Melnik Favorites

Favorite thing: The houses of Melnik are build on the side of the cliffs; at the top of a basement that is made out of stone. In these basements wine is often produced or kept. On the upper floors the living rooms are located. From the windows there are great views over the valley. All new houses have to be build in the national revival style, and painted in white-brown. So you see the old original 19 th century houses and the new look-a-like houses at the cliffs and outside the main street.

Favorite thing: Melnik was already making wine in the times of the Thracians. As officially said Melnik wine dates from the fourtheenth century, there was wine made since 2000 before Christ. It is said that the Tracians brought the winetaste over from asia and that Homer mentioned the wine, a wonderful elixir, brought from Tracia.Some wines have the taste of tobacco and leather, and they are excellent for their dark red colour and aromatic taste. Alcaholpercentage is high, 12 percent. Melnik wine is popular since it was spread all over Europe. In Brittan it even was famous. Churchill each year bought two barrels of Melnik. Even during world war 2 he kept on drinking his favourite wine, an aroma of cherries and tobacco. Oak and vanilla finish the wine in becoming well balanced.

Favorite thing: Wines are produced since 600 years. It is a dark, strong red wine. Along the side trails of the mainstreet and at the mainstreet you can find the winebars. Bottles cost 5 lv. Two wineries you might want to visit are Manolev Winery, a cellar with tables and chairs where you can taste the wines from Melnik and the region. It is located near the Kordopulov house. Another winery is the Damianitza, which offers wine tours. Contact them by damianitza@melnik.bg.

Favorite thing: ou find Melnik situated along the unnamed mainstreet. This street starts at the park near the Melnishka river (which is at night without any lights) and runs east-west. On the east side of the street there are sand pathts that go up the hill where ruins are located. There is usually not really traffic in the mainstreet, so, leave your car parket outside the mainstreet and walk. There is no tourist office in the town. From the busstation there is the road that continues north to the Rozhen monastery. The sand formations are over the town of Melnik and are located in an area of 17 square kilomteres between Melnik, Rozhen and Kurlanovo.

Favorite thing: It is really hot and dry in Melnik, so especially during the summer be sure to bring water..or buy some at the very beginning of the town before to start climbing up the hilly streets.

Also apply some sunscreen and put a hat...u'll get red and dizzy from the wine anyway...at least u can protect yourself from the sun!

Favorite thing: To feel the atmosphere of the smallest bulgarian town walk along the streets and enjoy the sites of white stone houses and the variety of typical bulgarian restaurants.