Main Info
Aya Estate Vineyards is the newest wine treasure in the region of Melnik and the first project of its kind in Bulgaria which can rightly be called a Wine Gallery. For the creators of Aya Estate wine is a form of art and they have turned the winery into an impressive art gallery – a temple of art created by the people for the people. In this Wine Gallery you will find unique works by Bulgarian and foreign authors, inspired by the unique nature and the feeling of freedom and balance that everyone at Aya Estate Vineyards strives towards. Their wine is the masterpiece, born from the symbiosis between nature and experienced winemakers.
The road to Aya Estate takes you through the valley of the River Struma to the junction for Hersovo where a wonderful view opens up before you – sunlit hills covered with a soft green carpet of vineyards.
The building follows the natural curves of the terrain and is in complete harmony with the landscape, which means it does not stand out at first glance because it does not contrast with the environment. The facade gives a feeling of a vertical cross-section of the terrain and resembles the sand formations near Melnik.
They call it the “invisible building” – a true jewel of modern architecture, the work of the architects from WhATA in collaboration with the designers from “Strukto” and “Irkon”.
Their core belief is to work with nature, not against it, and that is why they cultivate their vineyards following the principles of biodynamics. In their vineyards you can see life in all its beauty – ladybugs, worms, grasses, weeds, flowers, bees and much more – biodiversity supporting the vineyards they grow. Their main mission is to be an ambassador of local, indigenous varieties, to promote typical Bulgarian wines domestically and abroad. On the hilly terrain with an altitude of 250-330 meters, they biodynamically cultivate their old vines (over 50 years old) of Cabernet Franc and Shiroka Melnishka, as well as new ones with Syrah, Senso, Melnik 55, Grenache, Merlot and Sangiovese. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Mansen and Pinot Noir are grown in their first vineyard in northeastern Bulgaria, 10 km from the Black Sea.
The complex will include a winery, a gourmet restaurant, a gallery, an open-air stage, a horse stable, harmoniously integrated into their surroundings.
Aya Estate Vineyards is not yet officially open, but offers tours made with an appointment in advance.
Sightseeing nearby:
The Rozhen Monastery is one of the most remarkable monasteries in Bulgaria. In 1973 the monastery was declared a cultural monument of national importance.
Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria. It is part of the “100 National Tourist Sites”. It is located on the southern slopes of Pirin, in the immediate vicinity of the Melnik rock pyramids.
