Varna, Bulgaria’s lively Black Sea port, is a surprisingly good spot to explore Bulgarian wines. While most travelers focus on its beaches and archaeological sites, the city also offers a rich selection of wine tours that blend history, local culture, and delicious tastings. Among the favorites are a charming French-influenced walking tour, which reveals how French soldiers helped shape the city’s architecture and wine scene, and a private tasting that dives deep into Bulgaria’s lesser-known vintages. We also appreciate tours that combine culinary delights and local stories, making your visit not just about drinking wine but understanding its place in Varna’s social fabric. For anyone curious about Bulgaria’s wine heritage, these experiences offer authentic, enjoyable ways to spend a few hours.
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll find options suited for various interests and budgets—from laid-back private tastings to comprehensive culture and wine explorations. Some tours include visits to archaeological museums or landmarks like the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, while others focus solely on tasting local wines paired with Bulgarian snacks. Check out the detailed tour options below to see which experience fits your style, schedule, and curiosity.
1. Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour
At number 1 on our list, the Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour offers a wonderful blend of history, architecture, and Bulgarian wines in just four hours. This tour is perfect for travelers looking for an intimate experience, as it’s limited to small groups and provides instant confirmation, so you can plan with confidence.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on how French soldiers during the Crimean War left a mark on the city’s architecture and culture. You’ll explore the scenic old town, passing landmarks like the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, and learn how these influences extended into Bulgaria’s wine scene. The guide shares deep insights while you sip high-quality Bulgarian wines that match the scenic setting. The walk is leisurely, allowing plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere and take photos.
Reviews highlight the value—”L’excellent français de Casimir, sa gentillesse ainsi que sa culture”—and how this experience offers a great mix of history and wine. This tour is ideal if you want a relaxed, informative introduction to Varna’s cultural layers and local wines.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, small-group tour that pairs storytelling, city strolling, and wine tasting at a very appealing price point.
2. The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour, which offers a more in-depth cultural experience combined with three separate wine tastings. For around $91, this four-hour tour is a fantastic choice if you love history and prefer a more personalized approach.
This tour covers key sights like the Varna Archaeological Museum, the Roman Baths of Odessos, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. What makes it stand out is the tutored wine tastings, where your guide explains Bulgaria’s wine regions and grapes, adding a scholarly touch to your visit. The group is limited to eight, ensuring you get plenty of attention and tailored insights.
Guests describe Radul and Dimo as excellent hosts, sharing stories that make Varna’s past come alive—”Radul in particular mixed a lot of his own history with that of Varna and Bulgaria.” The combination of culture, archaeology, and wine makes this a perfect choice for curious travelers who want more than just a tasting.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Varna’s history and wines, with intimate group size and expert guidance.
3. Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting
At number 3, the Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting is a culinary journey designed for food lovers. Over approximately four hours, you’ll meet local food, sample Bulgarian snacks, and enjoy a wine tasting in a cellar, all led by a local guide passionate about Bulgaria’s flavors.
While details on the exact wines are limited, this tour emphasizes local cuisine and wine pairing, giving a well-rounded taste of Bulgarian gastronomy. It’s ideal if you’re interested in more than just wine and want to explore Bulgaria’s culinary culture, making it perfect for foodies who want a relaxed, engaging experience.
This tour is particularly good for travelers who enjoy discovering new tastes and learning about local ingredients, with a focus on authentic Bulgarian snacks and wines. It’s slightly more informal and flexible, catering to those who prefer tasting instead of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A tasty way to combine food, drink, and local knowledge in a laid-back setting, perfect for culinary enthusiasts.
4. Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting
Number 4 is the Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting, a private tasting experience that runs about two hours. For $68.30, you get to sample four Bulgarian wines—from lesser-known producers—and hear their stories from your sommelier host, making it perfect for wine connoisseurs eager to explore beyond the mainstream.
This tour’s appeal lies in its personalized attention—the host explains each wine’s origin, grapes, and unique qualities. The venue is about 10 minutes from Varna’s center, and reviews mention the friendly host and the opportunity to taste vintages hard to find outside Bulgaria. Many appreciate the blend of culinary bites with the wines, making it a well-rounded experience.
If you enjoy discovering hidden wine gems and prefer a more intimate tasting, this tour balances quality, education, and value. The informal atmosphere encourages questions and relaxed tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers wanting a private, educational tasting of Bulgaria’s lesser-known wines and local appetizers.
5. Varna Echoes: Flavors, Footsteps, Tales & Wine tasting
Number 5 offers a cultural exploration with a focus on Varna’s diverse past. The Varna Echoes: Flavors, Footsteps, Tales & Wine tasting combines walking, storytelling, and local delicacies over three hours. This tour is perfect if you’re interested in how Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans influenced the city.
Starting at the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, you’ll explore the streets while your guide shares engaging tales, ending with a local wine tasting and snacks. It’s less about formal sightseeing and more about feeling the city’s vibe through taste and stories, making it a more relaxed, storytelling-oriented experience.
While the wine selection isn’t specified, the focus on local flavors and history creates a multi-sensory experience. Reviews are limited but positive, emphasizing the storytelling aspect and the chance to connect with Varna’s layered past.
Bottom Line: A good pick for history buffs who want to experience Varna’s stories and tastes in a relaxed setting.
6. Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting
Finally, the Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting offers a flexible, personalized experience. This small-group tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours and combines hidden city gems with four Bulgarian wines paired with local dishes.
Led by a passionate local guide, you’ll visit landmarks like the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin and the Sea Garden, stopping to taste bulgarian cuisine and wines. The tour is flexible—self-guided or private—making it adaptable to your pace and interests.
Guests mention the guide’s knowledge and the enjoyable pairing of food and wine, making it a good choice for travelers seeking an authentic, culinary deep-dive. The tour offers a balance of sightseeing and tasting, all in a small-group setting.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a personalized, culinary journey that blends sightseeing with wine and food.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Varna
When selecting the right experience, consider your priorities: Do you want a cultural and historical perspective? The French Influence tour is perfect. If you’re after deep dives into Bulgarian wines, the private Exquisite Wine Tasting offers a personalized, educational experience.
For a culinary adventure, the Gourmet Tour including Wine combines food and wine tasting in a relaxed setting. Meanwhile, those who prefer storytelling and local flavors will enjoy the Varna Echoes, a slower, more narrative-driven tour.
Price, group size, and itinerary content should guide your choice. Smaller, private tours tend to be more intimate and customizable, while group experiences can be more budget-friendly and lively.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season (spring through early fall). Consider your interests—whether it’s history, food, or wine—when choosing, and you’ll find a tour that makes your time in Varna memorable.
In summary, Varna offers a variety of wine experiences tailored to different tastes—whether you’re after history, culinary delights, or exclusive tastings. For a full culture, the French Influence walking tour is a standout, while the private wine tasting appeals to those wanting a more intimate, educational experience. Whatever your preference, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on exploring Bulgaria’s exciting wine scene in this seaside city.