As we headed back to Sofia, Bulgaria from the Struma Valley we made one last stop at the Sintica Winery in Sandanski. From a wine history perspective this last stop was indeed an interesting visit. The winery is located on what once was the site of an Experimental Agricultural Centre in Southwestern Bulgaria. In the late 70's it was renamed Complex Experimental Station (CES). CES became known as a botanical site of rare and exotic plants, and an experimental vineyard. Moreover, it established a reputation for the grape hybrids and the wines produced there. After democratization CES faded into obscurity. In 2006-07 three wine enthusiasts developed a private wine cellar on the site, 2008 was their first year of wine production. It was exciting to visit a winery so rooted in wine history
As we left Sinica Winery, I stopped once more to take in the view. As we walked back to the van through the former botanical garden, the fall colors were in full display .
It was interesting to visit this historic site, and to see where the new efforts are going. Bulgaria's Sintica Winery is so rooted in wine history.
Lunch with Sinica Wines
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| Views onto the Botanical Garden from Sintica Winery © Spaswinefood |
Sintica Winery
Sintica Winery, Sandanski takes its name from an old Thracian tribe in the region. Old archaeological ruins have been found in the nearby mountains from this period. The former state run experimental centre is where the unique grape varieties of Melnik 55 (Early Melnik), Melnishki Rubin, Melnik Jubilee 1300, Melnik 82, Sandanski Misket and others were created.
It was this facility that created Melnik 55, which Sintica Winery still produces as a wine. Today the winery's portfolio includes mainly international varieties. Their focus is on producing premium quality wines.
Our wine tasting at Sinica included the following wines:
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| Sintica Winery Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Tasting Room, Sintica Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Sinica Winery Wines © Spaswinefood |
Our wine tasting at Sinica included the following wines:
1. Le Passionnel Chardonnay 2013
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| Sinica Winery, Le Passionnel Chardonnay 2013 © Spaswinefood |
2. Sinti Reserve 2008 (Red Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah)
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Sinica Winery, Sinti Reserve 2008 © Spaswinefood
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3. Explosion Melnik 55 Single Vineyard 2008 (the variety was created at Sintica)
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Sinica Winery, Explosion Melnik 55 Single Vineyard 2008 © Spaswinefood
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4. Confluence Merlot Reserve Single Vineyard 2008
5. Phénomène Merlot Reserve Single Vineyard 2011
It was exciting to hear about the changes and taste Sintica's wines.
From the winery site there is a great view across the valley towards the mountains.
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| Sinica Winery, Confluence Merlot Reserve Single Vineyard 2008 © Spaswinefood |
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| Sinica Winery, Confluence Merlot Reserve Single Vineyard 2008 (back label) © Spaswinefood |
5. Phénomène Merlot Reserve Single Vineyard 2011
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| Sinica Winery, Phénomène Merlot Reserve Single Vineyard 2011 © Spaswinefood |
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| Sinica Winery, Phénomène Merlot Reserve Single Vineyard 2011 (back label) © Spaswinefood |
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| Wine Tasting, Sintica Winery © Spaswinefood |
From the winery site there is a great view across the valley towards the mountains.
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| View from Sintica Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Leaving Sintica Winery © Spaswinefood |
Lunch with Sinica Wines
Our hosts took us to lunch at the Oasis Restaurant nearby.
Our hosts brought along for lunch a very good wine, Le Passionel Cuvée 2008.
Let's take a look at some of the traditional dishes that were served for lunch.
These were happy food and wine moments shared around the table.
It was indeed an awesome lunch. Yes, it is hard to beat typical Bulgarian food. From a wine perspective it was a delight to taste their Le Passionel Cuvée 2008. I look forward to hearing more about Sintica wines.
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| Restaurant Oasis, Sandanski © Spaswinefood |
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| Lunch, Restaurant Oasis © Spaswinefood |
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| Sintica Winery, Le Passionel Cuvée 2008 © Spaswinefood |
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| Sintica Winery, Le Passionel Cuvée 2008 (back label) © Spaswinefood |
Let's take a look at some of the traditional dishes that were served for lunch.
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| Salad, Restaurant Oasis © Spaswinefood |
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| Meat Platter, Restaurant Oasis © Spaswinefood |
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| Vegetables, Restaurant Oasis © Spaswinefood |
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| Pepper & Cheese Dishes, Restaurant Oasis © Spaswinefood |
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| Lunch, Restaurant Oasis © Spaswinefood |
It was indeed an awesome lunch. Yes, it is hard to beat typical Bulgarian food. From a wine perspective it was a delight to taste their Le Passionel Cuvée 2008. I look forward to hearing more about Sintica wines.
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| Restaurant Oasis © Spaswinefood |
After lunch we visited the Sandanski archaeological site next door.
After quite a full morning agenda it was time to leave Sandanski for Sofia.
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| Sandanski Archeological Park © Spaswinefood |
After quite a full morning agenda it was time to leave Sandanski for Sofia.
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| Sofia, Bulgaria © Spaswinefood |
I did see a little of Sofia before being dropped off at an airport hotel. From all reports Sofia is an amazing place for Spaswinefood explorations. Sofia has three hot springs. Bulgaria has the largest number of hot springs in Europe. I only wish I had allotted time in my schedule to have stayed at least three days in Sofia. I certainly have lots of reasons to return to Bulgaria.
Our Struma River Valley visit certainly gave me an overall impression that there are many exciting things happening in this wine region. I invite you to join me in my travels in Bulgaria and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Our Struma River Valley visit certainly gave me an overall impression that there are many exciting things happening in this wine region. I invite you to join me in my travels in Bulgaria and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
October 2015
Sofia, Bulgaria
© Spaswinefood
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Note: This expense paid press trip was sponsored by #dwcc15 and our Bulgarian hosts.
While in the Struma River Valley wine region Spaswinefood also visited:
1. Villa Melnik
2. Obelus Winery
3. Wine Cellar Zlaten Rozhen
4. Orbelia Winery
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| Sinica Winery Wines © Spaswinefood |
Note: This expense paid press trip was sponsored by #dwcc15 and our Bulgarian hosts.
While in the Struma River Valley wine region Spaswinefood also visited:
1. Villa Melnik
2. Obelus Winery
3. Wine Cellar Zlaten Rozhen
4. Orbelia Winery
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