International Mavrud Day: Wine Festivals in Bulgaria

For the sixth consecutive year, Bulgaria is celebrating International Mavrud Day on October 26th, hosting numerous wine events, announced the Bulgarian Association of Wine Professionals (BAWP).

This year, the celebration will unfold in a rich spectrum of tastings, wine evenings, masterclasses, and other special events, both in Bulgaria and abroad.

City wine festivals, planned in several cities – Ruse, Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Sofia – will be the central focus of the celebrations.

These large-scale events are conceived as a platform for wider promotion of Bulgarian wines, aiming to increase interest among connoisseurs.

The festival venues will become a unity of wine bars, culinary stalls, and music stages, offering a unique atmosphere.

Visitors will be offered over 45 wines, representing 17 Bulgarian and Balkan varieties.

Urban Wine Fest – Ruse

Urban Wine Fest – Ruse will be held on September 26th and 27th, 2025, in "Freedom" Square.

Over the two days, from 16:00 to 22:00 on September 26th and from 14:00 to 22:00 on September 27th, the city's residents and guests will be able to enjoy a wide selection of Bulgarian wines, as well as specially selected Romanian wines from autochthonous varieties.

In addition to tastings, the festival will offer a variety of dishes, masterclasses, and art workshops.

Concerts by Milica Gladnishka and "The Fox and the Cats", Big Band Ruse, and a DJ party will contribute to the festive atmosphere.

Urban Wine Fest – Plovdiv

Urban Wine Fest – Plovdiv will be held from October 3rd to 5th, 2025, on the bridge over "Gladstone" Street.

This year's edition will feature a three-day program combining culinary delights and musical performances.

Highlights include a festive greeting from the Plovdiv Wind Orchestra, jazz evenings with the "Gorbachev" quartet, and DJ sets by DJ Manev, whose participation will be his fourth consecutive.

Of special interest is the regional stand of the local association "Plovdiv Wine Routes", which will present the unique local terroir and distinctive characteristics of Plovdiv wines.

The festival is part of the official program for delegates from the Global Conference on Wine Tourism of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), highlighting its international scope.

Urban Wine Fest – Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Sofia

Similar festivals will also be held in Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Sofia with different musical programs and culinary offerings.

The main focus of the festivals will be endemic Bulgarian varieties such as Mavrud, Rubin, Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Gergana, Melnik 55, Cherven Misket, Pamid, Vrachan Misket, Keratsuda, as well as the Balkan classics Dimyat and Gamza.

Entrance to all festivals is free, but tastings and consumption are paid for on-site.

Each visitor can bring their own tasting glass or use those provided against a deposit.

The event is for persons over 18 years of age, and the organizers appeal for moderate and responsible consumption.

The initiative, organized by BAWP, has for six years united wine specialists, traders, and tourism businesses around the idea of promoting Bulgarian wines – both nationally and internationally.

October 26th, International Mavrud Day, is entered in the world calendars of wine festivals.

BAWP emphasizes that local varieties give individuality and uniqueness to Bulgarian wine, and International Mavrud Day affirms Bulgaria's worthy place on the world wine map.

International Mavrud Day is held under the patronage of the Minister of Tourism, with official support from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Plovdiv Municipality, Ruse Municipality, Varna Municipality, Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, Sofia Municipality, and "Mastercard".