The young and rapidly growing company is named after the ancient Roman fortress, situated along the Danube river – Bononia (nowadays the clty of Vidin). In 1895 was built one of the oldest wineries in Bulgaria, in the village of Koshava, Vidin Municipality. Captivated by the beauty of the area, the Yotov family bought the property and decided to plant new vineyards and restore the old winery. In 2013 the first 400 acres of vineyards were planted. Today they are more than 1500 acres, influenced by one of the most fertile and interesting for growing of vineyards terroirs in Bulgaria. The grape varieties are diverse, with predominant whites varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Vermentino, Pinot Gris. The red grape varieties include Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as the rare and indigenous for the region – Bulgaria Gamza. In 2016, Bononia Estate presented its first vintage under the series: GOMOTARTZI, ISTAR, Ooh La la and BONONIA ESTATE. By investing in own vineyards, modern equipment and hotel complex, Bononia Estate completely closes its production cycle, providing its customers and partners with high quality products and services, control, flexibility and reliability in the long term.
In 2020 Bononia Estate will open its doors, providing an opportunity to visit the impressive renovated building from 1895, together with the preserved underground corridors. In addition to the winery, there will be a boutique hotel with a modern restaurant, tasting rooms, a conference room, a SPA and all located 11 meters from the Danube. The family winery will contribute to the wine tourism in the region, as well as in the country, with this initiative. “Let your spirit fly” is the motto of the cellar and this is for a reason. Bononia Estate was established by a family, who loves their country and is committed to developing business in it. The owners are aviation-loving people who believe that you have to let your spirit fly, in order to make your dreams come true. The wines of Bononia Estate are recognized by their distinguished varietal character, purity and airiness, as well as the fine and elegant profile of the aroma and taste. Bononia Estate is focused in making a high quality and reliable product for people who appreciate the real things in life. The main goals of the owners and the team are to build one of the best wineries in Eastern Europe and to help restore and strengthen the position of Bulgarian wine worldwide.
HISTORY
In the late 19th century, one of the first breweries was established in what is now the location of the Bononia Estate, but during the period of the transition, it sank into oblivion. In 2013, in the times of the modern Bulgarian state, the company began its revival, this time as a winery using modern technologies integrated by a family of people who are passionate about their country and determined to start and grow their business here. People who are in love with aviation and firmly believe that one must set their spirit free in order to make one’s dreams come true. Our young and fast-growing business was named after an ancient Roman fortress, located in the valley of the Danube River, Bononia (present-day Vidin). Over the centuries, Bononia guarded bravely the Upper Mizia Province first, and later, after being revamped and turned into the Baba Vida Fortress, it guarded proudly the northwest border of one of the oldest states in Europe which has preserved its name to this day, Bulgaria. This Balkan country is known as the home of the longest mountain range in the region, the Balkans, which gave name to the whole peninsula, and is also known as one of the first places on the entire continent to start growing grapes for winemaking.