Bulgaria

Bulgaria is the wine world’s best-kept secret, a sun-drenched Balkan treasure where ancient Thracian traditions meet a punchy, modern swagger! While you’ll find plenty of familiar faces like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thriving in the split personality of the hilly Danubian Plain to the north and the warmer Thracian Valley to the south, the real party starts with the local legends. Get ready to fall for the bold, spicy charms of Mavrud (the king of Bulgarian reds) or the juicy, dark-fruit vibes of Melnik 55 from the toasted southwestern corner near Greece.