Nessebar’s charming streets, ancient ruins, and stunning Black Sea views make it a fantastic place to explore Bulgaria’s wine heritage. If you’re keen on tasting award-winning Bulgarian wines while soaking up the local atmosphere, you’ll find options here that suit all tastes and budgets. Some tours focus on historical insight combined with wine, like the Special History And Wine Tour including Wine Tasting, which offers a relaxed visit to DiVes Estate Winery. Others, like the Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO town of Nessebar, are perfect for couples seeking exclusivity and a personalized experience. And for those intrigued by Bulgaria’s lavender fame, the Aroma sampling of 5 Bulgarian Lavender varieties at DiVes Winery combines aromatic exploration with wine, adding a fragrant twist to your trip.
For travelers eager to combine sightseeing with wine tasting, options range from guided town tours with wine samples to intimate private tastings, ensuring there’s something for every level of wine enthusiast. Let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Special History And Wine Tour including Wine Tasting
At number 1, this Special History And Wine Tour including Wine Tasting earns top marks with a perfect 5.0 rating based on 51 reviews. For just around $22, you get a 1.5-hour excursion that combines a guided visit to DiVes Estate Winery with a tasting of up to five award-winning Bulgarian wines. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on both history and wine—your guide explains the winemaking process and the estate’s story, making it more than just a tasting.
The guide’s friendly manner, combined with the chance to learn about Bulgaria’s winemaking traditions, makes this tour especially appealing to budget-conscious travelers. Reviewers love the personal touch, with comments highlighting the informative guide and the opportunity to ask plenty of questions. Visitors also appreciate tasting the estate’s medal-winning wines, especially the rosé, which many say is among the best they’ve tried. The tour is perfect if you want a brief, relaxed experience that offers a taste of local wine culture without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a friendly, informative introduction to Bulgarian wines with a bit of local history thrown in.
2. Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO town of Nessebar
Second on our list is the Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO town of Nessebar, which scores a perfect 5.0 from 10 reviews. Price-wise, it’s a more premium experience at about $50.88 per person, but that includes a more personalized service, perfect for couples or small groups. This tour explores Minkov Brothers Winery, where you’ll sample four or five top-quality wines paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and bread.
The highlight is the behind-the-scenes access—your guide, an oenologist, explains how grapes are grown, harvested, and turned into wine, adding depth to your tasting. The scenic estate and the charming streets of Old Nessebar are part of the experience, making it a well-rounded cultural and culinary outing. Visitors love the relaxed atmosphere, with one reviewer mentioning, “The wines we tried were delicious, and the cheese and meats complemented them perfectly.” For an upgrade, you can add a three-course gourmet lunch or dinner, which makes this a full culinary experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers wanting an intimate, immersive tasting combined with a walk through history and pretty scenery.
3. Aroma sampling of 5 Bulgarian Lavender varieties at DiVes Winery
Coming in at number 3, this Aroma sampling of 5 Bulgarian Lavender varieties at DiVes Winery offers a fragrant detour for about $17.36 per person. It lasts roughly 40 minutes and is a delightful way to combine Bulgaria’s lavender fame with wine. During this private guided tour, you’ll explore lavender fields overlooking the Black Sea and sample the aromas of five distinct lavender varieties—covering the country’s “Purple Treasure.”
What makes this tour special is its focus on aroma and sensory experience rather than just tasting wine. You’ll learn how Bulgaria became a global leader in lavender growing while taking stunning photos of the fields. The on-site shop offers lavender-based products, perfect for gifts or souvenirs. Although it’s a shorter, more niche experience, reviews note the educational aspect and the beauty of the fields, making it perfect for travelers wanting a different kind of Bulgarian flavor.
Bottom Line: A unique aromatic experience that combines Bulgaria’s lavender heritage with scenic views and a guided tour.
4. Nessebar: Guided Tour in English with Wine Tasting
At number 4, this Guided Tour in English with Wine Tasting takes about 5 hours and offers a comprehensive experience. It includes a guided exploration of Nessebar’s UNESCO-listed old town, combined with a visit to a nearby winery where you taste four Bulgarian wines paired with finger foods.
The tour begins with pickup options, then moves to scenic winery visits and a 45-minute walking tour through the ancient streets. You’ll see over 15 attractions, from the Roman ruins to the ancient churches, finishing with a wine tasting session that allows you to appreciate Bulgaria’s wine diversity. Reviewers highlight the blend of cultural discovery and wine appreciation, noting the 4 wines sampled along with local snacks. It’s a good choice if you want a full day of sightseeing with a wine component woven in.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and culture buffs wanting a balanced day of sightseeing and wine tasting.
5. Nessebar: Guided Walking Tour of Nessebar Old & Wine tasting
Finally, the Guided Walking Tour of Nessebar Old & Wine tasting lasts about 2 hours and offers a compact, cultural experience. It includes a walk through Nessebar’s historic streets, with an audio guide in five languages, and concludes with a visit to a local winery.
This tour is ideal if you want a quick introduction to the city’s archaeological sites and architecture combined with a wine tasting. It’s a good pick for travelers short on time but eager to include some local flavor. The small-group format and personal audio guides make it easy to enjoy without noise disturbance. Reviews mention the pleasant pace and informative commentary, making it a solid choice for a brief but enriching experience.
Bottom Line: A good option for those wanting a quick but meaningful tour of Nessebar with a convenient wine tasting close to the historic sights.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Nessebar
When selecting your ideal wine experience, consider your budget, time available, and what interests you most. If you’re after a budget-friendly introduction, the Special History And Wine Tour including Wine Tasting offers great value. For couples seeking exclusivity, the Private Wine Tasting provides a personalized touch, perfect for romantic getaways.
If aromatic adventures appeal, the lavender sampling at DiVes Winery is a lovely, sensory alternative. For those wanting a full-day culture, the Guided Tour in English with Wine Tasting combines sightseeing with wine, while the shorter Guided Walking Tour of Nessebar Old & Wine tasting suits travelers with limited time.
Book early, especially in the busy summer months, and check availability to match your schedule. Combining a wine experience with cultural exploration makes for a memorable trip, so pick the one that best suits your interests and enjoy soaking up Bulgaria’s rich flavors.
In summary, Nessebar offers an impressive variety of wine tours that cater to different tastes—from relaxed tastings and private sessions to aromatic lavender adventures and full-day cultural explorations. Whether you want to sip award-winning wines while learning about Bulgarian history or enjoy a fragrant lavender field overlooking the Black Sea, these tours provide authentic experiences worth booking early.