Varna, Bulgaria’s lively port city on the Black Sea, is an excellent place to explore Bulgarian wines — especially because of its unique blend of history, architecture, and local flavor. You’ll find that many tours include walking through historic streets, sampling Bulgarian vintages, and learning about the influence of French soldiers during the Crimean War. Our favorite is the Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour because it combines history, scenic city streets, and excellent value for a manageable four hours. It’s a relaxed way to gain insight into Varna’s past and present.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of wine experiences: from intimate private tastings to cultural walking tours with multiple wine samples, and even gourmet food pairings. Whether you’re after a quick sip or a full day of culinary discovery, there’s something for every wine lover in Varna. Below, we detail each tour, highlighting what makes them worth considering.
1. Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour
At number one, this Private Exploration offers a well-balanced introduction to Varna’s history and its wine scene, all in around four hours. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, personalized experience. Your guide takes you on a walking tour around the historic old town, highlighting landmarks like the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. Along the way, you’ll learn how French soldiers during the Crimean War influenced the city’s architecture — a fascinating side note that makes the city’s streets come alive.
The highlight, of course, is the wine tasting. You’ll sample Bulgarian wines of high quality, enjoying expert commentary from your guide. The tour is praised for excellent value, with reviews mentioning the guide’s friendliness and deep knowledge. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a mix of culture, architecture, and wine, all at a leisurely pace. The only downside might be that it’s a shorter experience, but the inclusiveness of city sights and local wine makes it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: A great choice for history and wine enthusiasts wanting an intimate, flexible tour with lots of local insight and a low price point.
2. The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour
Lining up at number two is the Ultimate Private Tour, which combines sightseeing, archaeology, and wine in a four-hour journey. This tour is perfect for those who love a rich cultural backdrop alongside their wine tastings, as it covers the Varna Archaeological Museum, Roman Baths of Odessos, and the Cathedral of the Assumption. You’ll enjoy three separate tastings, each with expert guidance that explains Bulgarian wines and local traditions.
This tour stands out because it limits groups to no more than eight, ensuring personalized attention. Guests highlight the knowledgeable guide Radul, who shares personal stories and historical details that make the city’s past come alive. The inclusion of multiple stops—such as the Dolphinarium and Roman Thermae—adds a diverse layer of history and urban exploration, making it a well-rounded experience.
With reviews praising the generous tastings and engaging storytelling, this tour is best suited for curious travelers who want a deeper dive into Varna’s past and present. The price is higher than the first tour, but the variety of sites and three wine tastings justify the cost.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culture and wine lovers who appreciate historical context and personal guided attention.
3. Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting
Next, the Varna Gourmet Tour offers a flavorful journey through Bulgaria’s culinary traditions in a four-hour experience. It emphasizes local snacks, wine cellar tastings, and a taste of Bulgaria’s regional cuisine. This tour is a good pick for travelers who want to pair their wine with authentic local food, enjoying a relaxed exploration of Varna’s culinary scene.
The tour is highly rated for its focus on food and wine, providing insights into Bulgaria’s gastronomic culture while visiting local spots and wine cellars. Although the specific wineries or eateries aren’t named in the description, the emphasis on food and wine means you’ll get a taste of Bulgaria’s rich flavors, paired perfectly with regional wines. It’s suitable for those eager to combine their love of wine with a culinary adventure.
Practical for foodies and wine lovers alike, this tour balances the tasting experience with culture. Check availability to see starting times, as it varies.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers keen on Bulgarian cuisine and wine, with a relaxed pace and a focus on local flavors.
4. Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting
Number four is the Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting, a private session that features four carefully selected Bulgarian wines. Hosted in a cozy setting, it offers a personal and educational experience that’s roughly two hours long. Your sommelier guides you through wines from lesser-known Bulgarian producers, explaining the grapes and regions in detail.
This tour shines because of its focus on rare, hard-to-find vintages outside Bulgaria, making it especially appealing to connoisseurs interested in unique flavors. The reviews note the friendly host and the intimate atmosphere, which creates a relaxed environment for learning and tasting. Small bites and Bulgarian appetizers complement the wines, adding to the experience.
Priced at $68.30 per person, it offers good value for serious wine enthusiasts who want an in-depth look at Bulgaria’s wine-making heritage. It works well as a standalone activity or a cultural break from sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for dedicated wine lovers who want to explore Bulgaria’s lesser-known vineyards in a private, relaxed setting.
5. Varna Echoes: Flavors, Footsteps, Tales & Wine tasting
At number five, the Varna Echoes offers a three-hour walk through the city’s streets, connecting its Greek, Roman, and Ottoman influences to its current culture. The tour combines local snacks, engaging stories, and a wine tasting that reflects Varna’s diverse history.
This experience is perfect for history buffs who also want to taste Bulgarian flavors. The tour begins at the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral and includes stops at several historic sites. The storytelling aspect brings the city’s past to life, making it more memorable than a standard wine tasting.
While the wine selection isn’t specified, the emphasis on local cuisine and stories makes it a compelling choice for travelers who want a flavor of Varna’s rich cultural tapestry. It’s slightly shorter and more narrative-driven, ideal for those who enjoy learning through storytelling.
Bottom Line: Great for history lovers who want to combine cultural exploration with local wine and food.
6. Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting
Finally, the Private Varna Gourmet Tour promises a personalized, small-group experience focusing on Bulgaria’s culinary and wine traditions. It includes visits to key sights like the Cathedral, Sea Garden, and Roman Thermae, combined with a tasting of four Bulgarian wines paired with local dishes.
This tour is flexible, lasting approximately three to four hours, and offers an immersive experience for those who want a comprehensive look at Varna’s food and drink scene. The reviews mention that the tour covers a lot of ground, with some criticism about the self-guided variation feeling less personal. Still, the overall experience is described as fun and informative.
Ideal for travelers wanting to combine sightseeing with wine and food, this tour suits those who enjoy a tailored approach and smaller groups for more interaction.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a well-rounded, private experience featuring Varna’s top sights and culinary delights.
How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour in Varna
When deciding which tour fits you best, consider your interest in history, budget, and preferred pace. For a light, scenic stroll with wine, the Private Exploration offers excellent value. If you’re eager for a deeper dive into Varna’s archaeology and culture, the Ultimate Private Tour is ideal, especially with its small group size and multiple stops.
For those who love culinary experiences, the Gourmet Tour combines food and wine seamlessly, while the Exquisite Wine Tasting provides a more focused, intimate exploration of Bulgaria’s rare wines. If your main goal is to taste and learn about wines from different regions, this private session with a sommelier is hard to beat.
Choose your tour based on your time, interests, and desire for a guided or more independent experience. Booking early is advisable, especially in the busy summer months, as these tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Varna offers a surprising variety of wine tours that cater to different tastes and interests. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk through the city with wine, a deep dive into Bulgaria’s archaeological sites, or a culinary-focused tasting session, you’ll find a tour suited for you. The private tours tend to offer more personalized attention and deeper insight, while group experiences can be more budget-friendly and lively.
For history buffs, the Ultimate Private Tour and Echoes Tour bring the city’s past alive alongside wine. Foodies and casual wine lovers might prefer the Gourmet Tour or the private tasting experiences.
No matter your style, booking early ensures you secure a spot on these popular experiences. Cheers to discovering Bulgaria’s vibrant wine scene in Varna, a city where history and flavors are waiting to be enjoyed.