Orbelia wine appeared on the Bulgarian wine scene relatively recently. This small family-run winery was founded in 2013 by a Bulgarian entrepreneur, Kostadin Chorbadzhiyski who decided to pursue his passion for winemaking. The winery is located in southwestern Bulgaria, next to the village of Kolarovo, at the foot of the picturesque Belasitsa mountain. ‘Orbelia’ is the mountain’s ancient name, meaning snow-white. This region has a long standing viticultural tradition which dates back to the times of the Thracian civilisation.  

Orbelia winery holds 15 hectares of 37 years old vines in the villages of Mitinovo and Starchevo, found close by. This part of Bulgaria has a long-standing viticultural tradition. Wines have been grown here since Thracian times over 5000 years ago. The Chorbadzhiyski family aims to preserve the winemaking traditions, as well as to showcase Bulgarian gastronomic and cultural heritage. The winery and the adjacent guesthouse boast beautiful authentic Bulgarian interiors. It goes without saying that all guests are treated with delicious local dishes accompanied by the fabulous Orbelia wine.

The Struma Valley wine region, located in south-western Bulgaria along the course of the Struma River, enjoys a distinctly Mediterranean-influenced climate thanks to its proximity to Greece and the Aegean Sea. Summers are long, hot and dry, while winters are relatively mild, giving ideal conditions for ripening red grape varieties. The valley’s diverse topography includes lowland vineyards and hillside plantings, with soils that range from alluvial river deposits to sandy loams and limestone-rich slopes, all of which contribute complexity and structure to the wines.

One of the most important grape varieties here is Shiroka Melnishka (Broad-Leaved Melnik), an indigenous red grape that thrives in the warm climate and produces deeply coloured, spicy wines. It is often blended with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, which have been widely planted in the region since the late 20th century. Some producers also make fresh whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, but the region’s reputation is firmly built on its red wines.

Struma Valley reds tend to be full-bodied and richly fruited, with flavours of dark cherry, blackberry and plum, along with distinctive notes of black pepper, dried herbs and often a touch of tobacco. The best examples balance ripeness with freshness and express the sun-baked, rocky terroir of this distinctive Bulgarian region.

Melnik 55, also known as Early Melnik or Ranna Melnik, is a Bulgarian red grape variety created in 1963 at the Sandanski research station. It is a crossing between the local Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broad-Leaved Melnik) and the French variety Valdiguié. The aim was to retain the characteristic spicy character of traditional Melnik while producing a vine that ripens earlier and is better suited to the warmer conditions of the Struma Valley.

In the vineyard, Melnik 55 is relatively vigorous and tolerant of heat and drought, making it well adapted to the Mediterranean-influenced climate of south-western Bulgaria. It ripens several weeks earlier than Shiroka Melnishka, helping it avoid autumn rains, and its smaller berries and thicker skins give good colour and structure. The variety performs best on poor, rocky soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavours.

Today, Melnik 55 is planted almost exclusively in the Struma Valley, particularly around the towns of Melnik and Sandanski. It is generally vinified as a varietal wine, although some producers blend it with Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. Typical wines are medium- to full-bodied with aromas of black cherry, blackberry and plum, supported by notes of pepper, dried herbs and occasionally a touch of leather or tobacco. With moderate tannins and refreshing acidity, Melnik 55 often benefits from a short period of oak maturation and offers a distinctive expression of southern Bulgarian terroir