site.btaVitus Marinovi Winery: Investing in Trellising, Tech, and Local Grapes to Expand Market Reach

Replacing trellising in the vineyard and purchasing new equipment are among the activities on which the Vitus Marinovi winery is focusing, technologist Venelina Latinova told BTA on Friday.

The winery, established in 2018 near the village of Dolnoslav, has invested in advanced technology since its first harvest in 2019.

According to Latinova, the winery is currently exploring concepts for a new blend, but its primary focus remains on reinforcing its existing products in the market.

She reported that the quality of the new grape harvest is very good, but the yield has declined. She attributed this reduction to changing climate conditions. The winery has currently harvested around 15 tonnes of grapes and anticipates collecting an additional 20 to 25 tonnes.

The winery is designed to process 100 tonnes of grapes, but so far has not reached full capacity. “We usually make about 30 tonnes of wine, which equates to between 40,000 and 45,000 bottles. We produce different types of wines, working with local varieties such as Mavrud, Rubin and Misket from Brezovo. They are included as single-varietal wines in the batches, though some are blends. We make white, rosé and red wine. The vineyards cover more than 35 hectares, located in the Brezovo area. The red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rubin, and we buy in Mavrud. The white varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Brezovski misket. Overall, we focus on the local varieties,” Latinova said.

The winery primarily competes in national wine competitions, but has also achieved recognition at international events. Notable participations include the Balkan Wine Exhibition in Sofia, the Young Wine Festival and Wine and Gourmet Festival in Plovdiv, the Mavrud Days, and Augustiada in Stara Zagora. The winery has also exhibited at a local grape variety event in Tryavna. In early October, it will participate in the “A Glass of Wine’s Distance from Plovdiv” event, which invites visitors to tour all wineries belonging to the Plovdiv Wine Routes association.

Tastings are offered at the winery by arrangement. “We are also trying to develop the tourism business. There are many attractions to see here,” Latinova added.

Founded in the summer of 2018, Vitus Marinovi is a family-owned winery situated at the base of the Thracian cult sanctuary Belintash in the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains. Located in the village of Dolnoslav near Asenovgrad, in the region renowned for Mavrud and Rubin grape varieties, the winery features state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. All grapes are sourced from its own vineyards in the Brezovo area and the nearby village of Tyurkman, allowing full quality control throughout production.