Winemaking, Marketing

Bulgarian Wines Once Again Part of the Slow Wine Fair 2026 Community in Bologna

Between 22 and 24 February 2026, Bulgarian wines once again took part in the international Slow Wine Fair in Bologna for the fourth time – a space where the principles of “good, clean and fair” wine are applied as a genuine criterion for wine production.

The event represents the fifth international gathering of the Slow Wine Coalition – a global network of wine producers, professionals and activists united around the cause of sustainable and responsible wine production. The fair brings together producers who view wine as a living expression of terroir and as a cultural practice connected with the protection of nature, the support of rural communities, and the development of sustainable agricultural systems.

In 2026, Slow Wine Fair places a special emphasis on the social dimensions of wine production, exploring how viticulture and winemaking can contribute to building more sustainable and socially equitable communities.

The exhibition at BolognaFiere brings together 1,100 winegrowers and winemakers from 28 countries, all members of the Slow Wine Coalition and signatories of the Slow Food Manifesto. They present more than 7,000 wines produced in accordance with the principles of environmental sustainability, respect for terroir and biodiversity.

Bulgarian participation

Bulgaria participated in the fair for the fourth time, with five wineries presenting their wines at the national stand this year:

  •  – AHINORA
  •  – Bratanov Winery
  •  – DeVina Vineyards & Wine
  •  – DИВ
  •  – Poliana Bio Wine

Their wines were introduced to the knowledgeable and demanding international audience of Slow Wine Fair – including sommeliers, importers, wine journalists and professionals from the hospitality sector. Throughout the exhibition, numerous professional meetings, tastings and discussions took place, aimed at developing long-term partnerships and new market opportunities.

Growing recognition of Bulgarian wine

Bulgaria’s consistent presence at Slow Wine Fair is already showing visible results. The reaction “We have never tried Bulgarian wine before”, which often accompanied the first encounters with international visitors in the past, is gradually giving way to growing familiarity and interest in Bulgarian wine styles and terroirs. This shift reflects the consistent efforts of the BAWP team and a coordinated international presence, which are steadily building trust and recognition for Bulgaria as a source of contemporary, authentic and sustainably produced wine. From the very first day of the exhibition, the Bulgarian stand attracted strong interest from wine professionals and enthusiasts, confirming the country’s potential in the segment of terroir-driven and responsibly produced wines.

Bulgaria’s participation in Slow Wine Fair has been made possible thanks to the Bulgarian Association of Wine Professionals (BAWP) and the valuable support of Mastercard, as part of a long-term strategy for the international positioning of Bulgarian wine. The continued collective participation of Bulgarian wineries in this prestigious international forum strengthens Bulgaria’s presence in the global conversation on sustainable wine production and confirms the country as an active member of the community of producers creating wines with respect for nature, terroir and people.

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