Yordanka (Dani) Golakova is the undisputed doyenne of the Bulgarian wine tourism, who paved its path back in the mid-80s, in times of limited opportunities, but with inspiring enthusiasm, passion and self-devotion. Between 1982 and 2011 Dani Golakova worked at Vinprom Lyaskovets, where she gradually “opened” this very old and very sizable of its time for Bulgaria wine-producing enterprise towards visits of tempted in the magic of wine non-professionals such as the wine tourists. 

Mr. Isa Bal, MS, was member of the team of judges at the 7th Balkans International Wine Competition in Sofia, Bulgaria (19-20 May 2018). He also gave a master class on the Turkish wines as part of the festival’s program (Turkey through the Glass of Isa Bal). Isa Bal has been in the wine business for more than 17 years. He is the only Turkish Master Sommelier (MS), member of the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) – the most prestigious worldwide... 

Ivo Varbanov is the Chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Independent Winegrowers (BAIW) which was established in March 2012. A professional musician – concert pianist – with numerous appearances in prestigious concert halls around the world, Ivo Varbanov started his winemaking venture some five years ago. Despite the fact that he lives mostly in London, he owns vineyards in the south part of the Sakar mountains. His wines with the brand ‘Ivo Varbanov’ are already familiar and highly...

Galina Niforou is a founder and manager of Oinorama – a consultancy company for wineries, restaurants, and any other projects related to the promotion of Bulgarian wines. Galina has an engineer degree in Wine and Spirits Technology from the University of Food Technology, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. She has also specialized in Wine Marketing & Management MBA at Bordeaux International Wine Institute - INSEEC, Bordeaux, France. As an oenologist she regularly takes part in wine-tasting committees....

As our first guest-writer we invited one of the most experienced in the profession – Adriana Srebrinova. Winemaker with a long-term practice she is the person behind a number of memorable Bulgarian wines since 1999 – starting with Maxxima, through Sensum and Dux, to the topical Vox Dei and Guardians. She believes that the terroir plays the biggest part in the making of a good wine. Adriana is convinced that some of best conditions for growing vines and winemaking in Bulgaria are present in the...