The document discusses the Struma Valley region in southwest Bulgaria. The region has a strong Mediterranean influence due to its proximity to the Aegean Sea. It is well-suited for growing red grape varieties like Melnik, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The town of Melnik is a leader in producing strong red wines and is known for its sand pyramids formation. The main wine centers of the region are the towns of Melnik, Sandanski and Petrich, which have seen a revival in winemaking traditions in recent years.

1. Erasmus+ 2016-18
“Green Skills for Social Agriculture”
THE STRUMA VALLEY (SOUTHWEST REGION)
The region includes the southwestern parts of Bulgaria, the valley of the river Struma
in the historical region of Macedonia. The area is small in size, but is climatically very
distinct and characteristic, owing to the strong Mediterranean influence from the south.
The local variety “Shiroka Melnishka Loza” (Broadleafed Melnik) (taking its name from
Melnik), as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are cultivated here.
The Broadleafed Melnik Vine (also known as Melnik) proudly takes its place among
the most popular local varieties and it is no secret that everyone who tries the wines
made from it, is equally excited to place it in their top choices of wine. The famous
elixir from Melnik can be found in chronicles from ages ago. The tradition to store the

2. produced wine in long tunnels into the rocks of the beautiful city of Melnik is still
practiced today. The town of Melnik is also the home of a natural phenomenon – the
sand pyramids and is a nationleader in producing strong reds that mature nicely in
oak.
The Struma Valley is the perfect place for growing grapes of mostly red varieties
due to the influence of the Aegean Sea on the local climate, the poor soils and the
extremely high temperatures in the summer. Besides Melnik, the vineyards of the
Struma Valley are widely planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and
Merlot. The white varieties are represented mainly by the Balkan star “Keratsuda” and
the local hybrid “Sandanski Misket”.
The main wine centers of this region are the towns of Melnik, Sandanski and Petrich.
The areas around Blagoevgrad and Gotse Delchev made a rapid progress in the
recent years too. As a whole, the region enjoys a steady revival of the winegrowing
tradition and many new producers are expected to enter the business soon.
Stories about mighty kings and great battles, sacred religious sites,legendary
hermits and clairvoyants echo from the history of time andthe unparalleled beauty of
the nature will surely make you remember the picturesque valley of the Struma River.