Sofia: Bulgarian Wine Tasting at Tempus Vini Boutique Shop

Summary

Bulgarian boutique wines tasting in Sofia city center with local cheese pairing

You’ll taste five unique Bulgarian wines right in Sofia’s creative center, paired with local cheeses and fresh bread while your host shares stories behind every glass. Expect laughter over tricky grape names, real insight into Bulgaria’s winemaking roots, and a cozy vibe that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off a busy street and suddenly everything slows down? That’s how it felt walking into Tempus Vini in Sofia. The place is tucked on this artsy little street — you can hear the clink of glasses from nearby restaurants, and there’s this faint smell of fresh bread drifting in. Our guide, Ivan (who seemed to know everyone who walked by), greeted us with a grin and immediately started pouring the first glass. I didn’t expect to start with something called Misket — honestly, I’d never even heard of it before coming to Bulgaria.

Each wine had its own story — Melnik was apparently Winston Churchill’s favorite (Ivan told us that twice, with a wink), and Mavrud tasted sort of earthy and bold, almost chewy if that makes sense. We tried five different wines, all from grapes I couldn’t pronounce (Gumza? Rubin?), but Ivan made us laugh about it. He had this way of describing flavors that made me actually pay attention: “Imagine wild cherries after rain,” he said at one point. The cheeses were salty and crumbly — one was so sharp it almost made my eyes water. And there was good bread too, which helped.

I liked how relaxed everything was — no pressure to swirl or sniff like an expert (though I did try). There were just a few of us around the table, swapping stories about where we were from. At one point someone asked about Bulgarian wine regions and Ivan launched into this whole history lesson about Thracians making wine thousands of years ago. It sounded half-mythical but also kind of proud. I still think about that moment when the late afternoon light came through the window and everything felt warm and golden for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bulgarian wine tasting experience

• Arrive at Tempus Vini wine shop
• Learn about Bulgarian wine history
• Taste 5 unique local wines
• Sample local Bulgarian cheeses
• Enjoy artisanal bread and mineral water

Top questions

Where does the wine tasting take place in Sofia?

The tasting is held at Tempus Vini boutique wine shop on an artsy street in Sofia city center.

How many wines are included in the tasting?

You will taste five different Bulgarian wines made from unique local grapes.

Are there food pairings during the wine tasting?

Yes, local Bulgarian cheeses, artisanal bread, and mineral water are served alongside the wines.

Is this Bulgarian wine tasting suitable for beginners?

Yes, the experience is relaxed and guided—no prior wine knowledge needed.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, both the shop and transportation options are wheelchair accessible; infants can use prams or strollers.

What languages is the tasting offered in?

The tastings are held in English or Bulgarian.

How far is Tempus Vini from Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard?

The shop is just a few streets away from Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Tempus Vini.

What’s included

Your experience includes a guided tasting of five rare Bulgarian wines made from local grape varieties like Misket and Mavrud at Tempus Vini boutique shop in central Sofia, along with generous servings of regional cheeses, artisanal bread, mineral water—and plenty of stories shared by your local host before you wander back out into the city streets.