© Velichka Miteva – Village in the wine making region of Melnik, Bulgaria

Archaeological wonders combine with modern wines in a travel fantasyland.

Located south of the Balkan Mountains, bounded by the Black Sea to the east and Greece to the south, Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley is considered by many historians to be one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world. Recently unearthed archaeological evidence suggests that wine was made 7,000 years ago by members of the cult of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. The lowlands have a mild climate, rolling hills and a maritime influence that provide a perfect environment to grow grapes. Base yourself in Plovdiv…

Read the full article: Thracian Lowlands, Bulgaria | Best Wine Destinations 2017 | Wine Enthusiast Magazine