The Georgiev & Milkov project was founded in 2014 by oenologists Petar Georgiev and Radostin Milkov who share international experience from Austria, New Zealand, the USA and beyond.

They focus on showcasing Bulgarian indigenous varieties such as Rubin and Mavrud from old vineyards near Plovdiv in the Thracian Valley, one of Bulgaria’s most historic and warmest wine regions, benefitting from sunny, dry summers and diverse soils ideal for robust reds.

Rather than owning vineyards, they work closely with local growers to source high-quality fruit from sites like the single-vineyard Brestovitsa parcel.

Bulgaria’s wine tradition stretches back millennia, and the Thracian Valley remains a core area for red wine excellence, producing wines with ripe fruit, spice and regional character.

The Thracian Valley wine region, located in southern Bulgaria, is one of the country’s most historic and prolific viticultural areas. Sheltered by the Balkan Mountains to the north and influenced by the warm Aegean winds from the south, the region enjoys a continental climate with long, hot summers and mild autumns—ideal for slow, even ripening of grapes. Rainfall is moderate, with most precipitation occurring in spring, helping to support healthy vine growth.

Soils in the Thracian Valley are diverse, ranging from fertile alluvial deposits near rivers to well-drained sandy loams and limestone-rich terrains that add structure and minerality to wines. This variety enables a broad range of grape cultivation, from local to international varieties.

Indigenous grapes such as Mavrud, Rubin, and Pamid thrive here, producing deeply coloured reds with rich tannins and dark fruit flavours. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are also widely planted, yielding bold, expressive wines. Whites, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, display fresh acidity and aromatic intensity.

Wine styles range from powerful, oak-aged reds with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice to crisp, floral whites and rosés. The Thracian Valley’s combination of climate, soils, and heritage gives its wines both a distinctive identity and broad international appeal.

The Rubin grape is a red wine variety originating in Bulgaria, first created in 1944 at the Institute of Viticulture and Enology in Pleven. It is a crossing of Syrah and Nebbiolo, combining the depth and intensity of these two distinguished grapes. Rubin is particularly valued for its ability to produce wines with both structure and elegance, making it one of Bulgaria’s most recognised native varieties.

Viticulturally, Rubin is relatively hardy, showing good resistance to disease and adaptability to different soils, though it thrives best in warm, sunny climates. Yields are moderate, and careful vineyard management is essential to ensure concentration and balance. Its thick skins contribute to deep colour and firm tannic structure, while also offering natural protection against fungal issues.

The grape is most widely planted in Bulgaria, especially in the Thracian Lowlands and Danube Plain, but small experimental plantings exist in other Eastern European countries. It remains, however, a distinctly Bulgarian specialty.

In the glass, Rubin wines are typically deeply coloured with aromas of dark cherry, blackberry and plum, often accented by spice, leather and floral notes. On the palate they can display richness, firm tannins and good ageing potential, lending themselves to bold, full-bodied red wines of considerable character.