Municipality of Rhodopi: Wine, Festivals and Landscapes

• The municipality covers about 300 km² and lies south to southwest of Plovdiv.
• Rhodope forests stretch between Asenovgrad, Mihalkovo and Krichim.
• Wine villages, municipal festivals and the Izvor eco-trail offer different themes for a stay.

Its location at the foot of the northern Rhodope slopes connects the municipality with a mountain landscape. At the same time, it forms a natural suburban area of Plovdiv. Its small mountain villages combine proximity to Plovdiv with practical infrastructure, fresh air and traditional cuisine; at weekends, they attract residents and visitors from Plovdiv. This describes the character of the places without presuming that any particular services will be available during your stay.

One specific natural feature is the centuries-old winter oak in the “Sv. Georgi” locality. It is protected under the Biodiversity Act. The geographical setting and this protected tree offer two different points of reference: the municipality’s broader landscape and a named natural feature.

Brestovitsa brings together several different wine-related attractions. The “Vlahovata kashta” Wine Museum presents the history of wine from the Brestovitsa region, both old and modern. Check current visitor arrangements before planning a visit. Villa Vinifera, built in 1936 and described as a winery of the classical type, is also in Brestovitsa. The “Dzhinvira” winery is a small family winery in the centre of the village; it is best to contact the operator about visiting options.

In Ustina, Villa Yustina offers a “wine tour” through its production facilities and enoteca. The format of the tour and reservation requirements may change, so it is worth checking with the winery in advance. These offer different starting points for planning: the history of wine in Brestovitsa, a winery with a classical character, and an experience featuring production and an enoteca.

At the beginning of December, the municipality holds the “Dionysian Festivals of Young Wine” every year. The festival moves between settlements in the municipality and lasts two or three days. The annual municipal festival also takes place in different locations: between 1 and 10 June, and likewise lasts two or three days, with performances by more than 35 amateur ensembles.

On 14 February, the “Trifon Zarezan” festival is celebrated with particular flair in Brestovitsa. Several wineries take part, young people participate actively, and the custom is authentically reenacted. The annual village festivals also tend to revive and renew older customs and rituals. These include Kukeri processions, vine pruning for Winemaker’s Day, retrieving the cross on Epiphany and Babinden. Traditional Bulgarian costumes, Rhodope songs and horo dances are also part of the festivities. Since host locations and programmes may change, check the specific dates when planning your trip.

The Izvor eco-trail consists mainly of the two routes “Momina skala” and “Trite chuchura.” A fishpond is part of the route, making it possible to combine the outing with fishing. Check the applicable fishing rules and local availability. Trail conditions may change. Another route, “Patyat na Dionisiy,” passes through the Municipality of Rhodopi. Alongside wine and festivals, there are therefore different trail options to suit your interests.

When looking for accommodation, it may help to decide on the focus of your trip first: would you like to plan around a festival date, visit wine villages, or focus on the landscape and trails? The pages for Belashtitsa, Dedovo and Boykovo offer a next step in exploring the area.

Discover more destinations: Perushtitsa, Kaloyanovo, Brezovo, Maritsa and Rodopi.

When do the major municipal festivals take place?

The “Dionysian Festivals of Young Wine” take place every year at the beginning of December. The annual municipal festival is scheduled between 1 and 10 June. Both festivals move between locations; check the specific dates and host locations before your trip.

What does the Izvor eco-trail include?

Its main routes include “Momina skala” and “Trite chuchura.” A fishpond along the route offers the possibility of combining the outing with fishing; check the rules and availability locally.

What does Villa Yustina’s wine tour offer?

It leads through the production facilities and the enoteca. Since the tour format and reservation requirements may change, check with the winery in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Plovdiv Province.