Villa Melnik is a family-owned winery located in Harsovo, Bulgaria, nestled in the Struma River Valley of the Thracian Valley. Established in 2004 by Nikola and Lubika Zikatanov, the winery spans 32 hectares of vineyards. The current gravity flow winery, built in 2013 with EU funding, showcases modern energy-efficient designs.
During a visit in September 2025, I met with Militza Zikatanov, part of the second generation now managing the winery alongside her brother Alex and their parents. Militza’s background includes valuable experience from working with Diageo in the UK for three years.
The Struma Valley enjoys a warm, sunny climate ideal for viticulture, situated along Bulgaria’s borders with Greece and Macedonia. Traditionally, this region has cultivated grapes, silkworms, and tobacco. The presence of the Rupel Gorge connects the lower Struma Valley to Mediterranean weather, making it warmer than the rest of Bulgaria. The vineyards are primarily planted on sandy loess soils overlaying limestone remnants from a prehistoric freshwater lake.
Currently, 75% of the 32 hectares are dedicated to red varietals, with half of the vineyards planted with indigenous grape varieties such as Mavrud and the bushvine Shiroka Melnik (Broadleaf Melnik).
Militza’s father was a pioneer in wine tourism here, contributing to the winery’s rising profile, recently amplified by a popular Bulgarian TV series titled "Grapes of Guilt," filmed on-site. Villa Melnik produces approximately 250,000 bottles annually, with products available in locations such as the Wine Society and Humble Grape in the UK.
The Wines
Villa Melnik offers a diverse range of wines, showcasing a mix of styles and varietals:
- Villa Melnik Bergulé Viognier Chardonnay 2024: A floral and aromatic wine featuring notes of apricot and peach, rated 90/100.
- Villa Melnik Aplauz Sandanski Misket 2024: Notable for its texture and lovely fruit, scored 92/100.
- Villa Melnik Aplauz Chardonnay 2024: Displays mint and spice alongside fresh citrus, rated 88/100.
- Villa Melnik Aplauz Viognier 2024: Fresh with expressive pear and citrus notes, scored 90/100.
- Villa Melnik Aplauz Mavrud 2021: Concentrated and tannic, showcasing rich black cherry flavors, rated 91/100.
Each vintage highlights the region’s unique terroir and the winery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Villa Melnik’s wines are celebrated for their distinctive character, quality craftsmanship, and a deep connection to Bulgaria’s viticultural heritage.