château Mukhrani www.mukhrani.com 11. Château Telavi www.chateautelavi.com 12. Chelti * Chelti: village of Shilda near Kvareli, Tel. 995 577 444455 13. Chveni Ghvino - Our Wine Ltd * Chveni Ghvino: village of Bakurtsikhe, Kakheti. solomonoza@yahoo.de (Solomon Tsaishvili) 14. Darchiashvili's Organic Wine Cellar www.dbw.ge 15. Dergi www.dergi-vino.com 16. Dugladzeebi Wine Company Ltd * Dugladzeebi: 8 Akhvlediani St. Tbilisi 0109, dwc@internet.ge 17. Elizbar Talakvadze & Sons Ltd www.vino.ge 18. Eniseli-Bagrationi www.eniselibagrationi.ge 19. Eniseli Wines www.eniseliwines.ge 20. Gaioz Sopromadze's Wine Cellar * Gaioz Sopromadze: 8 Rustaveli St. III, Baghdati. Tel. +995 595786131 21. Georgian Legend Ltd * Georgian Legend: Giorgi Tevzadze, Bashaleishvili St. #4 (office #20), 0179 Tbilisi, ggtevzadze@gmail.com 22. Georgian Wine Corporation www.cgw.ge 23. Georgian Wine House www.georgianwine.ge 24. Gold Group Ltd www.okrogvino.com 25. Gurjaani Wine House www.winhousegurjaani.ge 26. GWS * GWS: gws@gws.com.ge 27. Iago's Wine * Iago's: village of Chardakhi near Mtskheta, Kartli. chardakhi@gmail.com 28. Iberieli Ltd www.iberieli.ge 29. Imeretian Wine Company www.iwc.ge 30. Jakeli Family Organic Vineyards and Wines Ltd www.jakeli-wines.ge 31. Kachreti Professional Training Centre www.kachreti.vet.ge 32. Kakha Berishvili's 'Artan' Wine Cellar * Kakha Berishvili: village of Artana near Telavi, Tel. +995 551 607608 33. Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking www.ktw.ge 34. Kakhuri Ltd www.kakhuri.com 35. Khareba Winery www.winerykhareba.com 36. Kindzmarauli Corporation www.kindzmarauli.ge

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

65

37. Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar Ltc www.kmwine.ge 38. Kote Makhatelashvili's Wine Cellar * Kote Makhatelashvili: Davitashvili St. Telavi, Kakheti. Tel. +995 599 571857 39. Lukasi * Lukasi: 118 Paliashvili, Tbilisi. tmtint@hotmail.com 40. Manavi Royal Vineyards - Independent Wine-

Maker * Manavi Royal Vineyards: village of Manavi near Sagarejo, Kakheti. nikiantadze@gmail.com (Nikoloz Antadze)

41. Manavi Wine Cellar www.manaviwinecellar.ge 42. The 'Nika' Wine Cellar * Nika: village of Anaga near Sighnaghi, Kakheti. nika.bakhia@googlemail.com 43. Nikoladze Wine Cellar Ltd * Nikoladze: village of Nakhshirghele near Terjola. georgianslowfood@yahoo.com (Ramaz Nikoladze) 44. Nikolashvili's Organic Products www.biowine.ge 45. Nunu Kardenakhlishvili's Wine Cellar * Nunu Kardenkhlishvili: village of Velistikhe near Gurjaani, Kakheti. Tel. +995 599 561031 46. The 'Old Wine Cellar' * Old Wine Cellar: village of Kondoli near Telavi, Kakheti. Tel. +995 595 364114 (Sandro Megutnishvili) 47. Pheasant's Tears www.pheasantstears.com 48. Rachuli Wine Ltd www.ratchuliwine.ge 49. Sarajishvili www.sarajishvili.ge 50. Schuchmann Wines Georgia Ltd www.schuchmann-wines.com 51. Shumi www.shumi.ge 52. Simonas Zaodi (Simon Ruadze's wine cellar) * Simon Ruadze / Simonas Zaodi: village of Chumlaki near Gurjaani. Tel. +995 599 235355 53. Tbilvino www.tbilvino.ge 54. Telavi Wine Cellar www.marani.co (Telavi Wine Cellar) 55. Teliani Valley www.telianivalley.com 56. Temur Sharashidze's Wine Cellar * Temur Sharashidze: village of Bukistsikke near Chokhatauri, Guria. Tel. +995 599 538696 57. Tibanelli www.tibaneli.com 58. Tiflisi Marani (Tbilisi Wine Cellar) www.tmarani.ge 59. Tsikhelashvili Wine Cellar * Tsikhelashvili: village of Napareuli, Kakheti. Tel. +995 595 907959 60. 'The Twins' Old Wine Cellar' Ltd www.cellar.ge 61. Usakhelauri Vineyards Ltd www.usakhelauri.ge 62. Vaja Getiashvili's Wine Cellar - Independent Wine-

Maker * Vaja Getiashvili: village of Kachreti near Gurjaani, Kakheti. getiashvili@yahoo.com

63. Vazi+ www.binekhi.ge (Vazi+) 64. Wineman Ltd www.wineman.ge

Most wineries marked with “*” are smaller ones, many in Kakheti, producing qvevri wines, but not all of them. The wineries marked in red are presented in the list below, as well as qvevri makers and some newly discovered wineries, out of which the majority are small, independent producers from other Georgian provinces besides Kakheti:

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

66

WINERIES –GEORGIA Nr. Name/Type/Contact Description Location/Address Telephone Email/Skype

Website/Facebook Black Sea Coast-Adjara

Viticulture and enology have been well developed in Adjara since ancient times. The region played a significant role in the creation of vineyards. In the area of only 29,000 km2 more than 80 varieties of local grapes have been registered and over 40 cultural vine species have been created and approved. At present, about 50 indigenous and introduced species are cultivated (http://gobatumi.com/en/feelit/tourism-resorts/wine-tourism/vine-in-ajara). Adjara produces famous wines such as “Kedis Tsolikauri” and “Chkhaveri”, which are very popular among Georgian and foreign consumers. The total area of vineyards in Adjara is 180 ha, including 70% of Tsolikauri, 8% of Chkhaveri, and 22% of other varieties. Keda district, situated in Acharistskali Gorge is considered to be the historical center of winemaking in Adjara. The district is distinguished by beautiful nature and many historical places.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

67

01. “Adjarian Wine House”

“Adjarian Wine House” is located in the village of Adjaristskali, Khelvachauri Municipality, on the main road linking Khelvachauri to Keda, 15 minutes’ drive from Batumi. It’s a small chateau type winery established in 2010. The winery was built on the ruins of a historical winery from 18th century. Among other types of wine, the winery produces “Chkhaveri” – Joseph Stalin’s favorite wine. Production of wine is limited to 8,000 bottles per year. Guests are welcomed by a guide, who first takes them on a tour of the vineyards before inviting them to witness the process of making of wine and to taste various wines. The multifunctional building accommodates a marani (wine cellar), degustation rooms, a restaurant and a wine shop. The degustation room located at the ground floor is designed in oriental style and decorated with traditional Georgian elements. The same floor accommodates wine collection and storage, where wine is stored in oak barrels. Here the visitors can see approximately 200-year old satsnakheli (grape squeezer). The modern style degustation room located on the upper floor can host about 50 visitors. Between these two floors is a restaurant, where one can taste ancient traditional Adjarian dishes together with general Georgian menu in interesting, cozy interior. An open wine cellar with ethnographic details, trout pool and demonstration vineyard are built in the yard. In Acharian Wine House the wine is fermented the European way. Recently, the company started producing the qvevri (clay jar) wine, but it has not been bottled yet. “Adjarian Wine House” makes pink Chkhaveri and Tsolikouri as well as wine made in qvevri. Here you can also enjoy Chacha (alcohol drink) distilled on the spot and buy ceramics and other souvenirs. Available wines: Porto Franco-Chkhaveri, pink, dry; Tsolikauri

Adjaristskali, 6042 Khelvachauri Municipality, Adjara Province, Georgia

“Acharian Wine house 1” Ltd. (+995) 577 21 40 02 (+995) 790 11 55 00 (+995) 593 47 65 69 (+995) 577 21 40 21

info@awh.ge www.awh.ge http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/adjarianwinehouse.php http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/ http://welcomebatumi.com/index.php?rf=text2&m1=9&m2=41&type=4&tid=139&lang=en&PHPSESSID=9a9f1a31b3ab950e230c8d0a7f158d9e#.VLLiQXum3h4 http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/adjara/khelvachauri/adjarian-wine-house.html

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

68

02. Shervashidze Family Wine House-Marani

Shervashidze Family Wine House is located in the village of Pirveli Maisi (also known as Saghoreti), in Keda Municipality, 35 km away from Batumi and 1.8 km from the central road. It is a family marani, with traditional Acharian wines- Chkhaveri and Tsolikauri, as well as Ojaleshi. The cellar is housed on the ground floor of the house built in 1914 in traditional Georgian style and is decorated with ethnographic elements – old fireplace and tasting area. Wine is kept in oak barrels, although the cellar has qvevris. The vineyards cover slopes over a marvelous area in front of the house. Tourists can visit the vineyards and a typical marani (wine cellar) of Adjarian village; see the special ware used for storing wine: qvevris (clay jars), wooden barrels, botsas (special wine-storing glass ware); as well the traditional grape-processing device – satsnakheli (grape squeezer). At the same time, the visitors can degustate the wine, listen to Georgian folk music, taste Georgian traditional dishes. The cellar can host up to 20 persons. Available services: • Visit to satsnakheli (grape squeezer), • Accommodation of tourists, • Degustation of wine, • Taste Georgian cuisine, • Purchase wine, • Listen to the samples of Georgian folk songs.

Pirveli Maisi village, Keda Municipality, 6105, Adjara Province, Georgia

Nodar Shervashidze (+995) 593 07 00 88 (+995) 599 15 51 25

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/adjara/keda/nodar-shervashidze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/

03. Lado Shavishvili’s Winary and Guesthouse

Lado Shavishvili’s Family Wine House (Marani) and Guesthouse, is located in one of the most beautiful villages of Adjaristskali valley – Vaio village, 45 km from Batumi and 2 km from the main road. There is a family winery, known for producing local wines, with degustation room which can host 10 visitors simultaneously. The cellar is housed on the ground floor of the house with a large garden and well-groomed vineyards and orchards. The tasting room is in two sections. To the left is a small bar for tasting and purchasing wines. To the right of the tasting area there is a room decorated with Georgian crafts, particularly wine bottles and clay wine drinking vessels. This second room also serves as an area for a traditional Georgian supra. Currently Lado produces 3,000 liters of wine (4,000 bottles). Here you can taste 4 wine varieties: Saperavi, Chkhaveri, Tsolikauri and Aladasturi. In addition, the family has its own farm and offers natural local products to tourists. The host can organize fishing, hunting and travelling tours.

Vaio village, Keda Municipality, 6102, Adjara Province, Georgia

Lado Shavishvili (+995) 599 78 36 59

natgio@rambler.ru http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/ladoshavishvili.php http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/ http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/adjara/keda/lado-shavishili%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

69

04. Makho Wine House (Marani)

Makho Wine House is located in the village of Vaio, on the elevated hill, overlooking the picturesque villages of the valley. The visitors can taste wine made in the Gorgiladze family accompanied with delicious, ecological fruits and vegetables and various Adjarian dishes in the cellar decorated with traditional ornaments. The tour includes wine tasting, visiting of the cellar and vineyard, observing the process of wine making, etc. Makho Wine House produces wine from the Tsolikouri, Chkhaveri and Aladasturi varieties of grape. Services: • Wine tasting, • Winepress, • Wine sale, • Accommodation, • Georgian Cuisine, • Georgian Folklore. Languages: Georgian, Russian

Vaio village, Keda Municipality, 610 , Adjara Province, Georgia

Malkhaz Gorgiladze (+995) 591 98 06 58 (+995) 593 35 62 32

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/adjara/keda/malkhaz-gorgiladze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/

05. Nuri Sirabidze’s Winery and Guesthouse

Nuri Sirabidze’s wine cellar is located in the village of Gegelidzeebi, 49 km away from Batumi. The wine house produces Tsolikauri wine and offers accommodation. The principal advantage of the cellar is marvelous vineyard on the slope, and the way to the cellar, which passes vine gallery, among the lines of Tsolikouri running on Olikhnari (vines trained to grow up trees). Tourists can visit typical marani (wine cellar) of Adjarian village; see the special ware used for storing wine: qvevris (clay jars), wooden barrels, botsas (special wine-storing glass ware); as well the traditional grape-processing device – satsnakheli (grape squeezer). At the same time, the visitors can degustate wine, listen to Georgian folk music, taste Adjarian dishes, as well as local dairy products, fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Wine variety: Tsolikauri Languages: Georgian, Russian

Gegelidzeebi village, Keda Municipality, 6106, Adjara Province, Georgia

Fridon Sirabidze (+995) 593 51 91 28 (+995) 790 51 31 91 (+995) 591 98 82 55

http://ecomap.gobatumi.com/

Black Sea Coast-Guria

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

70

Wine production in Guria is being developed in the following places: Likhauri, Shemokmedi, Bakhvi, Askana, Chokhtauri, Erketi, Bukistsikhe, Sakvavitske, Sachamiaseri, Partskhma, Aketi, Mamati, Atsana (qvevri making), Chochkhati and Shroma (first map). LSP are located in the villages of Bukistsikhe and Sakvavitske (second map). Qvevri production in Guria: Contemporary qvevri are made in the region of Guria, namely in the village of Atsana. Many craftsmen throughout Georgia specialize in the creation of qvevris, each of whom has their own distinct style and technique.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

71

06. “Iberieli” (Zurab

Topuridze) Wine Cellar

“Iberieli” (or Zurab Topuridze’s Wine Cellar) is located in Guria Province, in the village of Sakvavistke near Dablatsikhe. Zurab, the owner and winemaker, has 12 ha of vineyards and produces 3,000 liters of wine (5,000 bottles) which he exports to Japan, France and Italy. The primary focus of Zurab is on the grape variety Chkhaveri. The name “Iberieli” has been selected by Zurab’s family children. It denotes origin of ancient people/ethnic group in Caucasus, who had an experience of winemaking during several thousands of years. The cellar is housed in the redbrick building with a tiled roof that is composed of several parts: the main part contains thirteen qvevris, cellar, stainless steel tanks and a wine shop, whereas the smaller half contains seven small qvevris. Here is a tasting corner as well. Outside of the winery, the area is filled with seating areas and numerous qvevris of all sizes. Chkhaveri vines cover the terraces planted in the yard. There are also 11 other grape varieties in the vineyard. Zurab Topuridze’s wine cellar makes amber-colored and pink Chkhaveri wine, as well as the wine through blending of Chkhaveri and the rare Skhilatubani varieties of grape. Zurab makes the wine from Tsolikouri variety of grape as well. He also produces an intense Chacha with a very high alcohol of over 60 %. Languages: Georgian, Russian, English

Sakvavistke village, Chokhatauri, 4907, Guria Province, Georgia

(+995) 599 58 46 24

zurab@iberieli.com http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/zurabtopuridze.php https://www.facebook.com/iberieliwinerypage http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/guria/zurab-topuridze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html#programme

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

72

07. Village House “Chabela” and Marani

Teimuraz Sharashidze’s family-run wine cellar and guesthouse is located in the village of Bukistsikhe, 6 km away from the town of Chokhatauri. The house has four bedrooms, a large dining-room, balconies, and two shared bathrooms. There is a yard with flowers, fruits, grapes and a vegetable garden. The owner has set up an ethnographic corner depicting the local life with the tone (bread-baking oven), and Marani (wine cellar) in the yard. The wine cellar is built in a traditional-style and decorated with ethnographic elements and various tools. Here is the tasting corner as well. The qvevris are located in an open-air wine cellar. Teimuraz Sharashidze has also grown a splendid Olikhnari vineyard (a vineyard in which the vines are trained to grow up long vertical poles) of Chkhaveri, Jani, Tsolikouri, Skhilatubani and Ojaleshi grapes. Teimuraz Sharashidze makes two types of Chkhaveri wine – white and rose. He also makes honey vodka. Village House “Chabela” is conveniently located near the high mountain resort of Bakhmaro (2050 meters above sea level) and the Black Sea shore resorts. The hostess also owns a cottage at Bakhmaro resort, which is 58 km from their village. Tours with horses in Bakhmaro are available as well.

Bukistsikhe Village, Chokhatauri Municipality, 4901, Guria Region, Georgia

Temur Sharashidze (+995) 491 53 86 96 (+995) 599 53 86 96 Chabuka Sharashidze (+995) 593 33 81 00 Keti Sikharulidze-Sharashenidze (+995) 593 33 13 74

chabuka.sharashidze92@mail.ru beaka_sharashidze@mail.ru keti1777@mail.ru keti1771@mail.ru http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/guria/teimuraz-sharashidze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html http://www.new.ruraltourism.ge/rural-tourism/index.php?action=accomodation&ID=14&lang=eng

Black Sea Coast-Samegrelo- Zemo Svaneti

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

73

Winegrowing centers of Samegrelo include the following villages: Chkhoria, Chkaduashi, Rukhi, Kortskheli, Odishi, Kulishkari, Medani, Mukhuri,Letsurtsume, Kirtskhi, Kurzu, Chogha, Taleri, Tsachkhuri, Salkhino, Didi Tchkoni, Akhuti, Gurdzemi, Tamakoni, Potskho, Targameuli, Nakhunavo, Inchkhuri, Martvili, Sergieti, Abedati, Ushapati, Betlemi, Jikha, Bandza, Gejeti, Tskemi and Dzveli Senaki. Major grapes of Samegrelo are Tsolikouri and Ojaleshi.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

74

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

75

08. Dadiani Old Cellar

Dadiani Old Cellar is located within Dadiani summer residence in the village of Salkhino in the Samegrelo Province. The House of Dadiani was a Georgian family of nobles, dukes and princes, and a ruling dynasty of the western Georgian province of Samegrelo. A visit to Dadianis’ Wine Cellar provides visitors with an opportunity to see a 17th century renovated chateau and the St. Mary church which were destroyed during Soviet times. Salkhino Palace, also known as the Kvevri Palace, was constructed, on a site originally occupied by a modest royal residence during the reign of Levan V Dadiani (r. 1804-1840). Currently the Salkhino Monastery operates the Dadiani Old Cellar. The vineyards are on the property and consist of 30 hectares of Ojaleshi grapevines. The Ojaleshi grape is very dependent on this area and will not grow elsewhere. The winery has five wood presses, each made from a single tree trunk. The winemaker at Dadiani Wine Cellar is Father Illia. Currently the wine is not sold but as the vineyards mature, Dadiani Old Cellar wines will become available commercially.

Salkhino village, Samegrelo Province, Georgia

Gio Sikharulidze Father Illia

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/dadiani.php https://bujiashvilitinatin.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/dadiani-summer-residence-in-salkhino-salkhino-church/ http://dadiani.si.edu/otherpalaces.html

09. Zaza Gagua Wine Cellar

The Nika Parcuanias Marani at Zaza Gagua is located in the town of Tamakoni in the Samegrelo region of Georgia. Nika is specializing in the Ojaleshi grape variety, one of the oldest grape varieties in the region. The Ojaleshi grapes are typically harvested in December when the grapes are at 25 to 26 degrees Brix. Although Ojaleshi ripens late, the wine produced is dry. Currently Nika has small plantings of grapes and plans to add more grapevines of different varieties. The winery/marani building was constructed in 2012. Nika is producing 600 liters (1,500-2,000 bottles) of Ojaleshi wine for his family. He produces wine in carboys but plans to begin using qvevris.

Tamakoni village, Samegrelo Province, Georgia

Nika Parcuanias http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/nikaparcuanias.php

Racha

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

76

Racha-Lechkhumi is one of Georgia’s smallest wine regions, wedged between Imreti to the south and the Greater Caucasus mountains to the north. But despite its diminutive size, it remains one of the most important wine regions in the country. The regional capital in both administrative and viticultural terms is Ambroulari, which, from the prespective of viticulture, is followed closely by Tsageri. The white wines are based on the Tetra, Tsitska and Tsolikouri (Bazaleturi), and the reds are based on Alexandrouli, Mujuretuli (Keduretuli), Usakhelauri, Orbeluri Odzhaleshi and Saperavi. One of several microregions in Racha-Lechkhumi, Khvanchakara is particularly famous for its semi-sweet Khvanchakara wines, which are based on Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. These raspberry-scented reds have been produced since the beginning of the 20th c.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

77

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

78

10. AleksandreuliLtd.

Aleksandreuli Ltd winery is located in Western Georgia in Bugeuli village, Racha. Built in 2009 the winery uses the latest technology and equipment, and processes 50 tons of grapes a year. The winery focuses on the Aleksandreuli grape variety, but also has several other varieties. Aleksandreuli has its own vineyards (60 ha) which are home to Aleksandreuli, and Mujuretuli. These grapes are the basis for the famous Kvanchkara wine. The wine of Khvanchkara for the first time was produced by the Georgian Prince Kipiani in the 70s of the 19th c. and it was called “Kipiani s wine”. Currently the winery uses 150,000 tons of grapes and produces 150,000 bottles of wine. Wine is exported to Ukraine and Poland.

Bugeuli village, Racha Province, 0400, Georgia

(+995) 32 220 7324 www.aleksandreuli.ge http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/aleksandreuli.php http://www.gotocaucasus.com/Khvanchkhara/Khvanckhara.html

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

79

11. Wine Cellar Khvanchkara Premium

Ambrolauri wine cellar “Khvanchkara Premium” is located in Ambrolauri city center. It is equipped with modern facilities for winemaking, filtration and storage. This wine cellar exists since 1934. It has its own vineyards (30 ha) in various rural areas, where Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli and Tsulukidze White are mainly grown. The guests can visit the wine cellar and take part in wine-tasting. The tasting package consists of 3 types of wine.

17, M. Kostava Str., 0400 Ambrolauri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+ 995) 551 26 7722 khvanchkara.premium@gmail.com http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/ambrolauri/wine-cellar-khvanchkara-premium.html#programme

12. Wine Cellar Khvanchkara

This wine cellar is located in Racha, in the administrative zone of Ambrolauri, on the right bank of the Rioni River, in the basin protected with high ridges. This is the oldest factory in Racha and operates from 1927. The wine is stored in huge barrels in the basement. The wine cellar is very interesting to visit, despite the fact that its tourist infrastructure is not completed yet. The tourists are very fond of the vineyards planted on the slopes and grape seedling nursery produced here. The winery accepts a limited amount of guests – composition of the group should not exceed 20 people. During the grape vintage seasons, the guests can participate in the grape harvest. While visiting the winery, the guests can listen to the brief history of each wine and taste 2 types of wine – Khvanchkara and Aleksandrouli.

Khvanchkara village, 0420 Ambrolauri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+ 995) 577 41 1210 (+995) 32 214 24 74 (+995) 32 225 35 75

khvanchkaraold@gmail.com http://www.khvanchkara.net/ http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/ambrolauri/wine-cellar-khvanchkara.html

13. Tvaradze’s Wine Cellar

Tvaradze’s family-run traditional wine cellar is located in the village of Chkhuteli, in the mountainous area, at the beginning of Tsageri Pass. It was built in the 1930s by the current owner’s grandfather. Today his descendants – grandfather, son and grandson – are running the family business together. They produce approximately 2 tons of wine: red Ojaleshi and white Tsolikouri. Wine in the wine cellar is mainly stored in oak barrels. Old wooden winepress stands in the wine cellar able to store up to 1 ton of wine. Despite the fact, that the infrastructure of the cellar is still to be completed, it is completely ready for hosting the guests – wine tasting and having dinner. They cook traditional dishes: Khachapuri of Tone, Lobiani, barbeque and others, make their own Sulguni (pickled cheese), Churchkhela (walnut roll) and boil jams. Guests can take part in the above processes. Number of visitors: up to 20.

Chkhuteli village, 5112 Tsageri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+ 995) 551 42 1472

ototvaradze@yahoo.com http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/cageri/tvaradze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html#programme

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

80

14. Gogi Margvelidze’s Wine Cellar

Gogi Margvelidze’s family-run wine cellar is located in the center of the village of Sadmeli. The wine cellar and the house, built by the great-grandfather of the owner, have very interesting ethnographic value. The wine cellar is surrounded by its own vineyards – mostly Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli Tsulukidze Tetra, Mtsvane varieties of grape – over the area of 1 ha. Wines are stored only in Churi in the wine cellar and they are not bottled. Notwithstanding the fact, that the tourist infrastructure is still to be completed, ethnographic elements of the wine cellar and old winepresses provide the sense of a village of previous centuries. Traditional Rachian Tone oven and cuisine is active – bread, Lobiani, Rachuli Khachapuri are baked, traditional Rachuli ham is made. The family has experience of tourist hosting since 1960s. The owner renovated the wine cellar and was added to the wine route in 2011.

Sadmeli village, Ambrolauri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+995) 551 22 16 45

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/ambrolauri/gogi-margvelidze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html#programme

15. Giorbelidze’s Wine Cellar

Wooden wine cellar of the brothers Giorbelidze is located in the village of Okureshi, the homeland of Usakhelauri variety of grape. Their grandfather built this wine cellar in 1899. Later, their father renovated and added the stone part to it. Since that time, their grandfather and father used to produce Usakhelauri and other wines in qvevri for their family. The brothers took up this business in 2001 and started to sale Usakhelauri variety of grape, as well as production of wine. They have their own vineyards and nurseries. The main grape varieties here are Usakhelauri – 12,800 vines, Ojaleshi – 500 vines, and the rest – Tsolikauri, Dzelshavi, Mtsvane – 800 vines. The wine cellar is included in the tourist wine route. They serve the tourists since 2010. Mostly they host the small groups of 2-15 people. Organization of dinners is available for small groups. Together with wine and Chacha (vodka) guests are offered the local dishes: Khachapuri, chicken and meat dishes, pkhali, vegetable dishes.

Okureshi village, 5108 Tsageri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+995) 595 49 78 79 (+995) 595 46 65 00

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/cageri/giorbelidze%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html

16. Elguja’s Wine Cellar

Elguja Bendeliani’s family-run wine cellar was built in the 1950s. The host produces two types of wine, Rkatsiteli and Ojaleshi in glass vessels. Elguja’s wine cellar is a vivid place in Tsageri and is well-known for its unique exhibition “Famous Lechkhumi Inhabitants”. The host runs the wine cellar and makes wine as a hobby. The wine cellar can be considered as a museum-type institution, as a visitor will be able to get familiar with the historical details of Lechkhumi.

28, Kostava Str., 5100 Tsageri, Racha Province, Georgia

(+995) 595 38 92 11

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/racha-lechkhumi-zemo-svaneti/cageri/elgujas-wine-cellar.html

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

81

Imereti

The roots of Imereti viniculture tradition can be traced back to the times of the legendary Kolkhida. The region has its own unique technology of wine-producing. Imereti is known for wines such as Gelati (white), Argveti (port), Tsitska (white) and other less known wines. Krakhuna is considered to be the most “Imeretian” wine. Generally, Imereti wines are not as strong as wines in Kakheti and tend to be less sweet. It is difficult to find Imereti wines since they are rarely sold. Qvevri production in Imereti: Today, most qvevri craftsmen work in Imereti. These qvevri are known for their high quality and as such are exported to other regions of Georgia such as Racha, Ksani Gorge and Kartli.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

82

17. Archil Guniava’s

Winery

Archil Guniava Wine Cellar is a small Georgian family winery in Kvaliti village, Imereti. The family has its own winery and grows very rare Imeretian vine varieties. Archil has half a hectare of vineyards. There are plantings of the white grapes Krakhuna, Tsitska, Tsolikouri and the black grape Otskhanuri Sapere that uses high trellising. The marani (wine cellar) is located in the yard outside of Archil’s family home where he produces qvevri wines. There are several qvevri of different sizes buried under the dirt floor in the room. Archil Guniava produces two wines: a white wine is a blend of varieties including Tsolikouri, Krakhuna and Tsitska; a black wine using Otskhanuri Sapere grapes is blended with a white wine made from Tsolikouri grapes. Archil Guniava produces about 1,100 bottles of wine and exports to Poland, Japan, and Italy. The visitors are offered to enjoy traditional Imeretian cuisine, taste wine, as well as participate in harvesting and wine production process. Accommodation consists of 3 guest rooms for 4-5 persons.

Kvaliti Village, Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti Province, Georgia

Archil Guniava (+995) 599 53 42 95

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/archilguniava.php

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

83

18. Gaioz Sopromadze’s Wine Cellar

Gaioz Sopromadze Wine Cellar is a small family winery located in the town of Baghdati in the Imereti viticulture region. Gaioz is the fourth generation of winemakers in Sopromadze family. There is an onsite vineyard with 1,000 grapevines. The grape varieties include Tsolikouri and Chkhaveri. The tasting area is in a cellar. While small, it offers a quaint and rustic style. Qvevri are buried in the ground outside a building used to make and age wine. Gaioz started bottling wine in 2009. Despite the small production, Gaioz exports wines to Japan, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. Wines: Tsolikouri, Chkhaveri and Dzelshavi. When p84lanning to visit Gaioz Sopromadze’s Wine Cellar be sure to contact Gaioz in advance.

8 Rustaveli St. III Baghdati, Imereti Province, Georgia

(+995) 595 78 61 31 http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/gaiozsopromadze.php

19. Ramaz Nikoladze’s Wine Cellar

Ramaz Nikoladze’s Wine Cellar is a small family winery located near the city of Kutaisi. Ramaz Nikoladze follows the tradition of organic wine-making and only uses external preparations to treat his vines. Currently Ramaz has 0.3 hectares of grapes that include Tsitska and Tsolikouri. These vines are between 27 and over 100 years old. During the winemaking process Ramaz puts the juice into one qvevri for five to six months to ferment and age, then racks into a second qvevri for up to a year for further aging. Currently Ramaz Nikoladze’s Wine Cellar exports wines to Japan, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. When planning to visit Ramaz Nikoladze’s Wine Cellar be sure to call for an appointment and directions.

Nakhshirghele village (near Terjola), Imereti Province, Georgia

(+995) 593 94 48 41

georgianslowfood@yahoo.com http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/ramaznikoladze.php http://en.vinoge.com/tasting-notes/tsitska-nikoladze-family%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar-2011 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctgsmUJXlSM

20. Simon Chkhedze's Wine Cellar

Simon Chkhedze has a small family vineyard and winery in the village of Meore, Imereti. The 3.5 hectares of vineyards close to Simon’s marani are 30 years old. Grape varieties include Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Krakhuna and Otskhanuri Sapere. Simon discovered the Otskhanuri Sapere vine, native to Imereti, a few years ago and decided to plant it. He believes that the Otskhanuri Sapere variety is unique and relatively unknown but produces a wonderful wine. The marani has ten qvevris. The red wines are aged in qvevri for one year. Simon is primarily interested in producing straight varietal wines. He expects to bottle his first wines from the 2014 vintage.

Meore village, Imereti Province, Georgia

(+995) 599 79 13 03 http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/simonchkhedze.php

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

84

21. Zaliko Bodjadze - Qvevri Maker

Near the village of Makatubani village in Imereti is the shop of qvevri maker Zaliko Bodjadze. His shop is right next to the road and several qvevris, as well as a number of terra cotta tones rest on their sides. The visitors can observe the whole process of making a qvevri: adding a coil to the qvevri, air drying, firing, cleaning, adding melted beeswax to seal the interior of the qvevri and finally, adding a layer of lime cement to the outside of the qvevri. His son also makes qvevris and will continue with the family business.

Makatubani village, imereti Province, Georgia

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/zalikobodjadze.php

22. Vartsikhe Farm House and Winery

The guesthouse offers bio products and family wine to tourists. The owner of the guesthouse is a professional guide offering various tours around Imereti region and entire Georgia. The house consists of 4 bedrooms with shared bathroom. The owner of the house is doing farming and has his own winery.

Vartsikhe Village, Baghdati Municipality, Imereti Province, Georgia

Dato Pakhuridze (+995) 591 23 11 18

Shida Kartli

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

85

23. Gogi Dvalishvili’s Wine Cellar

Gogi Dvalishvili’s wine cellar is located in the village of Khidistavi, on Gori-Uplistsikhe road. Gogi Dvalishvili grows approximately 3 tons of various varieties of grapes in his vineyard: Chinuri, Tavkveri, Goruli Mtsvane, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Rkatsiteli and Ghrubela. Besides, he produces small amount of wine both in qvevri and according to classical method – in total 1000-1500 bottles. The guests can enjoy the charming family atmosphere. They can visit the vineyards and participate in the grape harvest, pressing, grappa distillation and making of Churchkhela (walnut roll). Grappa and honey vodka are distilled in the wine cellar. The family also have bees, make honey and bee milk. The wine cellar can welcome small number of guests - 6 people group is the most optimum. Besides wine-tasting, the visitors are offered some snacks as well. Price for tasting of five varieties of wine is 15 GEL.

Khidistavi village, 1432 Gori, Shida Kartli, Georgia

(+995) 599 73 75 63 gogidvali@gmail.com http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/shida-qartli/gogi-dvalishvili-wine-cellar.html#programme

24. Mitra’s Wine Cellar

Grandfather of current owner of the wine cellar - Mitra built the house and family-run wine cellar. In 1952, he bought the old stone winepress, with capacity of 6 tons. The wine cellar owns its own vineyard and 3 varieties of wine are produced from grapes grown here: Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Tavkveri and Pinot Noir. 600-700 bottles are being produced per year. Upon entering, the guests are welcomed with traditional rural, quiet, pleasant atmosphere and feeling of antiquity. The wine cellar is included in the tourist wine route. Its infrastructure is not completed yet, but is suitable for hosting of the tourists. The groups of max. 15-20 tourists are welcomed for wine tasting. The tourists may witness the processes of grape pressing, bread baking, Churchkhela making; 3 varieties of wine are offered in the wine-tasting process, together with snack, that costs 12-15 GEL.

Ateni village, 1402 Gori, Shida Kartli, Georgia

(+995) 595 65 20 02

soso.lotishvili@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/MitrasMaranigvinoAtenuri?fref=photo http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/shida-qartli/mitras-wine-cellar.html#programme

Mtskheta-Mtianeti

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

86

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

87

23. Château Mukhrani

“Château Mukhrani” is located 25 minutes’ drive from Tbilisi and occupies a palace that once was a wine estate built in 1875 by Prince Ivane Mukhran-Batoni. Through the 20th century, the property deteriorated and was abandoned. In 2002 a small group made the decision to invest in and restore the castle and plant the vineyards. Of the original vineyards planted by Prince Ivane, none were left. In 2002 and 2003, 92 hectares of vineyards were planted. Now they have 87 hectares in production with five hectares being replanted. Grape varieties include Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rkatsiteli, Muscat, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Château Mukhrani” offers the diverse wine tours to the guests – from walking in the vineyards to visiting the historical palace of Mukhran-Batoni and modern winery. Nowadays the cellars of Mukhrani Palace are completely renovated with a large qvevri aging room below the ground. Basic sightseeing of the palace is its cellars, with main tunnel connecting the palace to the winery. “Château Mukhrani” produces classic white, rosé, red and fortified wines as well as Chacha (Georgian vodka).

Mukhrani village, 3309 Mtskheta, Georgia

Jacques Fleury, Director (+995) 595 99 13 14 / 16

info@mukhrani.com winetours@mukhrani.com www.chateaumukhrani.com http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta/chateau-mukhrani.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/chateaumukhrani.php http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/chateau-mukhrani

24. Lago’s Wine

Iago Bitarishvili’s wine cellar is located in the village of Chardakhi, Mtskheta. It is a small boutique winery producing qvevri wines using grapes from Iago’s organic vineyards. Iago follows in the tradition of generations of family winemakers. Some of his qvevris are 300 years old. He has two hectares of certified organic vineyards planted with Chinuri variety of grape. Lago’s Wine became a commercial winery in 2003 and the first winery in Georgia to receive a bio-certificate for the vineyard and winemaking. Iago produces traditional qvevri wine from the Chinuri left to ferment for over six months. Currently he produces 2,500 bottles and exports his wines to Italy, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. He also produces Chacha. The wine cellar consists of two parts - an upper and a lower wine cellar. It is built in the traditional style containing qvevri, a stone winepress, a place for storing of wine, tasting room, a pergola for reception of the guests decorated with ethnographic details, a traditional bread oven (Tone), a Chacha distillery, etc. Besides wine tasting, the cellar’s guests can take part in the grape harvest and in preparing and tasting traditional Georgian dishes.

Chardakhi village, 3318 Mtskheta, Georgia

(+995) 593 35 24 26

chardakhi@gmail.com http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/mtskheta-mtianeti/mtskheta/.-iago%E2%80%99s-wine-cellar.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/iagos.php

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

88

25. George Barisashvili Wine Cellar

A small boutique winery in the town of Mtskheta, located only a five-minute walk from the Cathedral, offers an intimate wine tasting experience of a qvevri-made wine. George Barisashvili, the owner, became interested in wine because his family, including his grandparents, made wine. Eventually he studied oenology and now is a consultant for other wineries. George began making wine with a friend and now makes wine on his own. Currently he produces 1,000 bottles of wine, but does not sell it. George has different sizes of qvevri and in has a plan to purchase a large qvevri. The tasting area is in a small room filled with museum-like artifacts. Experience tasting wine in a ceramic bowl called “tasi” rather than a wine glass. George Barisashvili Wine Cellar produces Aladasturi, an organic red wine made in qvevri with natural yeasts. George also produces Chacha, a grappa-like drink made from the grape skins, stems and seeds left after making wine. George is very knowledgeable about qvevri, including making qvevri and wine production in them. He wrote “Making Wine in Qvevri”. The book is translated in English, German and French.

Mtskheta, Kartli, Georgia

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/georgebarisashvili.php Book “Making Wine in Qvevri”: https://www.scribd.com/doc/116461898/Making-Wine-in-Qvevri

26. “Bagrationi 1882”

“Bagrationi 1882”, founded in 1937, was the first specialized company producing sparkling wine in Georgia. The name of “Bagrationi 1882” is connected to the name of Georgian Kings descendent Ivane Bagrationi–Mukhraneli, who started production of Georgian sparkling wines using French method of second fermentation in bottles in the middle of the 19th century. The production acquired the world-wide acknowledgment in 1882 in Saint-Petersburg where it was awarded the highest prize - Grand Prix on the International Exhibition. Nowadays “Bagrationi 1882” is the leader of sparkling wines market in Georgia and is popular throughout the entire Caucasus as well. “Bagrationi 1882” plant is completely updated and equipped with the advanced Italian installations. Wine champagnization is implemented through bottle as well as reservoir method. Along with well-developed material and technical basis “Bagrationi 1882” possesses its own vineyards within the most prestigious micro zones of Georgia in Imereti and Kartli regions. “Bagrationi 1882” exports to the following countries: Ukraine, USA, Germany, China, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, UK, Japan, Turkey, Netherlands, and Latvia. The company offers 45 minutes long wine tour during which the visitors can see all stages of sparkling wine making after grapes are received at the factory, as well as to taste a variety of sparkling wines.

12, D. Sarajishvili ave. 0153, Tbilisi, Georgia

Tour Reservations: (+995) 322 49 72 74 (+995) 599 57 32 57 Fax: (+995) 322 65 24 32

info@bagrationi.ge www.bagrationi.ge

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

89

Kvemo Kartli

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

90

27. Wine Cellar of Shavnabada Monastery

High atop Mount Shavnabada, not far from the city of Tbilisi, monks make traditional Georgian wine in qvevri following centuries old ways. The Shavnabada monastery was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 17th century. Wine cellar of Shavnabada Monastery has been functioning since 1998. Here the monks restored the centuries-old wine cellar, made traditional wine and aged Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane and Saperavi in qvevri. The wine cellar at Shavnabada Monastery of Saint George produces about 150,000 bottles of wine. Presently it exports to the Ukraine and Italy. Some of Europe’s royal families as well as the Patriarch of Georgia receive a bottle of the monastery’s wine as a gift. The monastery also makes two types of Chacha, one is stored in oak barrels for several years while the other is stored in qvevri for several years. The wine cellar is full of religious and ethnographic items: jugs, Chinchila (Georgian pots), bowls and other traditional wine vessels. They keep the samples of wines from each vintage for wine collection. Marvelous view is spread from the monastery. Cuisine composes only monastic meal. During tasting, the visitors can taste wine and grappa vodka of two kinds.

Teleti village, 1313 Gardabani, Kvemo Kartli Province, Georgia

(+995) 599 45 57 65 (+995) 597 45 57 65

g.abramashvili@yahoo.com http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/qvemo-qartli/wine-cellar-of-shavnabada-monastery.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/shavnabadamonastery.php

28. Dasabami

“Dasabami” is the family-run wine cellar. The owner lives in Tbilisi, however spends most of his time in the wine cellar. He grows the vineyard on one hectare. His family members are also involved in the production. There are 12 qvevris in the wine cellar. Wines of various harvests are kept in the wine cellar. Many kinds of jams are produced and preserved in the cellar as well. “Dasabami” offers wine tasting to tour participants. Dinners are also available in case of advance order.

Tamarisi village, 3007 Marneuli, Georgia

(+995) 598 16 41 28

zazabery@gmail.com http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/qvemo-qartli/dasabami.html#programme

Kakheti

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

91

The easternmost province of Kakheti is the biggest (65% of the total area of cultivated vines) and most important (80% of the production) Georgian wine region. Consisting of a wide and fertile valley, Kakheti is pressed up against the white-topped Caucasus to the north and the Azerbaijan wetlands to the south. The region is well known for its Kakhetian traditional wines (qvevri wines) as for its more ‘modern’ white and red wines. It counts not less than 14 (out of 17) controlled origin appellations, but produces also lots of monovarietal regional wines of good quality. The average altitude of the vineyards is between 250 and 800 m above sea level, but mostly between 400 and 600 m. History of Kakheti winegrowing takes a start from 4th millennium BC. Grape leftovers, discovered by the archeologists, date back to the mentioned period and they are the oldest around the globe, which proves that Georgia is a homeland of wine. Kakheti wine region consist of four micro zones: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Akhasheni and Kindzmarauli. Main grape varieties include: Rkatsiteli – aboriginal vine breed of white wine grapes; Kakhuri Mtsvane (Kakhetian Green) – aboriginal vine breed of white wine grapes that can be mainly found in Sagarejo District; Khikhvi – Georgian ancient aboriginal vine breed of white wine grapes that can be mainly found in Gurjaani District; Qisi – Georgian aboriginal vine breed of white wine grapes which is an intermediate breed between Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane; Saperavi – Kakhetian aboriginal vine breed of red wine grapes and Cabernet-Sauvignon. Touring this region for wine tasting is becoming more popular, and there are many different wineries you can visit and taste variety of wines. More Information about Kakheti’s wineries can be fin on the following links: http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/faceted/regions/ge-ka/specialization/wine_cellar?query=&pageNumber=1 http://www.kakheti.travel/?m=3&double=14 http://www.kakheti.travel/?m=3&double=15 Qvevri type Kakhetian traditional wine making: The use of qvevri to produce wine is maybe one of the most archaic vinification techniques. The main distinctive feature of Kakhetian winemaking type is that the fermentation of grape must occur together with the stems and skins and to give the wine the extract quality, specific fruit aroma, harmonious taste and attractive tea-coloring. During the preparation of Kakhetian wine, pomace and stems together are placed into a qvevri for a slow fermentation. During this time, the pomace is stirred several times a day. At the end of fermentation, qvevris are filled and the product is sealed in hermetically closed qvevris for several months. After self-clarification wine is taken from pomace. A new technology of Kakhetian winemaking now crushes skins and stems into small pieces beforehand and undergoes fermentation at 18-22 degrees for four to five hours. Later the fermentation takes place. Preliminarily fermented wine is softer, more aromatic, colored and ripe. Qvevri production in Kakheti: Qvevris are now made in the village of Vardisubani where the craft has an ancient history. Kakheti is known for making huge qvevri, and some families own qvevri with a capacity of between 4-5 and 7-8 tons.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

92

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

93

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

94

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

95

29. Alaverdy Monastery Wine Cellar

Since the 11th c. the Royal Monastery of Alaverdi represents a sacred place for the Kings of Kakheti - Hereti area of Georgia, as well the dwelling place of many Georgian saints and monks. Situated in the heart of the world's oldest wine region, the monastery and its wine cellar has become one of the core places of qvevri type Kakhetian traditional wine making. Alaverdi Royal Monastery is historically known by its qvevris and outstanding cellar built by the King Kvirike in the 11th century. Since 2006 archeological studies of this ancient cellar has taken place, which revealed up to 50 qvevris with 60 tons of wine capacity. Today, monastery Wine “since 1011” is a millennium brand of Alaverdi Monastery Cellar made by the Alaverdi Monastery congregate. The wine is produced by endemic variety of Kakhetian vine in unique clay vessel – qvevri. The monastery produces 6 wine brands: Rose Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Kisi and Khikhvi. Alaverdi Monastery Wine Cellar offers its guests medium and premium wine tours which start from the end of March and mid-April (when the wine storing process from qvevri into qvevri is completed) respectively. Guests can visit various cellar divisions: historical part of the cellar dated back to the 8th-10th centuries which was revealed by archeological excavations, ethnographical part, section of alcohols, souvenir shop, open air tasting hall. The monastery is also the focus of the annual religious and folk celebration Alaverdoba, with its roots in a harvest festival.

Alaveri, Akhmeta, Kakheti Province, Georgia Wine Cellar working hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – (11:00 - 18:00); Saturday – (11:00 -16:00); Sunday – (14:00 - 19:00).

The Wine Tour “Alaverdi” Wine Tours Manager - Ketevan Khizanishvili (+995) 599 155 002 (+995) 599 551 133 444

keti.khizanishvili@gmal.com mail@since1011.com http://www.since1011.com/en/ http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/alaverdi.php Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Xqpudl4Fk

30. Badagoni Wine Factory

Badagoni Wine Company, previously known as the Knight of Winemaking, is one of Georgia’s largest wineries. It was named after Badagoni, a pagan Georgian god of wine and winemaking. The company was founded in the Kakhetian village of Zemo Khodasheni (Akhmeta district) in 2002 and by 2006 opened one of the most technologically advanced wineries in the country. Currently Badagoni owns approx. 400 hectares of vineyards of selected local grape varieties in the districts of Khvareli, Mukuzani, Akhasheni, Akura and Ojaleshi. The vineyards include white varieties such as Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli and red varieties including Aleksandrouli, Mujurentuli and Saperavi. Badagoni Wine Company produces both qvevri and European-style wines. Its products include such brands as Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Gurjaani, Saperavi, Akhasheni and more. In addition, the company makes Kakhetian Noble — a special wine made in cooperation with Donato Lanati, a world-renowned Italian enologist. Today, Badagoni produces 4,000,000 bottles of wine per year and exports to Poland, Ukraine, Italy, China and Russia.

Village Zemo Khodasheni, 0910, Akhmeta District, Kakheti Province, Georgia Head-office: 4, Freedom Square, 0105, Tbilisi, Georgia

(+995) 32 293 62 43 (+995) 599 55 24 03

office@badagoni.ge www.badagoni.ge http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/badagoni.php

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

96

31. Twins Wine Cellar with Qvevri Museum

Twins Wine Cellar with Qvevri Museum is located in Napareuli village, Telavi municipality. The winery is named after the twin brothers Gia and Gela Gamtkitsulashvili who own the winery. Twins Wine Cellar was founded in 1994 and was the first modern Georgian winery to bottle a qvevri wine. The cellar has 20 hectares of vineyard with a concentration of Rkatsiteli. Current production is 300,000 bottles plus some bulk wines. Twins Wine Cellar has 107 qvevris, most of which have 3.5 – 4.5 tones capacity. Twins Wines are not processed chemically after natural filtration that makes Twins Wine an ecologically pure product. At "Twins old Callar" you can find Museum of Wines and Qvevri, the largest statue of Qvevri in whole Georgia, observe process of wine fermentation through open qvevris and get real impression how grape transforms into wine. Qvevri Museum opened in 2014, is the first museum in the world dedicated to the ancient craft of qvevri making that is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. The museum shows all phases of qvevri making including clay preparation, qvevri creating and washing of different size qvevris. There are several Illustrated boards which show how the process of fermentation is going in qvevri and other vessels. Twins Wine Cellar welcomes large groups and provides many activities for visitors. Depending on the time of year, visitors can choose to participate in working in the vineyard including grape harvesting, working in winery or pressing the grapes in 18th century Satsnakheli (ancient facility for pressing gapes). Other activities include: touring the winery, making Chacha, attending a Supra, baking Shoti bread in a traditional Georgian clay tone, making khinkali, tatara and churchkhela (candy made of grape must, nuts and flour), wine degustation and enjoying the Kakhetian lunch and dinner. On a top of the cellar there is a hotel with 12 family rooms (8 standard rooms with 2 and 3 beds and 4 double bed lux rooms). Hotel interior combines old traditional Georgian and modern styles, which makes cozy atmosphere. Rooms have beautiful views on vineyards and Caucasus mountains. In addition to the winery, vineyards, museum and lodging, Twins Wine Cellar has a restaurant that serves authentic Georgian foods.

Napareuli village, Telavi municipality, Kakheti region, Georgia

Maia

(+995) 595 22 64 04

(+995) 322 42 40 42 (+995) 551 74 74 74 (+995) 599 17 09 29

info@cellar.ge

marketing@cellar.ge

http://cellar.ge

https://www.facebook.com/TwinsWineCellar

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/twins.php

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/qvevrimuseum.php

http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/twins-wine-cellar

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

97

32. Achiko Chotashvili’s Farm

This is a wonderful agro tourism facility. The farm produces ecologically fresh diverse agricultural products. In addition, the farm has its own woodworking workshop and the wine cellar. The farm is producing and selling biodynamic wine. The wine is made in traditional qvevri. The owner of the farm is involved in various social projects and assists the orphanage for the disabled children located nearby the farm. Achiko Chotashvili can organize lodging and accommodation of tourists in the nearby guesthouses.

Gremi Village, Kvareli Municipality, Kakheti Region

Levan Aleksidze (+995) 551 36 36 97 Achiko Chotashvili (+995) 591 633 633

levan.aleqsidze@tesau.edu.ge http://temi-community.weebly.com/

33. Village House ‘Eniseli’

The house is located in Eniseli village of Kvareli municipality on the northeast edge of the Alazani Valley. The family is doing poultry and hog farming as well as produces Kindzmareauli, Pinot noir red wines and Rkatsiteli white wine. There is a training room in the house and a feast place in the yard where guests can try delicious local food and wine. The family also offers horseback riding and hiking tours around Kvareli. The house is conveniently located in the vicinity of several historical monuments, such as Gremi, a 16th century architectural monument, the royal citadel and the Church of the Archangels and Nekresi, historic town established by king Pharnajom (around 2nd-1st centuries BC). In 4th century AD, king Thrdat built a church in this place. This church became a refuge to one of the Assyrian fathers, Abibus, in the late 6th century. Around this time Nekresi Episcopality was established, which existed until 19th century. Three lakes ‘Kvareli’, ‘Ilia’ and ‘Lopota’ are nearby the house where the various attractions are available for tourists.

Eniseli Village, Kvareli Municipality, Kakheti Region, Georgia

Irina Turashvili (+995) 577 95 50 56 (+995) 591 70 08 94 (+995) 599 45 22 41

irinaturashvili@yahoo.com http://www.kakheti.travel/?m=3&double=15&triple=160

34. Farmhouse and Wine Cellar "Tsinandlis Edemi"

The farmhouse with wine cellar is located in the village of Tsinandali, Kakheti province, 10 km from the town of Telavi. There are four hectares of vineyards, strawberry and peach plantations, a well-kept yard, a pergola with different varieties of grapes, a tone (bread-baking oven) and a “Marani” (wine cellar), as well as a well-equipped wine-tasting room with a fireplace. The family also distills chacha, a brew made from grape skins and other remains of the fermentation process. The farm house offers two double rooms with a shared bathroom, a kitchen, and an Internet-room. Visitors can visit the vineyards, learn about traditional wine making and taste domestic wines.

Tsinandali Village, Telavi municipality, Kakheti Region, Georgia

Vazha Nikolaishvili (+995) 555 99 31 32 Niko and Shorena Nikolaishvili (+995) 599 26 02 15

http://tsinandlisedemi.ucoz.com/ http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/05/29/travel/20110529journeys-georgia.html?ref=travel&_r=0

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

98

35. “Chateau Mere” -Winiveria (hotel and wine cellar)

George Piradashivili established Winiveria in 2005. Both European-style wines and traditional Kakheti wines are made in the winery and marani (wine cellar). Grapes for the wines are sourced from local growers' vineyards with vines between 20 and 25 years old. Winiveria produces 200,000 bottles of wine. The winery sells half of the wine in Georgia and exports the other half to the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Ukraine and the Baltic countries. “Chateau Mere” hotel and wine cellar opened in September 2011 in Vardisubani village, near Telavi. Chateau Mere is a 1,500 m2 stone castle with four pointed towers and wood paneled balconies, which occupies 15,000 m2 of land. The complex comprises a winery, a hotel, a restaurant, a big conference hall, a gift shop, an outside swimming pool and a horse stable. Chateau Mere’s 15 spacious rooms – two suites on rooftop, twelve standard rooms and a family suite - with panoramic view of gorgeous Caucasus Mountains and Alazani Valley feature antique furniture and offer modern comforts including flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The Mere Restaurant serves Georgian traditional cuisine made from organic food from local produce. A wide range of activities include: picking and crushing grapes, learning about wine and cheese making, baking bread in a tone, making churchkhelas (a string of walnuts dipped into a boiled down grape juice), riding horses, hiking, shopping for local produce, products and hand-crafted gifts. Chateau Mere has the best location for hiking to Shuamta Old and New Monasteries and Mountain Tsivi and for horseback riding tours to the 8th century monastery Shios Marani and the 6th century monastery Ikalto Academy. Also, Chateau Mere is located close to many wineries, and makes the perfect base for wine travelers who want to explore the region. Chateau Mere arranges tastings of the Winiveria fine dry red and white wines from Georgian endemic grape varieties such as Kisi (awarded with the Gold Medal at the 3rd Georgian National Wine Contest in 2010), Khikhvi, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli and Saperavi. Winiveria wines made according to ancient Kakhetian wine-making technology are unfiltered to keep and bring the best properties of Georgian wines. Winiveria wines are made in clay jars (qvevri) and preserved in them for fermentation and maturation. The aging process continues in oak barrels or in bottles.

15 Vardisubani, Telavi Region, Kakheti Province, Georgia

(+995) 595 99 03 99 (+995) 599 25 08 10

mailbox@mere.ge winiveria.mere@gmail.com http://mere.ge/ http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/telavi/chateau-mere.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/winiveria.php

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

99

36. Schuchmann Wines Chateau

Schuchmann winery, located in Kisiskhevi Village of Kakheti region, is owned by Burkhard Schuchmann who resides in Germany. The winery produces qvevri and European–style wines. The cellar has two rooms with several qvevris buried under a stone floor. Schuchmann winery has 120 hectares of vineyards and bottles 400,000 bottles of wine. Of these 150,000 bottles are qvevri-made wines. At Schuchmann, qvevri wines spend six months in qvevri and then six to twelve months in French oak barrels. The bulk of the wines made at Schuchmann winery are European-style. These wines are made in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. The complex includes an elegant design hotel which has its own vineyard and stunning views of the Caucasus Mountain Range. Guests can enjoy free wine tours and wine tasting in the hotel's winery, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms at the Schuchmann Wines Hotel are furnished in a simple contemporary style offering wooden floors and flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a fireplace or balcony. The hotel restaurant features Georgian cuisine and a tasting room where guests can sample local wines. A buffet breakfast is provided and room service is also available. A variety of outdoor activities are possible, including cycling, fishing and horseback riding. The hotel offers bike rental facilities and a terrace where guests can relax after exploring the Georgian countryside. Schuchmann Wines Georgia is 5 km away from Telavi city center.

Kisiskhevi Village, 2200 Telavi Municipality, Kakheti Region, Georgia

Ilia Datunashvili, Hotel and Restaurant Manager (+995) 790 55 70 45 (+995) 577 50 80 05 Fax: (+995) 790 55 70 45

hotel@schuchmann-wines.com http://www.schuchmann-wines.com/en/georgian-wine-tour/localities.html http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1596952-d2281372-Reviews-Schuchmann_Wines_Chateau-Telavi_Kakheti_Region.html http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/schuchmann.php

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

100

37. Shumi

Just a minute drive from historic Tsinandali is the wine company, Shumi (WCS). It stands next to the house-museum of Aleksandre Chavchavadze, about 30 meters from the main road. The Shumi winery was founded in 2001. It was one of the first Georgian wineries to invite tourists and travelers to visit. The word Shumi in the company’s name, meaning genuine, pure, undiluted wine, comes from ancient Georgian. The gryphon, which became WCS’s symbol, is believed to have brought the very first bunch of grape to the earth. The territory of the factory is a former part of the National Park and the Museum belonging to the famous Georgian poet and public leader of the 19th century, founder of the first winery in Georgia, Prince Alexandre Chavchavadze. The company owns Vazioni museum which houses a fine collection of wine related exhibits, an ethnography department and a wine-tasting area. The museum collection already contains 294 varieties of vine collected by Shumi employees in different areas of Georgia, as well as 92 varieties of foreign vines. Among all these different Georgian vines, only 15 are used for commercial purposes today. The Museum also aims to find rare species of vine with unique qualities which could enrich Georgian wine-making. The exhibition hall exhibits ancient wine-making accessories found in Georgia, such as grape presses, clay “Qvevri” (pots of great capacity) and various drinking vessels used in ancient Georgia. The Shumi wine museum has the oldest qvevri discovered in Georgia dating back to 1,000 BC and the wine vessels from the 3rd millennium BC. The Museum Vazioni is visited by Georgians from all over the country and by tourists from abroad. The wine-tasting area is very popular among foreign visitors who can taste and purchase Shumi products in a unique environment. Shumi Winery offers tourists several possible activities to take part in when visiting, including participation in grape harvest. 1. Wine degustation: Tour to vine and wine museum, collection grade vineyard and degustation of 4 wine varieties: “Tsinandali” white dry, “Saperavi” red dry, “Mukuzani” red dry and “Kindzmarauli” red semi-sweet. Price per person: 7 EUR 2. Wine degustation with light snacks: Tour to vine and wine museum, collection grade vineyard, degustation of 4 wine varieties (“Tsinandali” white dry, “Saperavi” red dry, “Mukuzani” red dry and “Kindzmarauli” red semi-sweet) and snacks (Georgian bread, Georgian cheese mix, seasonal fruit mix). Price per person: 17 EUR

2217, Tsinandali village, Telavi municipality, Kakheti Province, Georgia

(+995) 32 238 11 37 (+995) 599 55 01 48 (+995) 598 98 51 30

shumi@shumi.ge winery@shumi.ge www.shumi.ge http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/shumi http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/shumi.php http://www.geofit-travel.com/en/index.php?newsid=631 http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/telavi/shumi.html

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

101

38. Kvareli Tunnel “Gvirabi” -Winery Khareba

Winery Khareba is a large and unique winery offering tours and tastings inside the 7.7 km long, manmade tunnel (“Gvirabi”) lined with wine. The tunnel is located in the village Kvareli, near the bank of Alazani Valley, and is carved in the rock of the Caucasus mountain range. The construction consists of 2 large parallel tunnels linked with 13 small galleries. The tunnel was built in 1950s for defensive reasons. Later the tunnel was converted into storage of Kakheti's finest wines. The storage was officially opened in 1962 for the occasion of the World Wine Congress. The dampness of 70% and the ideal temperature (12-14˚C) for storing and ageing wine stays in the tunnel throughout the year. Such conditions are ideal for wine aging in French oak barrels and for keeping bottled wines for extended periods. The collection holds 25,000 bottles of high quality wine. Winery Khareba has 1,000 hectares of vineyards throughout Georgia and produces three million bottles of wine. The visitors can taste 30 varieties of the company’s best wines. 60 meters above the level of tunnels there is a premium class restaurant “Saperavi”, nicely blended with the nature. Here you can see a waterfall, a garden with century-old trees, restaurant’s terrace and a tower which offers splendid views over the Alazani Valley and Kvareli vineyards. From 2011 the winery arrayed the surrounded area with special facilities: a big recreational park with river and old Qvevris, an old water mill, traditional Georgian bakery “Tone”, Chacha destilery, traditional Marani with Satsnakheli (wooden winepress) and Qvevris. Kvareli Tunnel packages 1. Visit tunnels – 1.5 EUR 2. Standard packages: a) Visit tunnels and taste 2 types of European wines (Rkatsiteli white dry and Saperavi red dry) – 7 EUR b) Visit tunnels and taste 2 types of Qvevri wines (Rkatsiteli white dry and Saperavi red dry) – 9 EUR 3. Classic package – 20 EUR: Visit tunnels. Taste 4 types of wines: Rkatsiteli white dry, Krakhuna white dry, Kindzmarauli red semi-sweet, Saperavi red dry. Activities: Making Churchkhela (Georgian sweets made of grape juice and nuts), Chacha (Georgian vodka), baking Georgian bread in Tone. 4. Premium Package – 35 EUR Visit tunnels. Taste 7 types of wines: Saperavi red dry, Rkatsiteli white dry, Krakhuna white dry, Kindzmarauli red semi-sweet, Saperavi Premium red dry, Kvevri Mtsvane white dry, Sparkling wine. Activities: same as above + Mtsvadi (Georgian barbeque).

Kvareli, Kakheti Province, Georgia

(+995) 593 20 26 26 (+995) 790 12 00 01 (+995) 595 00 83 89

info@gvirabi.ge booking@gvirabi.ge info@winerykhareba.com www.winerykhareba.com http://www.gvirabi.ge/en/pages.php?id=2 http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/kvareli-tunnel http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/khareba.php

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

102

39. Remi Kbilashvili, a Qvevri Maker

Remi Kbilashvili’s qvevri shop is located in Vardisubani village, Kakheti. Remi is a fourth generation qvevri maker and his son will continue the tradition. The visitors can observe the whole process of making a qvevri: adding a coil to the qvevri, air drying, firing in a special oven, cleaning, adding melted beeswax to seal the interior of the qvevri and finally, adding a layer of lime cement to the outside of the qvevri which protects the qvevri from earthquakes and tree roots. It takes three months to make a large capacity qvevri, while smaller capacity qvevris need less time to create.

Vardisubani village, Kakheti region, Georgia

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/remikbilashvili.php Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422411861&x-yt-cl=84924572&v=NN5ziogyxP0

40. Wine cellar and museum “Numisi”

Wine cellar and museum “Numisi” is located in the village of Velistsikhe, approximately 1 km from the main road. “Numisi’’ represents the 16th century wine cellar which was recently restored by the owners. The building itself is a monument of traditional Georgian architecture, built with white river stones and rectangular bricks. From the outside it appears rather small and modest, but has the vast interior space. The arched wine cellar contains an old limestone wine presser (Satsnakheli), 33 different-sized clay pitchers sunk underneath the ground, and a large penthouse. There are a lot of items with ethnographic meaning around the cellar, including a large collection of copper, glass, pottery, and timber vessels (mostly used for wine drinking), as well as the other items like female jewelry, necklaces, rings, 18th century wine copper kitchen utensils, old carpets and furniture. A very unique old French “Marmonies” firm grape presser machine, the old German wine allocator pump and lots of other old artefacts. In the yard of the wine cellar the old wooden grain storage “Begeli”, Kakhetian “Shoti” bread baking clay-made “Tone” and a large pergola with a dining table are placed. Today Nunu Kardenakhishvili is producing 100 tons of Rkatsiteli and 30 tons of Saperavi wines. The vineyard consists of nine hectares of Rkatsiteli and three hectares of Saperavi. Guests can try white and red varieties of dry wines, made in qvevri - Rkatsiteli, Tavkveri Saperavi and others. Besides enjoying wine, guests can have master classes in making traditional Georgian dishes, listen to wonderful songs and look around unique museum. Wine degustation packages include Economy package, Standard package and Premium package. The cellar offers meals and activities without B&B services.

Velistsikhe village, Gurjaani municipality, Kakheti region, Georgia

Nunu Kardenakhishvili

(+995) 599 56 10 31 (+995) 574 11 22 33

https://www.facebook.com/numisi/info?ref=page_internal

http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/numisi-winery

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/nunukardenakhishvili.php

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

103

41. “Simonay Zaoty”

Wine Cellar “Simonay Zaoty” is run by the Ruadze family residing in the village of Chumlaki. At Simonay’s Zaoty you will find yourself in a traditional Georgian family. Four generations live here and everyone is contributing to the functioning of the cellar or welcoming of the guests. The host Simon Ruadze, dressed in traditional Georgian clothing–Chockha-Akhalukhi, speaks four foreign languages (English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish) fluently. Here, the guests will be introduced to the technology of making ancient Georgian national instrument “panduri”, as well as other souvenirs, which will be presented by the eldest of the family. The guests visiting the wine cellar may enjoy genuine rustic ambience and atmosphere characteristic to Kakheti, and learn family’s old traditional wine making technology. Other activities include harvesting grapes, tasting local dishes and fruits (apples, figs, peach, pear, damson, marled, cherry, etc.) directly from the garden, as well as tasting the wines and "Chacha" (Vodka) produced by Simon. Wine is produced from the Rkatsiteli and Saperavi varieties of grape. Depending on the season the visitors can take part in cooking different Georgian sweets- tatara, churchkhela, and nazukhi. Guests will be able to attend Georgian supra and hear the great toasts from "Tamada" (Toast-master) head of the family. All the family members are good singers. They perform ancient Georgian polyphonic songs and dance national Georgian dances accompanied by a guitar or a panduri. “Simonay Zaoty” provides only meals and activities without B&B services. Accommodation of tourists can be organized in the nearby guesthouses.

Chumlaki village, Gurjaani municipality, Kakheti region, Georgia

Simon Ruadze (+995) 599 23 53 55

sruadze@yahoo.com

http://simonruadze.webs.com

https://www.facebook.com/Zaoty/timeline?ref=page_internal

http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/simonzoaty.php

http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/gurjaani/simonai-zaoti.html

http://www.christiancallec.com/blog/2011/06/13/kakheti-core-of-the-georgian-wine-industry-1/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

104

42. Wine House Gurjaani

Wine House “Gurjaani” has been functioning since 2008 and the number of its visitors is increasing every year. A family-run wine cellar with a tasting room stands behind the house. An ethnographic corner has been set up in the yard, complete with Tone (traditional bread oven) and pergolas. There is 2 centuries old press (equipment used for wine squeezing), which is until now used for the purpose of making wine. The wine cellar contains 18 different sizes of qvevri and a small choice of souvenirs. The house also works as a guesthouse and has 4 comfortable rooms with max capacity of 10 to 15 persons. The wine cellar produces white and red wines in qvevri according to traditional methods as well as Chacha. Wine is produced from the Rkatsiteli and Saperavi varieties of grape. Besides tasting the homemade wine kept in a qvevri, the visitors of the Wine House “Gurjaani” can get an impression of how wine is made in a private house, as well as to participate in grape harvest, pressing and in the process of winemaking. Guests can bottle wine which they take out of "kvevri" with their own hands and purchase it in a sealed condition. Also, the guests can attend the brewing of Georgian Vodka ("Zavodoba"), observe the process of bread baking and Churchkhela (traditional Georgian dessert) making, listen to the songs of the folk group, take part in cooking of Georgian dishes and finally taste the dishes made by their own hands. Brief lecture will be provided about masterpieces of Georgian cuisine, such as Khachapuri, Khinkali, Mtsvadi and many other Georgian dishes.

28, Rustaveli Ave., 1500 Gurjaani, Georgia

(+995) 598 51 22 44 (+995) 98 51 22 44 (+995) 90 51 22 44

info@winehousegurjaani.ge www.winehousegurjaani.ge https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wine-cellar-Wine-House-Gurjaani/140608156004892 http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/gurjaani/gurjaani.html#programme

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

105

43. Nika's Wine

Nika’s Wine is a small family winery where Nika, an artist and sculptor, produces qvevri wines. The cellar is located in the village of Kardenakhi on the border between Kardenakhi and the neighbouring village of Anaga, several hundred meters to the left of the main road. Nika Bakhia’s background includes teaching in Germany, sculpture, design and architecture. In 2006 Nika purchased a small vineyard of Saperavi and old abandoned wine cellar in Anaga. He has 6 hectares of land; 4 hectares are cultivated with red Saperavi wine and the rest with white wine, mainly Rkatsiteli. Nika sees the artistry in winemaking -he creates his own bottle labels and makes wine differently each year, in part because the grapes differ each year. Nika produces wines using qvevri and natural winemaking techniques. The wine stays in qvevri about two years. After that it is bottled unfiltered with a small dose of sulfur. The wine cellar is traditional with somewhat smaller wine cellar next to it, equipped with wine tasting room. Nika owns another wine cellar in the village of Anaga, where most of his vineyards grow. Nika Bakhia’s wine cellar became famous for its Saperavi from Anaga made in qvevri. Since 2012, however, he produces amber-coloured qvevri wines as well. Nika’s Wines are exported to Japan, Poland and Australia. Besides wines, Nika makes chacha as well. Participating with other qvevri winemakers, Nika created the Association Qvevri Wine, a group that adheres to a code of conduct regarding the growing of grapes and making wine in a qvevri. The group believes in making a natural wine in a qvevri. A natural wine does not have added to it any commercial yeasts, acids, enzymes, tannins, extracts, fining agents, sugar, reverse osmosis, thermal processing or use of sulfur during the fermentation or maceration of the wine.

Kardenakhi village, 1509, Gurjaani municipality, Kekheti Province, Georgia

Nika Bakhia (+995) 595 42 24 76 (+995) 599 26 30 17

nika.bakhia@gmail.com info@nika-wine.com www.nika-wine.com http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/nikaswine.php http://www.rawfair.com/2012/artisans/winery-nika

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

106

44. Pheasant Tears

Pheasant Tears winery is located in Sighnaghi town and produces artisanal wines fermented in Qvevri, according to ancient Georgian traditions. The winery was founded in 2007 by John Wurdeman and Gela Patalishvili. The name ‘pheasant’s tears’ is connected to a Georgian tale in which only the very best wines are good enough to make a pheasant cry of joy. Gela’s family has been farming and making wine in Kakheti for over 8 generations, and it is Gela’s sincere desire to preserve the traditional wine making techniques. Pheasant Tears has two wine cellars, a larger cellar in Tibaani and a smaller, 300 year old cellar in Sighnaghi. All of the wines at Pheasant’s Tears are fermented and aged in qvevri. Pheasant’s Tears qvevri vary in age but, some date back to the mid-19th c. Slightly different techniques are used to make each of the wines. Some have moderate skin contact; others have minimal (from 3 weeks to 6 months). The company owns 28 hectares of vineyards in Tibaani and in the Mukhrani Valley in Kartli, and produces 45,000 bottles of wine from the Saperavi, Kisi, Rkatsiteli, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Mtsvane, Chinuri, and Tsolikauri varieties of grape. The wine bar and restaurant founded by John Wurdemann in the town of Sighnaghi is one of the best hearths of Georgian wine. Accommodation is provided in the village of Tibaani. Pheasant’s Tears degustation packages: 1. Introductory Wine Tasting “Pheasant’s Flight” – 15 GEL per person - An introduction to the history and methods of Georgian traditional winemaking featuring 4 qvevri wines 2. Full Wine Tasting “Pheasant’s Journey” – 25 GEL per person - 7 qvevri wines from multiple micro growing regions, chacha, bread, cheese. 3. 35 GEL - 4 varieties of wine and light lunch 4. 50 GEL - traditional Georgian feast with tapping wines. Supra with Zedashe Ensemble, a local group of immense talent and experience performing rare Georgian polyphonic songs and fiery dances. Art Gallery: Pheasant Tears has its own Art Gallery at the Restaurant below John’s painting studio. One room is dedicated to unique Carpets and Kilims from the Caucasus and Central Asia and in the other room is exposition of John’s and his colleague’s paintings. Horses: Pheasant Tears has a small ranch, with horses, to explore nature and neighboring villages. The ranch is 2 km from Sighnaghi, and presents a wonderful way to blend nature and the outdoors into a wine tourism experience.

18, Baratashvili Street, 4200 Sighnaghi, Kakheti Province, Georgia

(+995) 355 23 15 56 (+995) 598 72 28 48

jwurdeman@pheasantstears.com tamriko@pheasantstears.com www.pheasantstears.com http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/pheasantstears.php http://www.georgianholidays.com/sights/wineries-in-georgia/pheasants-tears# http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/kakheti/sighnaghi/pheasant%E2%80%99s-tears.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PED0Fr7zGaE

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

107

Turkey

According to some scholars, the South East part of Turkey is the place of origin of grape seeds and grape domestication dating back to 9.000 BC. The genetic diversity of the Taurus Mountains in southeastern Turkey is thought to have produced such "founder plants" of the Neolithic era (i.e., Hittites) as bitter vetch, chickpeas, and einkorn wheat, so it may well be that Turkey is where grapevines were first domesticated. Additionally, Turkey may be where wine was first made 7000 years ago. Wine had an indispensable role in the social lives of the oldest civilizations of Anatolia, the Hattis and the Hittites. It was the primary libation offered to the gods during rituals. Provisions protecting viticulture in Hittite law, and the custom of celebrating each vintage with a holiday, suggest that wine was important to both ancient economies and ancient cultural practices. For the Phrygians, who lived in Anatolia after the Hittites, wine was an essential part of daily life and an important element in their diet. The Phrygians introduced wine to Greek colonists on Anatolia’s western flank, and by the 6th century BC wine was being exported as far as France and Italy from trading and production centres such as Tabae (Tavas, near the present-day Pamukkale) and Klazomenai (near Urla) both in the southern Aegean region and Ainos (Enez) to the north. One of these early Anatolian grapes, Misket, became known as Muscat in Europe. Another variety from Smyrna (today’s Izmir), was used in the production of the famous wine of Pramnios, which is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad. During the long period of the Ottoman Empire (1299–1923), wine production and trade were carried out exclusively by non-Muslims (Greeks, Armenians, Syrians, and others). From time to time the official prohibitions on the use and sale of alcohol were enforced, to be first loosened, and then eventually lifted completely. This regular reversal of policy had an economic reason: tax collected from wine sales was an important source of income for the Ottoman treasury, so any long-term banning of alcohol sales contradicted state interests. Finally, alcohol prohibitions ceased during the second half of the 19th century and the Ottoman Empire’s wine exports increased substantially reaching 340 million litres in 1904. After the establishment of the Turkish Republic the production of all alcoholic beverages went under the control of government monopoly in 1927, with the exception of wine, for which private production and the development of vineyards was still permitted. This was specifically done to develop and protect wine production. In 1946 there were 28 small sized wineries all around Turkey exploring the potential quality of wine production with different varieties and terroirs under the Government Monopoly. By the late 1980s, as the Turkish economy began to integrate with other global economies and deregulation became more prevalent, the tourism sector also began to develop, thus substantially boosting wine sales.

Today, Turkey ranks 6th in the world for grape production with 4.264.000 tons produced annually and is the 4th largest grape growing area with 505.000 ha after Spain, France and Italy. However, these are mainly for table grapes, as they are called, and only around 2% of total grape production is used for wine making. Nevertheless, Turkey has a fast-growing wine industry. Its annual wine production is about 75 million liters, 96% of which is consumed locally. Wine exports constitute %4 of total production and by volume is 2.5 million litres and by value € 7.910.000.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

108

Between 2011 and 2013 Turkish Wines won more than 1,000 medals (including double gold & regional trophies) in prominent competitions throughout the world, becoming the most successful years for Turkish wines so far.

Turkey has more than 1.200 - 1.500 named grape varieties of which 800 are genetically different. Less than 60 of these are grown commercially and around 30 are considered outstanding. Today the most popular Turkish native grape varieties for wine-making are: Boğazkere (red), Emir (white), Kalecik Karası (red), Narince (white), Öküzgözü (red), Yapincak (white) and Papazkarasi (red). Turkey has 7 wine regions: Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Mid-Southern Anatolia, Mid-Northern Anatolia, Mid-Eastern Anatolia and South East Anatolia.

Recently, twelve boutique wine producers from Tekirdağ, Şarköy, Kırklareli and Gelibolu have gathered together to promote a new “Vineyard Routes Project” with the support of the Thrace Development Agency. The Thrace Vineyard Routes Project aims to merge gastronomy and tourism by determining a route including the vineyards of 12 wine producers. The vineyards are located in four major sub-regions of Thrace. A trip along the route is an opportunity to visit the wine producers, experience the terroir, discover new tastes, and live the natural local village life. The surrounding historical sites, cultural events and the rich nature add another dimension to the Thrace Wine Route.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

109

WINERIES-TURKEY

Nr. Name/Type/Contact

Description Location/Address Telephone Email/Skype Website/Facebook

Map nr. 1. Wineries in Turkey

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

110

Thrace and Marmara Wine Region

The region of Thrace, along the Sea of Marmara, is occupying the southeastern tip of the Balkan Peninsula and comprising North-east of Greece, South of Bulgaria, and European Turkey (East Thrace). It is washed by the Black Sea in the northeast and by the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea in the south. East Thrace is located in the northwestern corner of Turkey and makes up 3% of the country’s landmass. East Thrace, with its lush vineyards and extended sunflower plantations is a place or great scenic beauty. Throughout ancient history, viticulture in East Thrace appears mainly in three regions: Kırklareli and its environs, the Tekirdağ vineyards between Uçmakdere and Şarköy called Ganohora, and finally Edirne-Uzunköprü, with the vineyards concentrated around Ainos reaching to the Gallipoli peninsula. Thrace wine region accounts for 13.6% of all the wine produced in Turkey, and has the most elegant and balanced wines in the country. The sub region of Thrace, Kirklareli, is known for its crisp white wines and fine reds. The grape varieties of the region are: Adakarası, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Gamay, Kalecik Karası, Merlot, Papazkarası, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Shiraz (Syrah), Viognier.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

111

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

112

Thrace and Marmara Wine Region – Kirklareli Province

Kirklareli-Wine Estates of the Stranja

Kırklareli Province extends to the Black Sea coast in the northeast of Thrace and has always been an important region for viticulture. The Bulgarian name of the Kırklareli town is Lozengrad, which means Vineyard Town. With a blend of Greco-Roman, Balkan and Byzantine cultures, this special region reveals past influences of Dionysian culture and its legendary mythology. Also, festivities known as Vintage, Vineyard and Creek Celebrations are reflections of an original culture that many hundreds of years ago lived in Kırklareli. The Thracians planted vines and made wine here at least as early as the 2nd century AD. Rock-cut ancient basins, once used to settle the residue of pressed grape juice, have been discovered in and around Kırklareli and are probably of ancient Thracian origin. The historical wine routes of inland Thrace intersected in Kırklareli. Known as “The Wine Route of Dionysus”, the route passed the harbors of İğneada and Midye (Kıyıköy) before crossing the Strandja Mountains. In 1658, Evliya Çelebi visited Kırklareli, and recorded spotting thousands of acres of vineyards and orchards, writing of how one would get lost in them. As recently as the 19th century, vineyards and winemaking flourished. The French were, for some time, major customers for wines from this region in the mid 1800s, after their own vineyards were wiped out by Phylloxera. Thousands of barrels of Thracian wine and raki were transported along the old Wine Route to the port of Kiyiköy on the Black Sea, where they were loaded onto ships and sent to Venice and Marseille. Unfortunately, In 20th century the vineyards slowly dwindled away and winemaking almost disappeared. Today, the area around Kirklareli is the source of some of Turkey’s most exciting cool-climate wines, produced in small quantities by dynamic, quality-driven, boutique wineries. “Kirklareli-Wine Estates of the Stranja” is a marketing collaboration between three dynamic, boutique wine-estates located in the foothills of the Strandja Mountains, in historical northeastern Thrace. The Kirklareli producers – Arcadia, Chamlija and Vino Dessera – are famous at home, and are listed in the best restaurants of Istanbul, and the other major cities of Turkey. Besides its natural beauty, Kırklareli is a very significant region with its cultural, historical and natural assets: forest, caves, beaches, ancient ruins, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage await travellers. Kırklareli Province is also host to the only cave that is open to tourists in Thrace, the Dupnisa Cave near the village of Sarpdere, which is believed to have formed circa 4 million years ago. The Dupnisa Cave was used for Dionysian Rituals (Sparagmos) in ancient times. Even the name of Dionysus is associated with Mount Nisa right above the cave of Dupnisa; as, according to ancient Greek mythology, Dionysus "discovered wine while playing at Mount Nisa."

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

113

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

114

01. Vino Dessera

Vino Dessera Vineyards is a small, family run boutique winery and wine cellar. It is located in the ancient region of Thrace, between Luleburgaz and Strandja mountains, where once the ancient Wine Route passed. Only a short stroll away from the vineyards is a pre Hellenistic site where archaeologists have uncovered a tradition of wine making that dates back thousands of years. Vino Dessera Vineyards originate from an old Anatolian tradition. The Dönmez family, the owner of Vino Dessera Vineyards, decided to plant walnut trees at Ahmetçe village in Kırklareli, in order to honor the birth of their granddaughter and to prepare her dowry. In the long run they decided to initiate a vineyard considering the terroir and the background of the region. Combining the Dönmez family’s love for the nature, villagers’ passion and the modern viticulture methods, Ahmetçe’s sandy and gravelly soil meets Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Öküzgözü. Also, the family enlarged the vineyards with Barbera, Sangiovese, Narince, Muscat, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc. The terroir which lies on the skirt of the Strandja Massif allows for vines with intense aromas. High temperatures during daytime cause the sugar level to rise and low temperatures at night help the grapes to develop deeper flavors. The tour includes the visit to the cave and the cellar where they make and keep their wine. Visitors can get information on types of vines, vineyards and the harvest. Wine tasting starts with Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, then Cabernet Sauvignon, following with “Arra Saranta” a blend made with Boğazkere-Öküz and Merlot. It finishes with the tasting of Merlot 12 month oak barrel. Tourist groups can have food including the garden tomatoes, olives, cheese from the village of Kırklareli, different vegetables and tea. Recommended to visit for the kindness of the owners and staff, the quality of the wine and the price. The vineyard does not provide any accommodation facility.

Çifteçeşmeler (Ahmetçe Köyü No 75), 39180 Kırklareli, Turkey

Dogan Dönmez Saniye Dönmez, co-proprietor, (+90) 532 564 50 26 Working hours: every day between 10.00 and 18.00 except in January and February

dogandonmez@gmail.com Facebook: Vino Dessera Vineyards & Winery

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

115

02. Arcadia

Arcadia vineyards are located in central Thrace, between the villages of Çeşmekolu and Hamitabat, on the path of the ancient Wine Road. This area was named in ancient maps as Bağlık Yakası, “the vineyard valley”. Named after Arcadiapolis, the ancient name of Luleburgaz in the Eastern Roman period, Arcadia Vineyards is the pioneering establishment in the resurrection of this ancient terroir, planted in the 2000’s. The winery is run by father and daughter Ozcan and Zeynep Arca. The Arcadia project began in 2003 with a search for the right site and varieties. Soil samples and climatic data were analyzed from locations across Turkey before they selected their current site. At the beginning, thirty five hectares of vineyards were planted at an altitude of 150 meters. The aim was to make natural and unique wines that reflect the mountainous terroir of Northern Thrace. Today, the domaine has 200 hectares of land covered by ten different types of grapes. The varieties planted include Sauvignon Gris, an old and low- yielding clone of Sauvignon Blanc with deliciously creamy, fresh character. Arcadia is the only vineyard in Turkey to cultivate this variety. Other white varieties planted are Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and the indigenous Narince; the reds are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, the native Okuzgozu and Papaskarasi. The approach to viticulture is environmentally sensitive, and winemaking is light handed: the winery is designed to use gravity flow and minimize pumping, and all wines are bottled with the lightest of filtration, if at all; it is all about the terroir. Arcadia produces a range of exemplary white, rosé and red wines with the emphasis on nuance and vitality. They are listed in Istanbul’s finest restaurants, as well as in boutique wine stores across Turkey. Arcadia is designed as a gastronomic oasis in nature with its vineyards, chateau type winery, orchards, vegetable gardens, oak groves and farms of different sizes. Arcadia Vineyards is open to public throughout the season. Groups as well as the independent visitors can be sure of a warm welcome. The tour includes walks in the vineyards, visit to the winery, wine tasting with seminars from wine professionals (on weekends), a meal in the gazebo by the lake, and a splendid day in nature. The menu is been prepared with local products to be an elegant expression of the local and gourmet tastes. Also, an 18-room hotel, with spa and restaurant is under construction.

Hamitabat Köyü Lüleburgaz, 39750 Kırklareli, Turkey

Ozcan and Zeynep Arca (+ 90) 533 258 00 55 (+ 90) 288 473 44 47 Wine Tours: Ayşe Gören (+90) 212 292 08 83

arcadia@arcadiavineyards.com www.arcadiavineyards.com www.facebook.com/ArcadiaWinesAndVineyards www.twitter.com/arcadiavineyard http://www.cornucopia.net/guide/wine/vineyards/arcadia/ http://www.culinarybackstreets.com/istanbul/2014/cb-road-19/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

116

03. Chamlija

Chamlija is another ambitious, family-owned winery located in Kirklareli Province. The Bulgarian name of Kirklareli was Lozengrad, which means "The city of Vines" ("loza" means "vine" in Bulgarian). The Camlica family has been farming in Buyukkaristiran, Luleburgaz since 1936. The first generation of the family immigrated from Kubadin, Razgrad, in northeastern Bulgaria, where the Turks still make potent homemade wines. Kubadin was renamed Loznitsa in the 1930s. The new name means “Vineyard Place” in Bulgarian, honoring the region's viticulture tradition. Chamlija Wine comprises outstanding vineyards and fine-wine production. Mustafa Camlica, a prominent wine investor from the third generation of the family to live in Turkey, is the person behind this ambitious project. The company is named after his daughter irem, who also designs all the labels. All the production facilities are in Buyukkaristiran, 120 kilometers west of İstanbul. Chamlija Wine currently has 85 hectares under vine. Chamlija Vineyards are located in the villages of Küçükkarıştıran, Akçaköy, Sütlüce, Tozaklı, Poyralı, Soğucak, İslambeyli and Akören in order to be able to reach the proper terroir for the different types of vines, such as: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Alvarinho, Papaskarası, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Narince, Pinot Noir and Riesling vines. The vineyards are some of the highest density plantings in the Balkans and Turkey, ranging from 5,000 to 6,666 vines per hectare, with some vineyards even at 10, 000! The aim of high-density planting is to enhance quality and encourage deep root systems to express the full potential of the terroir. The Strandja Massif has a dominant effect on the vineyard soils and climates. Chamlija Vineyards can be visited every day from 09:00 to 17:00 except the dates between August 15 and October 15. Çamlık Restaurant next to the Büyükkarıştıran vineyards is open all year around between 12:00 and 24:00 and ready to serve the visitors.

Irem Çamlıca Viticulture and Oenology LC Yeni Mahalle Bayır Sokak No.30, Büyükkarıştıran, Lüleburgaz, Kırklareli, Turkey

Mustafa Camlica (+90) 288 436 13 49

mustafa@iremcamlica.co http://chamlija-wine.com http://www.cornucopia.net/guide/wine/vineyards/chamlija-wine/ http://www.thracewineroute.com/producer/chamlija-baglari/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

117

Thrace and Marmara Wine Region – Tekirdağ Province

City of Tekirdağ and the nearby areas are important viniculture and winery regions. The shore between central Tekirdağ and Şarköy, particularly the vineyards in Uçmakdere, Mürefte and Çınarlı, has great importance for wine production. There are viniculture and production activites in 22 villages of 27 only in Şarköy. Several major wine producers have production facilities in these regions, such as Gülor, Kutman, Bağcı, Latif Aral in Mürefte-Şarköy, and Doluca, Umurbey in Tekirdağ.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

118

04. Doluca

For three generations, Doluca has been a part of the Turkish winemaking industry, reflecting its traditional and innovative character in its service and product quality. In 1926, Nihat A. Kutman established a small bottling plant in Galata, Istanbul, called Maison Vinicole which later acquired the name Doluca. Believing in the need to constantly improve the quality of his wines, Nihat A. Kutman, after lengthy research in Europe, brought grape varieties and began to grow them in various locations around Mürefte. In the early 1940′s, when wines made from these new varieties were introduced into the market, under the name of Doluca; they met with great success, mainly due to the distinction of the varieties and the special care shown in their production. Nihat was followed by his son Ahmet Kutman, a graduate of University of California at Davis. Paying as much meticulous attention to consumer relations as to production quality, especially after Ahmet Kutman's daughter Sibel Kutman and son Ali Kutman, joined the company as members of the third generation, Doluca has attained a broader contemporary outlook and embraced the mission of developing and enhancing the cultural awareness of wine in Turkey. Today's Doluca is one of the wineries that continue to set the standards for Turkish wine. Doluca produces over 40 different products, with a 14 million bottle annual capacity. The winery is engaged in the production of wines from both international grape varieties and from Turkey's indigenous grapes, such as Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Kalecik Karasi, Emir, Misket and Narince.

Doluca Bagcilik ve Sarapcilik A.S. Çerkezköy Organize Sanayi Bölgesi Yıldırım Beyazıt Mah. Yıldız Sokak No:14 Çerkezköy / TEKİRDAĞ / TURKEY

(+90) 282 758 17 02 (+90) 212 698 98 30 (+90) 212 213 40 00 Fax: (+90) 282 758 17 01

info@doluca.com insankaynaklari@doluca.com www.doluca.com

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

119

05. Chateau Nuzun Vineyards and Winery

Mr. Necdet and Ms. Nazan Uzun, the founders of Chateau Nuzun, after spending years in California, realized that The Thrace is as good as The Napa Valley for viticulture. They came back to Turkey and established Chateau Nuzun. The vineyard is planted near the town of Tekirdağ, Marmara Ereğlisi, in a small village called Çeşmeli (water fountains). The winery is located in the middle of Cesmeli Vineyards which is about 14.5 hectar estate of which half is currently producing wine grapes. The organic growing methods are employed since the vineyard is established in 2005 and an organic grower certificate is awarded in 2010. Nuzun Family grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel and Öküzgözü type vines. They present the coupage and the monosepage products after they nest in French oak barrels and finally in bottles. While establishing the vineyards, Chateau Nuzun had already planned the tourism side of the business. A 4-room boutique hotel and a restaurant soon will be welcoming its guests. The vineyards and the facilities can be visited on Saturdays and Sundays either at 14:00 or 16:00 all year around, however the most popular period is between August and September during which the tourists visit the vineyards, learn about the terroir and grapes. Between Nov. 15 and May 1, it is advised to call to get an appointment. The owners are really lovely people and you will have a chance to have very nice discussions with Mr. Uzun regarding his wines.

Şato Nuzun Bağcılık ve Şarapçılık Ltd. Çeşmeli Köyü, MarmaraEreğlisi Tekirdağ, 59740, Turkey

Mr. Necdet and Ms. Nazan Uzun (+90) 530 871 42 50 Fax: (+90) 532 699 34 88

www.chateaunuzun.com http://www.thracewineroute.com/producer/sato-nuzun/

06. Barel Vineyards

Barel is a small boutique winery located 10 km before Tekirdag city. Established in 1997 and reached to 150 acres today, Barel has been applying modern viticulture methods having a deep faith in the miraculous terroir of Thrace. The winery has a lovely vineyard house looking at the vineyards. They produce their wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc as well as Chardonnay. You can enjoy their wines and have nice local cheese. Barel Vineyards accept visitors up-on reservation between 11:00 and 18:00. Barel Restaurant within the facility serves the visitors within the same time interval. Barel provides accommodation at the vineyard house for the time being and planning a 12-room boutique hotel. You should take an appointment before you go to Barel. The wineyeard owner Mr. Barkin Akin and their consultant Ms. Gulcin Akcay would welcome you at this lovely winery.

Wineries: Karaevli Köyü Derince Mevkii TEKİRDAĞ Head office: Ertuğrul Mah. Kızılay Cad. No: 2/A TEKİRDAĞ

Barkin Akin Gulcin Akcay (+90) 543 322 18 04

info@barelvineyards.com www.barelvineyards.com https://twitter.com/barelvineyards/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

120

07. Barbare

The story of Barbare begins in 2000 when Can Topsakal became passionate to enter the wine business and purchased 230 acres of land. Together with Xavier Vignon, an influential wine consultant of several chateaus in France, they started the journey. The Barbare Vineyards are situated on a small hill between the villages of Barbaros and Yazır in the Thrace region, approximately 11km south of Tekirdağ. The winery sits in the middle of a large vineyard and is very picturesque. Organic, biodynamic and sustainable viticulture is produced by Barbare Vineyards using the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre grapes. At Barbare Winery and Vineyards you can take a tour of the vineyards, attend a wine tasting in the wine cellar and purchase wines. Try to taste their elegant and complex wines named “Elegance” & “Prestige”. Elegance is more likely a Chateauneuf du Pape style with a blend of Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre (there is also small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot) and Prestige is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot with a touch of Syrah & Grenache. Barbare has got a small boutique hotel (6 rooms) with a nice restaurant looking over the vineyards. The rooms are large and beautifully furnished. If you would like to spend the night over here you can call the winery for the booking. The staff speaks Turkish, French, Italian, and some English.

Barbare Bağları ve Şaraphane Yazır Köyü Karaağaçlık Mevkii, Tekirdağ, Turkey

(+90) 546 246 03 12 (+90) 212 257 07 00 Fax: (+90) 212 257 33 99

info@barbarewines.com info@barbarosbagevi.com www.barbarewines.com http://www.barbarosbagevi.com/

08. Umurbey

Umurbey Vineyards was established in 1993 by Umur Arıner. The vineyards and the winery are located nearby Yazir Village, about 12 km away from Tekirdag. You can see their signboard on the main road. As the geographic heir to the ancient Thracians who practiced farming and viticulture in the area, Umurbey Vineyards keeps the tradition alive with its chateau-style boutique wine production. Umurbey’s production facilities are located just 500 metres away from the vineyards. The winery is proud to be the first boutique producer to use only its own grapes. They have Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. To visit Umurbey Vineyards any time of the year between 08.00 and 18.00 just turn to Yazır, 12 kms south of Tekirdağ on the main road. Umurbey winery has recently opened a nice wine bar in Tekirdag city, located on the main road in front of the seashore. You can also buy Umurbey wines from here. Their Sauvignon Blanc wines are highly recommended.

Yazırköyü, Tekirdağ, Turkey

(+90) 282 229 20 05 – 02 Faks: (+90) 282 229 20 76

info@umurbeyvineyards.com www.umurbeyvineyards.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/umurbeyvineyards/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

121

Thrace and Marmara Wine Region – Tekirdağ Province / Şarköy Subregion

Şarköy is located on the Marmara Sea coast line, about 1 hour from Tekirdağ city center. Viticulture has been practised here since ancient times. The Greeks planted the first wines in Sarkoy – Murefte and Hoskoy region in about 500 years B.C. The Romans continued and Byzantines dramatically improved the wine making process. The existence of rich and fruitful vineyards and amphora workshops prove that the wine has been produced and ‘bottled’ in-situ here. Despite Islam's ban for the faithful to consume wine, Ottoman rulers allowed wine-making, thanks to the presence of a Greek community in the region until the population exchange between Greece and modern-day Turkey in 1923. Especially the small village of Murefte has been famous for its wineries since 19th century. The wine was sold to France, particularly from Murefte, during phyloxera period at the end of 19th century. Unfortunately, there are not too many wineries left from that époque. Many of the vineyards have also been converted to olive groves. Today Sarkoy is one of the most look-after wine regions in Turkey and the tiny town of Murefte is the capital of Turkish wine-making. With only 3,500 residents, it has 30 wineries, including five large scale ones. The Murefte has gone from being the region that produced vast qualities of wines to one that produces significant qualities of high quality wine. The terroir of the region fulfills all the pre-requisites for making a great wine. The soil has a unique characteristic; there exist different terroir formations within the same vineyard. This special feature allows growing different grapes in a certain vineyard and creates exceptional coupages. Grape harvest is between August and October. Some vineyards organize wine tours around this time. The Wine Museum is also worth a visit. There are two ways to come to this sub-region of Şarköy. Either you follow the mountain road from passing from Uçmakderesi, or you can follow the main road and then follow the signs for Şarköy on the way to Marmara Sea. The mountain road is generally shorter and has got great scenic view of Marmara Sea and Marmara Island. There is also a paragliding location on the mountain.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

122

09. Melen Vineyards

The adventure called Melen Vineyards started by the grandpa Matyoz Ahmet Çetintaş and his Anatolian Greek friend Shimo in the end of the Ottoman period. Being one of the oldest wineries in this region, Melen is situated in the harbor of the small fishing village of Hoşköy, where wines were directly shipped from the wineries right in front of the harbor about 100 years ago. It is great to hear the history of the region from Cem Çetintaş– the third generation of the family wine producers. In this region, known as Ganohora in the past, viticulture has been going on since the ancient times. Wine produced in Ganohora, which was famous with its wine producing monasteries, has been shipped to distant harbors from Egypt to Russia in local amphorae for centuries. Only one of the monasteries survives today: St. Ioannes Monastery within the Melen Vineyards. Between May and October, the tour program begins at Melen Vineyards for the visiting groups. The briefing on the history and geography of the region in the garden of the Greek-Orthodox Monastery is followed by the information on the vineyards at Ayazma- a special lunch with local delicacies is served here overlooking a great view of Marmara and Avşa Islands. You should try their elegant Papazkarasi (a local variety), spicy Shiraz and really fresh and aromatic rose wines. Melen winery: After another short brief here, a half-hour easy walk through olive orchards and vineyards takes the visitors to the original factory where the first generation Çetintaş began producing in 1920s. The tour ends enjoying the coffee and desert at Melen Cafe by the facility.

Sahil Yolu No:6 Hoşköy-Şarköy / Tekirdağ

(+90) 282 538 60 05 (+90) 532 485 91 91

funda.melen@gmail.com info@melenwinery.com melenwinery@hotmail.com www.melenwinery.com http://www.thracewineroute.com/producer/melen/

10. Sevilen

In 1942, after having discovered vineyards and winemaking in France, Mr. Isa Guner, a first generation immigrant from Bulgaria, founded his own winery in Izmir, Turkey. Nowadays the property, composed of 160 hectares of vineyard and a first class restaurant (Isabey), is managed by the third generation of the Güner family. Sabri, Rasim, Murat, Enis and Cem represent the new team. They are assisted by experienced french consultant Mr. Florent Dumeau, from the Bordeaux region. Sevilen Group has been working on the terroir approach (Soil, local climate and vineyard architecture, rootstock, varietal, vine spacing, leaf area per hectare, crop per vine…) with already outstanding results. Today, Sevilen produces grapes for premium wines on two sites: The Aegean Area, and Anatolian Plateau. After having totally restructured part of his vineyard, plus adding new plantations, the Sevilen Group now produces one million bottles annually of qualitative wines.

Yalı Cad No:19 Mürefte / Tekirdağ, Turkey (Location: 40°40'02.0"N 27°14'21.8"E)

(+90) 282 528 70 03 Fax: (+90) 282 528 70 07

www.sevilengroup.com http://aylindingil.wordpress.com/sevilen-sarapcilik/ Facebook: Mürefte Sevilen Şarapçılık

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

123

11. Aral Winery A local wine producer of medium size, producing wine since 1933 in Murefte area in the Marmara Region. They make wines with locally grown grapes like Karasakiz, Cinsault, and Gamay. Their most famous brand is “Dimitrakopulo”.

Sarı Yapıncak Cad. Yapıncak Sok. D:21 Mürefte, Şarköy, Tekirdağ, Turkey

(+90) 282 528 70 59 (+90) 282 528 91 01 (+90) 282 528 70 09

info@olaral.com http://www.olaral.com/

12. Kutman Winery Inc. Wine Museum

Kutman Winery is one of the oldest wine companies in Turkey established in 1896. Factories are located in Marmara region around Mürefte and Hoskoy. Kutman Winery and Vineyards has the capacity to produce up to 4 Million bottles a year. They are also specialized in fruit wines: sour cherry, black mulberry, blackberry and pomegranate wines. The Kutman showroom located on Mürefte Beach is worth dropping in. Together with the personal story about wine production of the well-known Kutman family of Mürefte, this first and the only wine museum in Turkey reveals the secrets of the history of wine production in the region. A tasting may reveal some interesting wines as well. Besides, there is no doubt about the quality of the olive oil for sale.

Sahil yolu, Mürefte, Tekirdağ, Turkey

(+90) 212 667 89 83 (+90) 212 476 85 85 (+90) 544 207 16 56 Fax: (+90) 212 594 15 20

info@kutman.com.tr info@kutmanwines.com http://kutmanwines.com/ http://www.cornucopia.net/guide/wine/vineyards/kutman https://aylindingil.wordpress.com/hakkinda/

13. Aker Winery

Aker Winery is a small, family owned winery located in Mürefte, Tekirdağ Province. It was founded in 1967 by Ibrahim Aker. Visiting the museum is free.

Yeni Mahalle Cumhuriyet Sok. No:13, Mürefte – Şarköy, Tekirdağ Province, Turkey

Mesut Aker (+90) 282 528 71 51 (+90) 544 428 72 51

akersarap@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/AKERWINE https://aylindingil.wordpress.com/aker-saraplari/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMmnuTNusDY

14. Bağcı Winery

Bağcı Winery is a wine producer of medium scale, established in 1932 in Murefte in Marmara Region. They are known as the first producer to have bottled wine in that region. Today, Bağcı Winery has capacity of 2.7 million bottles per year produced with 11 different varieties of grapes. Bağcı wines are exported to France and Engand.

Bahceler Sokak No:38, Mürefte, Tekirdag Province, Turkey

(+90) 282 528 70 10 (+90) 282 528 88 44 (+90) 282 264 15 52

fabrika@bagcisarap.com.tr info@bagcisarap.com.tr http://bagcisarap.com.tr/ https://twitter.com/bagciwinery https://aylindingil.wordpress.com/bagci-saraplari/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

124

15. Ganos Winery

Ganos Viticulture and Wine Production Company is a family enterprise located in Murefte, Tekirdag. It was founded by Tezcan Gurkan in 1980 with a capacity of 80 000 litres per year. It has continued producing bulk wine after moving to its new winery in 1990. Tezcan Gurkan, agricultural engineer (oenolog & wine connoisseur) retired from Tekel Institutes in 1993 as a wine laboratory chief and advanced the developmental stage of the company with his wife Suzan who is also an agricultural engineer. The capacity rose to 400 000 litres/year and they have worked with several companies including Kavaklidere since 1998. Ganos Viticulture and Wine Production Company penetrated into the market as a bottler for the first time in 2005. Doruk Gurkan, the second generation of Gurkan family, joined the business and started to implant new dynamics of marketing and sale of the wine. The company, with its hightech production equipments and its founder’s vast experience and knowledge, is a small, boutique style, quality wine producer in Turkey.

Tepeköy yolu Ardıç Sokak. No:26, Mürefte, Tekirdag Province, Turkey

(+90) 216 350 77 57 Factory (+90) 282 528 76 97

16. Gülor Winery

Gulor Winery is located 1 kilometer from Eriklice village of Şarköy, Tekirdağ at an altitude of 47 meters, between 40 ° 37 ‘ latitude and 27 ° 09′ longitude. Gülor, founded in 1993 by Güler Sabanci, was the first Turkish boutique wine producer. Gulor has also been credited with introducing international grapes into the country. 20 hectares of vineyards located at Şarköy were established after intense climate and soil studies by French and Italian researchers. Under the guiadance of Prof. Nicolas Vivas from the Bordeaux University, from soil to the grape variety, harvest to blend, Gülor aims to bring high standards to the country. As a chateau type producer, Gulor grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc of French origin in the regions with the proper terroir features. Later, Sangiovese, Montepulciano of Italian origin as well as Shiraz, Malbec and Petit Verdot of French origin have been planted. Gulor is the only company in Turkey to produce wines with Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapevines.

Eriklice village, Şarköy, Tekirdağ Province, Turkey Istanbul office: Oto Sanayi Sitesi, Çamlik Caddesi No:2 Birlas ‹fl Merkezi. 4.Levent 34330 Istanbul

Mr. Adnan Erem (+90) 212 281 08 43 (+90) 549 721 62 52 Wine Tour: (+90) 282 522 45 71 (+90) 530 290 53 28

adnanerem@gulorwine.com http://www.winesofturkey.org/gulor/ http://www.thracewineroute.com/producer/gulor-baglari/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

125

17. Kayra Wines

Kayra Wines is a company of Mey Alcoholic Beverages. The Elazig Winery in Eastern Anatolia was established in 1942, and the Sarkoy Winery in Thrace was established in 1996 with annual capacities of 4.7 and 4.5 million litres respectively. Today, Kayra’s fine unique tastes from Anatolia are listed in many international fine dining restaurants and are receiving awards in international competitions. Established in 1966 as a manufacturing plant, Kayra Şarköy Wine Production Facility was renewed in 1996 in order to produce wine with more potential types of grapes. The Sarkoy Wine Factory’s capacity, infrastructure and bottling assembly lines that use the latest technologies also embraces a cellar of 1200 barrels, reserved for the ageing of special wines. Turkey's numerous wine grape varieties grow in Şarköy/Tekirdag region. Şarköy is known as “wine capital” with this feature. Starting in late August, Sarkoy wine harvest mobility continues until mid-October. There are two different vineyards in Sarkoy named as "White" and "Red". Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Misket grapes are grown in Kayra’s Hamzapınar Vineyard called as “White Vineyard” which is located in 23 hectare area; Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties are grown in Dedeçeşme Vineyard called as “Red Vineyard” which is located in 11 hectare area. Turkey’s first Cabernet Franc monocepage wine is produced by Cabernet Franc grapes grown in this vineyard.

Şarköy village, Tekirdag Province Istanbul office: Abide-i Hürriyet Cad. No:211 Bolkan Center B Blok 34381 Şişli/Istanbul TURKEY

(+90) 212 373 44 00 Faks: (+90) 212 373 44 04

bilgi@kayrasaraplari.com www.kayrawines.com www.mey.com.tr http://www.winesofturkey.org/kayra/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

126

18. Chateau Kalpak

Chateau Kalpak boutique winery is located in Şarköy, Tekirdağ. The story of this winery begins in 1991, when Bulent Kalpaklioglu, the founder of Chateau Kalpak, came back to Turkey after 21 years living in US and Paris. Upon his return, he sought potential vineyard sites and decided to establish his “dream vineyard and winery” in Şarkoy village. After experimenting with various root stocks, varieties and trellis systems in an experimental vineyard of about 1.5 hectares for more than a decade, he established the main vineyard of the chateau in 2006 with varieties imported from France. A state of the art gravity-fed winery was built in 2010 within the vineyard for the production of the “chateau wine”. First wine has been made in 2010 and released in 2013. There are very few wineries in Turkey which have special architectural designed buildings - Chateau Kalpak is one of them. In addition to the nice winery building, the vineyard looking to the Marmara Sea is just heavenly. Chateau kalpak wines are made from the following grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Kalecik Karası (an Anatolian variety). Chateau produces 5 wine brands, among which the great Cabernet Franc (Chateau Cabernet Franc- Merlot 2010). Chateau Kalpak is designed as a visitor-oriented modern facility. The winery and the vineyards can be visited by appointment. The winery and Kafe Kalpak are located within the vineyards and serve wine paired appetizers on the terrace with a 270 ° view of “sea-forest-vineyards” stretching from the Greek Island of Samothraki (Samothrace) to the islands of Sea of Marmara.

Gelibolu Yolu 7th km, 59800 –Şarköy, Tekirdağ, Turkey

(+90) 532 277 11 37

info@kalpak.net bk@kalpak.net http://www.kalpak.net/ https://www.facebook.com/chkalpak http://www.thewinehousewarwick.com/chateau-kalpak.html http://www.thracewineroute.com/producer/chateau-kalpak-baglari/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

127

Mid-Eastern Anatolia Wine Region – Tokat Province

Tokat is a city well known with its viniculture during past centuries. After Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered Istanbul, he had the gardeners brought from Tokat to establish fruit gardens and vineyards in Istanbul, Beykoz. The most beautiful vineyards of Tokat that are still available have been formed by school teachers upon establishment of Cizvit school in Tokat. In these vineyards built in the form of terracing, mostly Narince grape has been grown. Tokat, home to some of Turkey’s best wine, has been the closely guarded secret of both Turkish and foreign diplomats. The wine is rarely seen in even the best Istanbul delicatessens, yet it appears on the menu of the Republic Day’s celebration in Turkish embassies around the world, as well as on ambassadors’ tables in Ankara. Also, Tokat has a unique wine called Mahlep, charachteristic only for this region. Mahlab is a spice extracted from the seeds of a variety of sour cherry known as the Mahlep or Mahleb tree. It is also sometimes called the Saint Lucie Cherry, and it yields distinctive, almost black and very sour cherry in the later summer. Mahaleb fruits are grown on mountains in the Tokat region, known for its aphrodisiac effect and also used for its medicinal properties and in food. The fruits of this tree are used in jams, preserves, and desserts, and they can also be dried. To extract the mahlab, the pits are cracked to reveal the small seeds inside. The spice has a distinctive flavour which tastes somewhat like cherries and slightly like almonds, with a hint of a sharp, sour and is exclusively produced by the Diren Winery.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

128

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

129

19. Diren Winery and Vineyards

Diren Winery is located in the northern part of Turkey and has been presenting quality wines of Anatolia, predominantly from Tokat region, for over 50 years. Diren was founded in 1958 by Mustafa Vasfi Diren, after 18 years of preparation in this field. In the beginning, the wine was produced at home with a single hand-press. Diren’s eight children, together with their neighbours, helped out and there was only one full-time workman. In 1963, Diren Wines won the first wine competition in Turkey and from that moment on, Diren has continued to invest in information and technology in winemaking. Mustafa continued to learn and perfect the crafts of viticulture and vinification until 1985, when his son Ali Riza Diren took over the reins at the winery, keeping it in the family, and continuing to carry the legacy of one of Turkey’s oldest wineries. Today the Winery has production capacity of 5,000 tons of wine per year and storage capacity of over 1,100 tons. Diren Wines has gained many national and international awards. The main brands are Mahlep, Les Muses, Veni Vidi Vici Selection, Collection, Enjoy, Karmen, Vadi, Viola and Cadde. Diren is known in its domestic market for its eclectic collection of indigenous varietals, such as Öküzgözü, Boğazkere and Narince, which is a noble grape variety grown in Tokat region. The winery takes great pride in producing wine from these rare, native grape varieties and presenting them for international wine lovers. Diren is famous for the red Karmen and white Dortnal brand, this latter is produced from the famous Narince grape. You can find Diren in the top restaurants of Western Europe and now in the United States as well.

Gıda Sanayi Sitesi No:1 Tokat, Tokat Province, Turkey

Cem Kocagözoğlu, Export Manager Seray Kocaemre, Assistant Brand Manager (+90) 356 214 91 60 Fax: (+90) 356 214 05 31

ckocagozoglu@diren.com skocaemre@diren.com diren@diren.com http://www.diren.com.tr/EN/ http://vinorai.com/our-wines/diren/ http://www.cornucopia.net/magazine/articles/vintners-of-tokat/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

130

Technical Requirements, Issues and Solutions

General requirements: • All four countries should be included in the itinerary. • The tour should start and end in a regional gateway. A gateway is a point of departure for one or many tourism routes. It typically has all

of the necessary services, including comfortable overnight accommodation and a mix of transportation options for tourism packages. • The tour should include some rural experiences (sleeping in the rural accommodation, tasting local products, taking part in different

rural activities, etc.).

Specific recommendations: • The tour should include wineries from different wine regions in each country. • Usually, the more famous the winery, the more difficult it is to gain access. The less prestigious wineries are also well worth a visit. Most

of the time the visitors will have the opportunity to meet directly the owner or the winemaker as they are usually family run estates and they therefore don't have staff.

• A professional guide who has a detailed knowledge of the wine region is recommended since conducting wine tours requires a great deal of expertise on the specific wineries and area you are touring. The guide should be a wine specialist able to explain the vineyard in detail, as well as grape varieties, designations and the classification system.

• A winery visit takes around 1-1h 30 min, where the tour guide will explain the history of the estate, the "terroir", the vineyard itself, and the process involved. The visitors will then be able to have a taste of the wines from the estate. On average you can visit 3 wineries per day, but the final choice should be largely based on the profile of wine tourists in the group. If the group consists predominantly of “wine lovers” (extremely interested in wines and winemaking/wineries may be sole purpose of visit to destination) 2-3 wineries/ day should be included in the itinerary. In the case of “curious tourists” (moderately interested in wine but not familiar with winemaking/wineries seen as “just another attraction”) one winery per day is sufficient.

• The best time to visit vineyards is from April till October and harvest take place usually between Sept-Oct. • Additional activities - particularly food - are sought after as a part of the wine experience. Other activities include: arts and crafts,

shopping, picnics, outdoor activities and events/festivals. The activity preferences highlight that this segment has a more relaxed style of holiday, with a focus more on nature and cultural activities rather than adventure activities.

• Historical sites included in the itinerary should have some connection with the history of wine. One or two historical/cultural sites per day are optimum. If the group consists predominantly of “wine lovers”, maximum one historical/cultural site per day should be visited.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

131

Possible issues: • Overall travel distance between Bulgaria and Armenia may be considered excessive by some travelers.

Possible solutions:

• The tour can be shortened including a flight between Batumi (other option is Tbilisi) and Istanbul (one per day at 17:05pm).

Detailed Itinerary

Day Stops Timing Distances Total (approx.) 01. • Yerevan

• “NOY” Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory • Yerevan Brandy Company “ArArAt” (optional)

• Arrival at Zvartnotz International Airport. • Transfer to the hotel in Yerevan. • Yerevan city tour. • Visit Yerevan’s “Noy” Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory. During the tour the tourists will visit the distillation department, the cooperage department, the museum, the wine-cellar and taste three wine varieties and two cognac varieties. • Accommodation: in Yerevan.

• Zvartnots airport – Yerevan city center (15 km, 30 min) • Yerevan city tour (10 km)

25 km

02. • “Proshyan Brandy Factory”, Ajapniak village • Ashtarak town tour • Tatoyents Qotuk Heritage House, Ashtarak • “Ashtarak’s Wines”, Oshakan • St. Mashtots Church, Oshakan (optional) • “Agarak” Historical and Cultural Reserve, Agarak village • “Golden Grape Armas” LLC- Vineyards, Winery, Hotel & Tasting Room, Nor Yedesia village

• Morning: “Proshyan Brandy Factory”, Ashtarak town tour • Lunch: Tatoyents Qotuk Heritage House, Ashtarak • Afternoon: “Ashtarak’s Wines”, St. Mashtots Church, "Agarak" Historical and Cultural Reserve, “Golden Grape Armas” LLC- Vineyards, Winery, Hotel & Tasting Room • Accommodation: “Golden Grape Armas” LLC- Vineyards, Winery, Hotel & Tasting Room

• Yerevan - Ajapniak village (11 km, 20 min) • Ajapniak village - Ashtarak (15 km, 20 min) • Ashtarak-“Ashtarak’s Wines”, Oshakan (5km, 10 min) • “Ashtarak’s Wines”, Oshakan – St. Mashtots Church, Oshakan (2 km, 5 min) • St. Mashtots Church, Oshakan- Agarak (6 km, 10 min) • Agarak-“Golden Grape Armas” (18 km, 30 min)

57 km, 1 h 35 min

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

132

03. • Holy Etchmiadzin • “MAP” wine and brandy factory, Lenughi village • Matzoon farm, Artashar village • Avshar Wine Factory, Avshar village • Chiva village/Areni village

• Morning: Etchmiadzin, “MAP” wine and brandy factory • Lunch: Matzoon farm (other option is “Aknalich” Resort Complex) • Afternoon: Avshar Wine Factory, cooking class in one of the B&Bs in Chiva village • Accommodation: B&Bs in Chiva/Areni villages

• “Golden Grape Armas”- Etchmiadzin (40 km, 55 min) • Etchmiadzin - “MAP” wine and brandy factory (35 km, 40 min) • “MAP” wine and brandy factory - Matzoon farm (25 km, 30 min) • Matzoon farm - Avshar Wine Factory (60 km, 1 h) • Avshar Wine Factory – Areni (67 km, 1 h 10 min)

227 km, 4 h 15 min

04. • “Areni” Wine Factory, Areni village • Areni Cave Complex, Areni village • Noravank monastery • Arman's Wine House, Yeghegnadzor • “Maran” Winery, Yeghegnadzor • Artur Petrosyan, willow bottle pack maker, Yeghegnadzor

• Morning: “Areni” Wine Factory, Areni Cave Complex, Noravank monastery Lunch: Arman's Wine House Afternoon: “Maran” Winery, Artur Petrosyan, willow bottle pack maker •Accommodation: “Old Bridge” B&B, Yeghegnadzor

• “Areni” Wine Factory - Areni Cave Complex (2 km, 5 min) • Areni Cave Complex - Noravank Monastery (8 km, 10 min) • Noravank monastery –Yeghegnadzor (23 km, 30 min)

33 km, 45 min

05. • “Old Bridge” winery, Yeghegnadzor • Orbelian caravanserai • Noratus cemetery, Noratus village • “Bashinjaghyan Tea House” Restaurant, Chkalovka village • Sevanavank Monastery, Sevanavank Peninsula • Dilijan

• Morning: “Old Bridge” winery, Orbelian caravanserai, Noratus cemetery • Lunch: “Bashinjaghyan Tea House” Restaurant • Afternoon: Sevanavank Monastery, Old Dilijan, visits to various artists • Accommodation: Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex

• Yeghegnadzor – Orbelian caravanserai (35 km, 30 min) • Orbelian caravanserai - Noratus cemetery (60 km, 50 min) • Noratus cemetery - “Bashinjaghyan Tea House” Restaurant (28 km, 25 min) • “Bashinjaghyan Tea House” Restaurant – Sevanavank Monastery (14 km, 15 min) • Sevanavank Monastery - Dilijan (33 km, 35 min)

170 km, 2 h 35 min

06. • Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory, Ijevan • “Mayisyan Kamurj” Restaurant and Hotel Complex, Adjadjur village • Vardan Zurabyan, wine producer, Berdavan • Tbilisi

• Morning: Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory • Lunch: “Mayisyan Kamurj” Restaurant and Hotel Complex (other option is at one of the Aygehovit village wine producer’s home) • Afternoon: Vardan Zurabyan, wine producer Accommodation: Tbilisi

• Dilijan-Ijevan (35 km, 40 min) • Ijevan-Adjajur village (15 km, 15 min) • Adjajur village – Berdavan (50 km, 55 min) • Berdavan-Tbilisi (95 km, 1 h 30 min)

195 km, 3 h 20 min

07. • “Bagrationi 1884”, Tbilisi • Tbilisi city tour • Shavnabada Monastery Wine cellar • “Vino Underground” Wine Bar, Tbilisi

• Morning: “Bagrationi 1884”, Tbilisi city tour • Lunch • Afternoon: Shavnabada Monastery Wine cellar, free time • Evening: “Vino Underground” Wine Bar • Accommodation: in Tbilisi

Tbilisi center-“Bagrationi 1882” (13 km, 20 min) and back Tbilisi center - Shavnabada Monastery Wine cellar (21 km, 35 min) and back

70 km, 2 h

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

133

08. • Sighnaghi • Pheasants Tears, Sighnaghi • Simonay Zaoty, Chumlaki village • Kvareli Tunnel “Gvirabi” -Winery Khareba, Kvareli • Remi Kbilashvili, qvevri maker, Vardisubani village • Schuchmann Wines Chateau, Kisiskhevi village

• Morning: Sighnaghi town tour, Pheasants Tears • Lunch with cooking or music class: Simonay Zaoty • Afternoon: Kvareli Tunnel “Gvirabi” -Winery Khareba; Remi Kbilashvili, qvevri maker • Accommodation: Schuchmann Wines Chateau, Kisiskhevi village (or “Chateau Mere” –Winiveria)

• Tbilisi – Sighnaghi (112 km, 1 h 40 min) • Sighnaghi – Chumlaki (25 km, 30 min) • Chumlaki – Kvareli Tunnel “Gvirabi” (24 km, 30 min) • Kvareli Tunnel “Gvirabi” - Vardisubani (23 km, 30 min) • Vardisubani – Kisiskhevi (17 km, 15 min)

201 km, 3 h 25 min

09. • Farmhouse “Ikalto”, Ikalto village • Alaverdi Monastery • Twins Wine Cellar and Qvevri Museum, Napareuli • Gremi church and royal tower, Gremi village • Aleksandre Chavchavadze House Museum, Tsinandali • Schuchmann Wines Chateau, Kisiskhevi village

• Morning: cheese tasting at farmhouse “Ikalto”, Alaverdi Monastery • Lunch: Twins Wine Cellar and Qvevri Museum • Afternoon: Gremi church and royal tower; Alexander Chavchavadze House Museum • Accommodation: Schuchmann Wines Chateau (or “Chateau Mere” –Winiveria)

• Kisiskhevi village – Ikalto (16 km, 20 min) • Ikalto – Alaverdi Monastery (13 km, 15 min) • Alaverdi Monastery – Napareuli (18 km, 20 min) • Napareuli – Gremi church (16 km, 15 min) • Gremi church – Tsinandali (26 km, 25 min) • Tsinandali - Kisiskhevi (5 km, 10 min)

94 km, 1 h 45 min

10. • George Barisashvili Wine Cellar, Mtskheta • Mtskheta • Chateau Mukhrani

• Morning: transfer to Mtskheta, George Barisashvili Wine Cellar • Lunch: in Mtskheta • Afternoon: Mtskheta town tour, Chateau Mukhrani • Accommodation: in Mtskheta

• Kisiskhevi-Mtskheta (122 km, 1 h 45 min) • Mtskheta – Chateau Mukhrani (24 km, 25 min) • Chateau Mukhrani – Mtskheta (25 km, 25 min)

171 km, 2 h 35 min

11. • Gogi Dvalishvili’s Wine Cellar, Khidistavi village (or Mitra’s Wine Cellar, Didi Ateni village) • Uplistsikhe Cave Town • Nacharmagevi Restaurant, Gori • (Zaliko Bodjadze, qvevri maker) • Archil Guniava’s Winery, Kvaliti village • Kutaisi

• Morning: Uplistsikhe Cave Town; Gogi Dvalishvili’s Wine Cellar, Khidistavi village (or Mitra’s Wine Cellar, Didi Ateni village) • Lunch: If it is possible the lunch should be organized in one of the above mentioned wine cellars. If not, lunch is in the Nacharmagevi restaurant near Gori. • Afternoon: (Zaliko Bodjadze, qvevri maker), Archil Guniava’s Winery, Kvaliti village; Kutaisi town tour • Accommodation: in Kutaisi

• Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe Cave Town (56 km, 55 min) • Uplistsikhe Cave Town - Khidistavi village (10 km, 15 min) • Khidistavi village - Nacharmagevi restaurant (11 km, 15 min) • Nacharmagevi restaurant - Kvaliti village (120 km, 1 h 40 min) • Kvaliti village – Kutaisi (40 km, 40 min)

237 km, 3 h 45 min

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

134

12. •“Iberieli” (Zurab Topuridze) Wine Cellar, Sakvavistke village (or “Chabela” Village House and Marani, Bukistsikhe village) • “Adjarian Wine House”, Acharistskali village • Batumi • Istanbul

• Morning: “Iberieli” (Zurab Topuridze) Wine Cellar (or “Chabela” Village House and Marani) • Lunch: “Adjarian Wine House” Afternoon: short tour around Batumi, flight to Istanbul Accommodation: in Istanbul

• Kutaisi –Sakvavistke village (62km, 55 min) • Sakvavistke village– Acharistskali village (100 km, 1 h 40 min) • Acharistskali village – Batumi (17 km, 25 min)

179 km, 3 h

13. • Istanbul • Chateau Nuzun Vineyards and Winery (or Barel vineyards) • Barbare, Yazir village

• Morning: Istanbul city tour (4 h) • Lunch: in Istanbul • Afternoon: Chateau Nuzun Vineyards and Winery (or Barel vineyards), Barbare • Accommodation: Barbare

• Istanbul - Chateau Nuzun Vineyards and Winery (120 km, 2 h) • Chateau Nuzun Vineyards and Winery – Barbare (58 km, 50 min)

178 km, 2 h 50 min

14. • Melen Vineyards, Mürefte • Kutman Winery Inc. Wine Museum, Mürefte • Chateau Kalpak

• Morning: Melen Vineyards, Kutman Winery Inc. Wine Museum • Lunch: in Mürefte • Afternoon: Chateau Kalpak • Accommodation: Barbare

• Barbare- Melen Vineyards (37 km, 1 h) • Melen Vineyards - Mürefte (10 km, 15 min) • Mürefte - Chateau Kalpak (21 km, 35 min) • Chateau Kalpak –Barbare (72 km, 1 h)

140 km, 2 h 50 min

15. • Arcadia • Vino Dessera • Brashlyan village • “Boiar” Winery, Hotel and Restaurant, Pomorie

• Morning: Arcadia • Lunch: Vino Dessera • Afternoon: Brashlyan village • Accommodation: “Boiar” Winery, Hotel and Restaurant, Pomorie

• Barbare - Arcadia (93 km, 1 h 20 min) • Arcadia – Vino Dessera (38 km, 50 min) • Vino Dessera- Brashlyan (60 km, 1 h 10 min) • Brashlyan – Pomorie (82 km, 1 h 15 min)

273 km, 4 h 35 min

16. • St. George Monastery, Pomorie • Nesebar • Chateau Medovo (optional Baba Radka, Solnik) • “Old Varna”, Varna • Hotel-restaurant and wine cellar “White House”, Varna

• Morning: St. George Monastery, Nesebar town tour • Lunch: Chateau Medovo (optional Baba Radka, Solnik) • Afternoon: transfer to Varna, “Old Varna” • Accommodation: Hotel-restaurant and wine cellar “White House”, Varna

• “Boiar” Winery - St. George Monastery, Pomorie (15 km, 15 min) • Pomorie - Nessebar (18 km, 20 min) • Nesebar - Chateau Medovo (18 km, 20 min) • Chateau Medovo – Varna (110 km, 1 h 40 min)

161 km, 2 h 35 min

17. • Chateau Euxinograde • “Kalimanski Han”, Kalimantsi village • Pobiti Kamani Natural Monument • Rock Monasteries near Osmar village • Osmar village

• Morning: Chateau Euxinograde, horse/carrage ride at “Kalimanski Han” • Lunch: “Kalimanski Han” • Afternoon: Pobiti Kamani Natural Monument, Osmar village with nearby monasteries • Accommodation: “Osmarski Kashti” Guesthouse, Osmar

• Varna - Chateau Euxinograde (8 km, 15 min) • Chateau Euxinograde - “Kalimanski Han” (31 km, 30 min) • “Kalimanski Han” – Pobiti Kamani ( 7 km, 10 min) Pobiti Kamani - Osmar village (90 km, 1 h 5 min)

136 km, 2 h

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

135

18. • “Osmar” Wine Cellar, Osmar • Veliki Preslav National Historical-Archaeological Reserve, Veliki Preslav • (St. Panteleymon Monastery, Veliki Preslav) • “Minkovi Brothers”, Venets village • Antique town of Kabile, Kabile village • Midalidare Estate, Mogilovo (or Edoardo Miroglio Wine Cellar, Elenovo)

• Morning: “Osmar” Wine Cellar, Veliki Preslav National Historical-Archaeological Reserve, (optional St. Panteleymon Monastery, Veliki Preslav) • Lunch: Winery "Minkovi Brothers" • Afternoon: Antique town of Kabile • Accommodation: Midalidare Estate, Mogilovo (or Edoardo Miroglio Wine Cellar, Elenovo)

• Osmar village – Veliki Preslav (16 km, 20 min) • Veliki Preslav -Winery "Minkov Brothers" (110 km, 1 h 35 min) • Winery "Minkov Brothers" - Kabile Roman Town with Thermae (40 km, 35 min) • Antique town of Kabile - Midalidare Estate, Mogilovo (115 km, 1 h 15 min) • Antique town of Kabile - Edoardo Miroglio Wine Cellar, Elenovo (47 km, 55 min)

281 km, 3 h 45 min (or 213 km, 3 h 25 min)

19. • Sofia • Transfer to Sofia • Sofia city tour • Departure

• Mogilovo – Sofia (220 km, 2 h 20 min) or Elenovo –Sofia (280 km, 3 h)

220 km, 2 h 20 min (or 280 km, 3 h)

Notes:

• Distances and approximate times are taken from Google Earth and must be checked at field. • The package can be devided into two separate tours: Armenia/Georgia 12 day tour and Bulgaria/Turkey 7 day tour.

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

136

Map. Cradle of Wine Tour Itinerary

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

137

Map. Cradle of Wine Tour Itinerary through Armenia

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

138

Map. Cradle of Wine Tour Itinerary through Georgia

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

139

Map. Cradle of Wine Tour Itinerary through Turkey

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

140

Map. Cradle of Wine Tour Itinerary through Bulgaria

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

141

Additional Sites Included in the Itinerary

Below is the list of sites that are not already described in previous submitted documents. The sites are listed in chronological order.

Additional Sites Included in the Itinerary

Nr. Name/Type/Contact

Description Location/Address Telephone Email/Skype Website/Facebook

01. Church and mausoleum of St. Mesrop Mashtots

The church of 142rmenian alphabet inventor, St. Mesrop Mashtots (4th c., 19th-20th cc.), is located in Oshakan village. Mesrop Mashtots (362-440 AD) was an Armenian theologian, linguist and hymnologist, best known for having invented the Armenian alphabet in 405 AD. After his death, his body was buried in Oshakan. In 443 AD, Vahan Amatuni built a cruciform chapel over his grave, while from 1875 to 1879 Catholicos Gevorg IV built a new basilica over the existing architecture. In 1884, a two-story cylindrical bell tower was added to the eastern side of the church. This bell tower is unique to Armenian architecture, both in terms of its shape and placement, as its entrance is from the altar of the church. In the 1960s, the interior of the church was decorated with frescoes by artist H. Minasyan. The church is surrounded by a garden with ornamented Armenian alphabet letter statues. The grave of Mesrop Mashtots, under the altar of the church, is a pilgrimage site visited by locals and tourist alike.

Oshakan village, Aragatsotn Province, Armenia

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

142

02. “Agarak” Historical and Cultural Reserve

The archaeological site of Agarak (3rd Millennium BC-18th c. AD) is located on the western bank of the Amberd River, near the village of Agarak. It stretches on both sides of Ashtarak-Gyumri highway and covers an area of 200 hectares, a portion of which (118 hectares) has now been declared a historical and cultural preserve by the Government of Armenia. It is a multi-layered settlement which sees human settlement beginning in the early Bronze Age and was subsequently left inhabited in various archaeological epochs. The site can be considered a large open-air sculpture. Taking into account the special characteristics of the local relief, formed by tuff flows, the inhabitants transformed the landscape at the cost of considerable effort, turning natural masses of the tuff bricks native to the volcanic region into a gigantic system consisting of collections of stone structures. Within the limits of the Armenian Plateau and the territories bordering on it, no other such site has been discovered. It is unique in terms of its unusual composition and design, as well as its volume and area. Large quantities of wine presses and wine storage vats discovered in the excavated sectors indicate the predominant role of viticulture and winemaking in the economic life of the inhabitants of Agarak. As one of the most important points along the trade route leading from Airarat to Shirak and Ani, Agarak developed a flourishing economy and commercial sector, especially within the 3rd and 4th cc. B.C. and in the 2nd through 4th cc. AD. Evidence of this development is provided by the discovery of painted urban pottery, a drakhm of Alexander the Great, a silver denarius of Octavian Augustus, and several signet rings found in sarcophagi burials belonging to the late Antique Period of the site.

Agarak village, 0206, Aragatsotn province, Armenia

(+374) 93 69 16 04 http://www.armenianheritage.org/en/monument/Agarak

03. Noratus Medieval Cemetery

A medieval cemetery (9th-15th cc.) in Noratus village is a home to the largest collection of early “khatchkars” in Armenia. Here you will find around 900 cross-stones varying in style and age. The prominent feature of many khatchkars, most of which date back to 10th c., is a cross surmounting a solar disc. The rest of the stone is usually decorated with leaves, grapes, pomegranates or abstract patterns. A wander round this huge village cemetery offers a glimpse into the past lives of the region’s inhabitants. From afar, the khackars resemble an army poised for battle, so it’s easy to see how a local folk tale arose, in which the villagers dressed the stones up in clothes and helmets to protect the village from the invading army of Tamerlane.

Noratus village, Gegharkunik province, Armenia

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

143

04. Sevanavank Monastery

The Sevanavank Monastery is the symbol of the province and one of the most visited sites in Armenia. The Black Monastery or Sevan Holy Apostolic Monastery is situated on Sevan Peninsula. The proposal of building such a monastery was initiated by Catholicos Mesrop Eghivardeci and was developed by Princess Mariam, the daughter of king Ashot I in 874 on the ruins of a 4th century monastery destroyed by Arabs. St. Mesrop Mashtots had a vision of 12 figures walking across the lake, who pointed him the place where the church had to be erected. Sevanavank Monastery was originally a complex of three churches, two of which are still perfectly preserved to this day. When it was completed, the level of water in Lake Sevan was much higher than it is today and the whole monastic complex was located on an island. Later, during the twentieth century, the lake was artificially drained and the level fell about 20 meters creating the peninsula. Besides the churches the complex included printing house, guest houses, warehouses and a refectory. In the 19th century the monastery was a place to reform errant monks – there was a strict regime and no women were allowed.

Sevan Peninsula, Gegharkunik province, Armenia

05. “Mayisyan Kamurj” Restaurant and Hotel Complex

“Mayisyan Kamurdj” Hotel-Restaurant is located on the Ijevan-Noyemberyan and Ijevan-Berd highway intersection, 12 km from Ijevan, on the bank of Aghstev River. The complex includes 14 comfortable rooms with bathrooms, a luxurious dining hall (for 260 people), a medium dining hall (70 people), six banquet rooms, four open-air pavilions, an outdoor pool with a bar and a café, gym, table tennis, children’s playground, an ATM, and a bakery with grocery shop. In the close vicinity of the hotel are the Makaravank church and historic monument of Kirants. Prices: double – 14000 AMD; semi luxury double – 18000 AMD; family suite – 27000 AMD; breakfast – 2000 AMD; full board – 7000 AMD.

57, 1st Str., Adjadjur village, Tavush province, Armenia

Vahagn V. Shushanyan, director (+374) 93 40 52 42 (+374) 99 40 52 42 (+374) 94 40 52 42

mkhotel@mail.ru www.mkhotel.am

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

144

06. “Vino Underground” Wine Bar

“Vino Underground” is the only wine bar in Tbilisi, however, it resembles a tasting room. Here, visitors can taste natural wines created by winemakers who share the same passion and beliefs about raising wine. As its name suggests, this is an underground cellar that was converted into a wine bar. There is also a small and delightful wine shop that brings to Tbilisi some of the best natural wines of Georgia. Owned and operated by eight small Georgian wineries, here one can find a wide variety of natural, organic and biodynamic wines representing all of the different wine regions of Georgia. At Vino Underground they have 70 different small wineries that they represent, making them the largest wine shop of Georgian wines in Tbilisi. They also offer some French, Italian and South African wines and all are quite unique -- not the one you can get in regular shops. Food is limited to cold dishes, olives and Georgian cheeses, just like in any wine bars, but also organic.

15, Galaktion Tabidze Str., 0105, Tbilisi, Georgia

(+995) 322 30 96 10 Facebook: Vino Underground - Tbilisi, Georgia - Wine Bar http://winetrailtraveler.com/georgia/vinounderground.php

07. “Nacharmagevi” Restaurant

Restaurant “Nacharmagevi” was founded in 2003. It is very popular among the local and foreign visitors. The restaurant is known for its delicious local dishes: Khachapuri, Kupati, Goruli cutlet and Mkhali assortment.

Tskhinvali highway 7th km, 1400 Gori, Shida Kartli Province, Georgia

(+995) 599 58 50 43 natela133@mail.ru http://georgianwine.travel/facilities/shida-qartli/nacharmagevi.html https://www.flickr.com/photos/11683866@N06/sets/72157631898983924/

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

145

08. Alexander Chavchavadze's Palace and historic winery

Tsinandali village in Kakheti is famous for the estate and its historic winery which once belonged to the 19th century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze. Aleksandre Chavchavadze (1786-1846) - writer, military leader, diplomat, public figure and inventor - was one of the most important figures of his time. Aleksandre was the god-son of Catherine II of Russia, and he spent his childhood in Russian noble circles. There, he was exposed to every innovation brought from Europe or discovered in Russia. Aleksandre Chavchavadze devoted his life to promoting and developing Georgian culture. He is considered to be the founder of Georgian romantic Poetry. In addition, he translated European and Russian authors such as Aesop, Voltaire and Pushkin. Chavchavadze was also a military leader (lieutenant-general) who participated in every important military expedition. In 1813-1815 he fought against Napoleon's Army (as an aide to Barclay de Tolly). Alexander Chavchavadze inherited Tsinandali village, lying in the Alazani River vally, from his father, Prince Garsevan. He refurbished the estate, constructed a new Italianate palace and built a decorative garden in 1835. It was the place where Chavchavadze frequently entertained foreign guests with music, wit, and – most especially – the fine vintages made at his estate winery (marani). Familiar with European ways, Chavchavadze built Georgia’s oldest and largest winery where he combined European and centuries-long Georgian winemaking traditions. His vineyard is still cultivated and the highly regarded dry white Tsinandali is still produced there. Visitors can see a bottle of Saperavi wine from 1839, the first harvest at Tsinandali. There are also 16,500 bottles of other sorts of wines. The Tsinandali garden occupies 18 hectares of land. Aleksandre Chavchavadze was the first landowner to bring European landscape designers into Georgia. The park has a unique and interesting layout, with a mixture of natural and decorated gardens.

Tsinandali, Kakheti Province, Georgia Working Hours: Every day from 10:00 to 19:00. During the winter months the museum closes one hour earlier.

(+995) 570 70 43 89 www.tsinandali.com

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

146

09. Osmar village

The village of Osmar offers great opportunities for eco and village tourism. It has been a member of BAVT (Bulgarian Association of Village Tourism) since 2004. The famous Osmar rock monasteries, the remarkable religious, cultural and educational monuments from the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, are located about 3km north of the village. It is a complex of scattered medieval rock monasteries, churches and monastic cells that were occupied during the 12th-14th cc. by monks Hesychasts. The monasteries were built in the soft limestone rocks and it is suggested the monks have reached them by rope ladders. Unfortunately limestone walls are susceptible to degradation during the times and this is the reason the cave murals are almost no preserved today. Kostadinov Monastery, the largest and best preserved of Osmar monasteries, is carved in cliff height of about 8 to 10 meters. There can still be seen altar and fragments of frescoes. There is an interesting natural formation called "The Eye" or "Ring" at the top of cliff of Kostadinov monastery. In addition, esoterics organize their meetings there because of the particularly strong energy field. Osmar villagers are the only villagers in Bulgaria who have moved their trellis vines outside their yards onto the pavement so that they form a tunnel of vines along the main street. Trifon Zarezan (the Bulgarian wine holiday) is the best time to visit the village. There is an annual contest for the best pelin and wine and combined with the other attractions this would furnish the guests with unforgettable memories. Tourists can find accommodation at Sveshtarovs houses offering peace and tranquillity. An old cooperage of 70-year-old history can be seen in one of them. Some other attractions are the ride around the village in a donkey cart as well as Sts Constantine and Helena church known for its curative icons.

Osmar village, Veliki Preslav Municipality, Shumen Province, Bulgaria

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

147

10. Veliki Preslav National Historical-Archaeological Reserve

Veliki Preslav (Great Preslav) was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire from 893 to 972 and one of the most important cities of medieval Southeastern Europe. The ruins of the city are situated in modern northeastern Bulgaria, some 20 kilometres southwest of the regional capital of Shumen, and are currently a national archaeological reserve. Veliki Preslav was established more than 1100 years ago as a town-fortress under the reign of Knyaz Boris I (852 – 889). After the Preslav Council of the Church and the People of 893 it was declared the capital of the Bulgarian state. Preslav was known as a spiritual and literary centre where the development of the Slavic written language and the Golden Age of Bulgaria during the rule of Tsar Simeon I (who reigned in the period 893 – 927) took place. In medieval Bulgaria Preslav became one of the most beautiful and grandeur towns in Southeastern Europe where significant monuments of the culture of Pliska and Preslav were later discovered. The fortress of Preslav consisted of inner and outer fortification systems, while the palaces were built on a high plateau. Today the remains of the numerous churches, monasteries, workshops, studios and palaces can be seen at Veliki Preslav National Historical-Architectural Reserve, while the masterpieces of the ancient masters, such as painted ceramics, adornments, weapons, all significant monuments of medieval Preslav, including Preslav Gold Treasure, the ceramic iconostasis of the palace monastery, a copy of the monumental icon of St. Theodore and other valuable items, various ancient inscriptions, a unique collection of lead seals, etc., are all kept at the Archaeological Museum of Veliki Preslav. The Museum, which was established in 1906, has over 35 000 treasured artefacts, but only some 1 700 of them are on display. St. Cyril and St. Methodius Temple-Monument, built on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary since the passing away of St. Methodius and Tsar Simeon and the Archaeological Base of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences are situated there as well.

9850 Veliki Preslav, mailbox No 16, Shumen Province, Bulgaria Working hours: November - March 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Weekends – lectures are given by guides upon request April - October 9.00 am – 6.00 pm The museum is open every day; Opening hours on weekends 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

Veliki Preslav Archaeological Museum (+359) 538 4 26 30 (+359) 538 4 32 43

info@museum-preslav.com www.museum-preslav.com http://bulgariatravel.org/en/object/40/Veliki_Preslav

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

148

11. St. Panteleymon Monastery

The Patleina Monastery named after "St. Panteleymon" is located near the town of Veliki Preslav, in Patleyna reserve about 2 - 2,5 km to the south of the outer city walls. It has been established in the 9th century AD and was later on destroyed in 11th century. Its remains were revealed during archaeological excavation works carried out in 1909-1914. The monastery used to be a complex of a church (a cubic building with a dome made of stone), residential and farm buildings all arranged in three yards - a prayer, a residential and a farming ones. The unique church artefacts, created by the Preslav Art School used to be made into the monastery's workshops for glass and ceramic production. A legend says that it was the final place of solitude of Prince Boris after his abdication.

Near Veliki Preslav, Shumen Province, Bulgaria

12. Antique town of Kabile

The remains of the antique town of Kabile are situated at a distance of 8 km from the town of Yambol. Kabile was established in the end of the 2nd millennium BC near a large cultural center at the height of Zaychi peak. During antiquity the town was an important economical and cultural center in South-east Thrace and Lower Tundzha. According to the historical evidence, Kabile was conquered by Philip of Macedonia in 341 BC, and later for a certain period of time his son Alexander III the Great of Macedonia resided here. During the first half of the 3rd century BC, Kabile was a residence of the Thracian tsars Spartok and Skostok. Kabile was also the only town in the internal part of Thrace, which had its own monetary house, where royal and town emissions were coined within the period 3rd – 2nd cc. BC. After it was conquered by the Romans, in the beginning of the 2nd century AD, Kabile was turned into one of the most important Roman camps in the Thracian province. The town ceased to exist after the Avars demolished it in the end of 6th century AD. The finds made in the region are exhibited in the archaeological museum of the reservation. The open air excavations which can be viewed without paying an admission fee include remains of basilicas and churches, fortified walls and public buildings. A preliminary call to the Regional Historical Museum of Yambol is required upon request for a tour guide and a guided tour. The guided tour is only in Bulgarian language.

Near Kabile village, Yambol Province, Bulgaria Opening hours: From Monday to Sunday 08.00 am - 5.00 pm

Regional Historical Museum - Yambol 2, Byalo More Str., Yambol, Bulgaria (+359) 46 66 34 03

museum@mail.bg www.yambolmuseum.com http://bulgariatravel.org/en/object/28/Kabile_Yambol

PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION

149