Zagreus Winery is based in the Thracian Valley, Bulgaria, tending some 120 hectares of vineyards. Since 2010, the estate has farmed organically and embraced sustainable viticulture across its holdings.

Their “Hand Made” Pamid project revives one of Bulgaria’s most ancient indigenous grapes — once widespread before the rise of international varieties — bringing Pamid back into the spotlight with natural-wine-style methods.

In addition to Pamid, Zagreus produces wines from native grapes such as Mavrud, as well as other experimental and traditional red and white cuvées — championing terroir, biodiversity and rediscovery of old-vine Bulgarian heritage.

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.

Pamid is one of Bulgaria’s oldest indigenous red grape varieties, historically prized for producing soft, approachable wines meant for early drinking. Thin-skinned and pale in colour, Pamid thrives in the warm, dry climates of the Thracian Valley and the Danube Plain, where it ripens reliably and develops a gentle red-berry character.

Typical aromas include fresh strawberry, raspberry and red cherry, often accompanied by a lightly herbal or earthy note. On the palate, Pamid wines are light-bodied with low tannins and moderate acidity, making them refreshing and highly drinkable — sometimes compared to youthful styles of Gamay.

Though once Bulgaria’s most widely planted grape, its popularity declined with the rise of international varieties. Today, natural-wine producers are reviving Pamid for its charm, delicacy and heritage value.