We are a Manastira Winery -
wine with character
We produce high-quality red and white wines along the banks of the Topolnitsa River, at 330 m above sea level, where Thrace meets the hills of Sredna Gora. The specific terroir, the vineyards cultivated with love, and the thousand-year-old winemaking traditions of the region are the foundations for the distinctive character of our wines.
We have created three wine collections
Ilaya – legend has it that this was the name of Mavrud’s mother
The Ilaya collection is focused on the local Mavrud grape variety – rich, full-bodied red wines and rosé, crafted with attention to every detail.
Middle Forest – from the vineyards on the slopes of Sredna Gora
Created for true connoisseurs, the Middle Forest collection reflects the balance between nature and winemaking. Its name is a reference to the region itself. These wines have a more intense character, distinguished by complexity, depth, and aging potential.
Riverside – from the vineyards along the riverbanks
The Riverside collection is inspired by the proximity of the vineyards to the Topolnitsa River. These wines are fresh, elegant, and harmonious, combining fruity and floral notes.
The range includes white, rosé, and light red wines, perfect for any occasion.
Why to choose our wines?
High-quality Bulgarian wines
30 hectares of premium vineyards
Located in the Thracian Lowlands, Bulgaria
Multiple award-winning wines
Our history
We created the vineyard in 2006 when we planted the first 15 ha of vines. In 2011, we completed the installation of the equipment of the cellar and bottled our first harvest – only from our own grapes. Then we planted another 15 ha of vines. Among the selected varieties, we paid particular attention to the local mavrud, typical of the region (Lesichovo, Pazardzhik province).
The name of the family winery comes from an old legend about a monastery that was built in this place.
Although Manastira Winery has been on the market for a short time, we already have a good collection of Bulgarian and international awards and recognitions for our work from competitions such as Decanter, Concours Mondial Bruxelles, BIWC.
Technology
We start hand-picking the grapes in September with the varieties of Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. The grapes-picking ends around mid-October with the harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon and the late-ripening Mavrud. Further, we manually remove injured and defective grapes.
The fermentation takes place in stainless steel vessels, and we provide different temperature conditions for different wines. Then we transfer those with aging potential to age in oak barrels (French, American, and Bulgarian oak) in a room with controlled microclimate. We bottle the wine on a modern automated line.
At every stage, we monitor the processes in our own laboratory for analysis.
Our mission
We have made it our mission to bring local varieties back to the market, and we are planning to plant new vineyards.
We are committed to creating the best wines for the region of Thrace with each of our harvests, to be recognised at the domestic and foreign markets as they reveal to the consumer the qualities of the terroir and give them amazing experiences.
Our vision
Our vision for the Manastira Winery is how it becomes a favourite brand of white and red wines you enjoy having at your table on holidays and weekdays and during moments of solitude. We have been working to make it your favourite wine tourism destination.
World Wine Awards and Competitions
Bronze medal
Decanter World Wine Awards 2020
Ilaya Mavrud Reserva 2017
Gold medal
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2017
Gorna Trakia Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Silver medal
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2016
Ilaya Mavrud Reserve 2013
Gold medal
Rose Wine Expo 2016
Middle Forest Rose 2015
Bronze medal
Rose Wine Expo 2015
Kolibri Mavrud Rose 2014
Middle Forest Rose 2014
Commended
Decanter World Wine Awards 2014
Kolibri Mavrud Rose 2013
Silver medal
The Balkans International Wine Competition 2014
Kolibri Mavrud Rose 2013
Silver medal
VinoBalkanika 2014
Ilaya Mavrud Reserve 2012
Silver medal
Vinaria 2013
Kolibri Mavrud Rose 2012