Bononia Estate

BONONIA ESTATE is a boutique winery, producer of high-quality Bulgarian wine. Located in Northwestern Bulgaria, directly on the bank of the Danube River, it focuses its efforts on the white wine and rosé typical for the region, as well as on lighter and airier red wines.

At the end of the 19th century, one of the first breweries in the country was established on this site. During the transition years, it fell into oblivion. In 2013, the enterprise was revived as a modern winery by a family that loves its country and is determined to develop a business there. The people behind Bononia Estate winery are passionate about aviation. According to their philosophy, you must let your spirit fly to achieve your dreams.

Among the varieties grown at Bononia Estate winery are: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Vermentino, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and the unique Gamza variety, grown only in this region.

Bononia Estate winery attracts proven specialists who successfully combine historical heritage with the most innovative technologies in the sector.

Guided by the maxim that a sustainable business is created with motivated employees, the Yotovi family provides training and work for the local population. At the same time, they support the development of a "viticulture" class at the agricultural vocational high school in the village of Dunavtsi. The family uses the international relations accumulated over 25 years from their foreign trade activities to promote the Vidin region.

Vineyards

BONONIA ESTATE's vineyards span nearly 1500 decares and are located near the town of Vidin. The history behind this ambitious Bulgarian winery inherits and unites 3 centuries of tradition, as the original building from 1895 was one of the first breweries in Bulgaria, and was subsequently preserved, restored, and converted into a winery. Through investments in its own vineyards, modern equipment, and a hotel complex, BONONIA ESTATE fully closes its production cycle, ensuring high quality, control, flexibility, and long-term reliability for its customers and partners.

Growing

The main grape varieties grown by BONONIA ESTATE are: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Vermentino, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and the unique Gamza variety, grown only in this region. BONONIA ESTATE's portfolio includes 4 brands: GOMOTARTZI, ISTAR, Ooh La la and BONONIA ESTATE, with many of the winery's wines having won awards from specialized competitions and international exhibitions.

Vision and Goals

In the current year 2021, BONONIA ESTATE plans to open a wonderful wine complex. Modern production facilities, a boutique hotel, a restaurant, several tasting rooms, a conference hall, a swimming pool, and a spa are currently being built 11 meters from the Danube. As a key investor in Northwestern Bulgaria, BONONIA ESTATE's efforts are also directed towards the development of the region. BONONIA ESTATE's ambition is not only to build one of the best wineries in Eastern Europe but also to help strengthen the position of Bulgarian wine worldwide and Bulgaria as a worthy wine destination.

The young and rapidly developing company is named after an ancient Roman fortress located along the Danube River, Bononia (present-day Vidin). Over the centuries, Bononia bravely defended first the province of Upper Moesia, and subsequently, upgraded and transformed into the Baba Vida fortress, it proudly guarded the northwestern border of one of Europe's oldest countries, which has not changed its name to this day, Bulgaria. The Balkan country is known in the region both for its longest mountain range, which gave the peninsula its name, the Balkan Mountains, and as one of the places where winemaking first originated on the continent.