Sofia is a surprising spot for wine lovers. Bulgaria’s capital isn’t just about history and vibrant streets — it’s also a place where you can taste unique local wines and learn about Bulgaria’s rich vinicultural traditions. Whether you want a quick tasting, a full-day tour, or a hands-on cooking class that pairs wine with Bulgarian cuisine, Sofia has something for every palate. We especially love the Sofia: Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience for its in-depth look at Bulgaria’s native grapes and the chance to sample five different varieties. If you prefer a guided city walk combined with wine, the Afternoon Walking Tour with Food and Wine is perfect for exploring Sofia’s sights along with local bites and drinks.
Sofia’s wine scene is also great for those who want a more immersive experience, like the Melnik Wine Tour which explores Bulgaria’s smallest town famous for its wines favored by Winston Churchill. For a fun, interactive approach, the Sourdough Pancakes, Wine & Culture class combines local culinary traditions with wine tasting. Whatever your style, Sofia’s wine tours combine history, delicious food, and Bulgaria’s rich winemaking in a way that makes your visit truly memorable.
1. Sofia: Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience
At number 1, the Sofia: Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience offers a deep dive into Bulgaria’s native grape varieties. During this one-hour tasting, you’ll sample five Bulgarian wines, including Sampl Rikat, Melnik, Mavrud, and Pamid. The wines are paired with local craft cheeses and bread, creating a genuinely authentic experience right in Sofia. The guide is highly knowledgeable, sharing insights into Bulgarian winemaking and regional differences, which elevates the tasting beyond just drinking.
This experience is perfect for those wanting a quick, informative taste of Bulgaria’s wine culture — ideal if you’re short on time but want a rich, flavorful introduction. Reviewers love the mix of delicious wines and educational content, and many mention how much they learned about Bulgarian grapes and wine production. The only small critique is the limited variety of nibbles, but overall, it’s a well-rounded, enjoyable experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re curious about Bulgaria’s unique grapes and want a friendly, intimate setting, this tasting hits the spot. It’s an excellent way to start your wine journey in Sofia.
2. Sofia: Guided Tasting of Local Wines and Cheeses
Coming in at number 2, the Guided Tasting of Local Wines and Cheeses offers a broader exploration of Bulgaria’s wine regions, paired with small-batch cheeses from local producers. You’ll learn to distinguish different grape varieties while enjoying a selection of wines from Bulgaria’s lesser-known vineyards. The host, Alex, is praised for his wide knowledge, sharing both wine tips and snippets of Bulgaria’s history, making it more than just a tasting — it’s a cultural overview in a glass.
What makes this tour stand out is the visual aid of a chalk map showing Bulgaria’s wine regions, helping you understand where each grape is grown. Reviews highlight the quality of the wines and cheeses, with many guests appreciating Alex’s engaging and friendly approach. The only concern is punctuality, so plan your schedule carefully.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge of Bulgaria’s wine landscape and enjoy cheeses from boutique farms. It’s a relaxed, insightful introduction.
3. Sofia: Wine and Tapas – Bulgarian’s Wine Tasting Experience
Number 3 on our list, Wine and Tapas combines Bulgarian wines from boutique wineries with local meats and cheeses in a cozy setting. This one-hour experience is as much about tasting as it is about discovering Bulgaria’s food culture. You’ll sample a variety of wines, complemented by traditional Bulgarian “meze” — small bites of meats and cheeses that highlight regional flavors.
Guests find the experience exceptional — the host’s explanations enrich the tasting, and the wines are carefully curated. It’s especially suited for couples or small groups seeking a more lively, social vibe. The tour’s focus on boutique wines adds a special touch, making it ideal for those wanting to try something different from the mass-market offerings.
Bottom Line: A lively, flavorful way to explore Bulgarian wine and cuisine in a warm, intimate setting. Perfect for a date night or a small group.
4. Sofia Afternoon Walking Tour with Wine and Food Tasting
At number 4, the Sofia Afternoon Walking Tour combines Sofia’s main sights with a relaxed sampling of local wines and meat bites. Over three hours, you’ll stroll through iconic locations like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Roman ruins of Serdica, and the Saint Sofia Monument, all with an engaging guide.
The highlight is the chance to taste Bulgarian wine paired with local meat bites, making the walk more flavorful and memorable. Reviewers appreciate how the guide makes the history come alive while offering delicious stops along the way. The tour suits visitors who want a mix of sightseeing and tasting, with a casual pace suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: A great way to see Sofia’s landmarks while enjoying local food and wine in a friendly, small-group setting.
5. Sofia: Tour&Tasting Beer and Wine with Local Appetizers
Number 5 is a bit different: Tour&Tasting Beer and Wine offers a two-hour journey through Bulgaria’s craft beer and wine scenes. Your local guide will take you to some of Sofia’s best spots, sampling between three and five local wines and beers with accompanying traditional dried meats and cheeses.
This experience is perfect if you’re a fan of both drinks and want to experience Sofia’s lively nightlife. With only four reviews, it’s still new, but the feedback points to a friendly atmosphere and delicious local snacks. It’s a great choice if you want a more informal, social experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who enjoy both beer and wine and want to explore Sofia’s vibrant bar scene with local bites.
6. Melnik Wine Tour
Number 6 takes you outside Sofia to the Melnik Wine Tour, a 9-hour trip to Bulgaria’s smallest town, famous for its excellent wine cellars and the legendary Winston Churchill connection. You’ll visit the Rozhen Monastery and explore the town’s charming streets, but the highlight is the wine tasting at the local cellars and the visit to the wine museum.
What makes this tour stand out is the immersion in Bulgaria’s most renowned wine region. Guests rave about the opportunity to taste wines produced from grapes grown in volcanic soil, which give the wines a distinctive character. The day trip is best suited for those with enough time and curiosity for Bulgaria’s wine heritage.
Bottom Line: A full-day adventure for wine aficionados eager to explore Bulgaria’s top wine-growing areas and historic sites.
7. Cooking Class in Sofia: Sourdough Pancakes, Wine & Culture
Number 7 offers a different angle—Cooking Class in Sofia combines hands-on food-making with wine. In just two hours, you’ll learn to make Bulgarian sourdough pancakes, paired with a boutique wine and homemade lemonade.
This experience is perfect for travelers who love to get involved and learn a local recipe while sipping Bulgarian wine in a cozy home with city views. The emphasis on culinary skills and cultural exchange makes it more than just a tasting. Guests mention the view and the warm atmosphere as highlights.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive way to connect with Bulgarian culture through food and wine, suitable for foodies and curious travelers.
8. From Sofia: Koprivshtitsa, Starosel, and Wine Tasting Tour
Number 8 is a full-day trip combining cultural sightseeing and wine tasting. You’ll explore the colorful town of Koprivshtitsa with its historic houses, then visit the Starosel Thracian complex and indulge in wine tasting at the Starosel Wine & SPA. The highlight is the visit to the largest domed Thracian tomb and tasting local wines from the vineyards.
The tour balances archaeology, history, and wine tasting, making it ideal for those interested in Bulgaria’s ancient past and modern wine production. Reviews mention how the wine tasting at Starosel is a true highlight, with the wines crafted from local grapes.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a cultural day out combined with Bulgaria’s top wines and archaeological sites.
9. Sofia: Banitsa Pastry Class with a Local with Bulgarian Wine
Number 9 combines cooking and wine in a two-hour class that teaches you how to make banitsa, Bulgaria’s famous pastry. Held in a cozy home with panoramic views, you’ll also enjoy a walk, local stories, and a glass of wine. You get to take your freshly baked banitsa home or enjoy it warm.
This class is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on experiences and want a taste of Bulgarian everyday life. Reviews highlight the warm atmosphere and the delicious, freshly baked pastry. It’s perfect for couples or families seeking a relaxing cultural activity.
Bottom Line: A charming, practical experience that combines culinary skills, local hospitality, and wine.
10. Special Selection Bulgarian Wine Tasting
Number 10 offers a curated tasting of five carefully selected wines, paired with traditional Bulgarian cold cuts and cheese. Held in a comfortable environment, it’s aimed at those wanting a focused, quality wine experience without fuss.
The host’s expertise shines through, and reviews praise the diverse wine choices and friendly atmosphere. The tasting is a good value considering the quality and variety, making it a great choice for wine enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for anyone wanting to sample Bulgaria’s best wines with expert guidance in an intimate setting.
11. Special selection of prime cuts and wine
Number 11 revolves around Bulgarian prime cuts paired with wine. This one-hour experience offers four organic prime cuts and a glass of premium local wine, along with stories about Bulgaria’s culture and history. It’s best suited for meat lovers who want a culinary experience with a wine twist.
Guests liked the quality of the local meats and the informative host. It’s a straightforward, satisfying tasting experience that emphasizes Bulgaria’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: Perfect for meat fans wanting to combine food and wine in a relaxed setting.
12. Sofia: Wine & Appetizers with a Local
And finally, number 12 offers a full-day experience of tasting 3 to 5 local wines with an expert sommelier in a unique, private wine house. The focus is solely on Bulgarian wines, with detailed explanations and personalized service.
While reviews are limited, the emphasis on expert guidance and local wines makes it attractive for wine connoisseurs. It’s a comprehensive, more leisurely option for those wanting an in-depth wine experience.
Bottom Line: Highly recommended for serious wine lovers wanting to explore Bulgaria’s finest bottles with a knowledgeable guide.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Sofia
When selecting your perfect Sofia wine experience, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re pressed for time, the Sofia: Wine & Cheese Tasting offers a quick, rich introduction. For a full-day cultural and wine adventure, the Koprivshtitsa and Starosel trip combines history with tastings. If you’re keen to learn to cook, the Sourdough Pancakes class combines local food with wine, perfect for hands-on enthusiasts. Budget and group size also matter — for intimate, curated tastings, options like the Special Selection Bulgaria are excellent.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred times. Consider whether you want a guided city tour with food, or a dedicated wine tasting experience; both are well-represented here.
Sofia’s wine scene offers a delightful mix of local grape varieties, regional wines, and culinary traditions. For those who enjoy pairing food and drink, exploring the city’s tasting tours is a surefire way to deepen your understanding of Bulgaria’s cultural flavor. Whether you’re after a quick intro, a full-day trip, or an interactive cooking class, Sofia has an option that will satisfy your curiosity and palate. Book early, and enjoy discovering Bulgaria through its wines and stories.