Dragoshinov Winery –
a day off the beaten track
We invite you to our family winery Dragoshinov and its surroundings, where wine is only part of a memorable experience. Let’s share your stories and ours that we can’t wait to hear and tell.
The Winery
The Winery
At the center of your experience is our small but special winery Dragoshinov. The project was created by Daniel Dragoshinov – an oenologist with many years of professional experience and talent in the creation of wine. You will explore the cellar and we will tell you where and how our wines are born. Every season something different happens in the winery. In the early autumn we receive the grapes and the fermentation of the new wine takes place. In October and November we work hard to make our traditional wormwood. December to February are the aging months when we give the wines a rest. At that time it is very cozy in our tasting room. In the spring and summer comes the time to bottle the wines. Welcome!
Wine tasting
In the cozy tasting room or among the greenery of the garden, you will taste our wines, combined with local and homemade appetizers. During the tasting we will tell you more about each wine. If you prefer a more special tasting or meal, please let us know in advance by phone or email so we can accommodate your preferences.
Tasting prices including appetizers to match the wine:
- 5 wines – BGN 30
- 7 wines – BGN 40
The duration of the tasting depends on the number of wines the guests will taste, but also on their interest. Usually a visit with us is between an hour and two hours, but sometimes it can last much longer. We advise our guests to foresee enough time to enjoy the moment.
Kilifarevo Monastery Nativity of the Virgin
Kilifarevo Monastery Nativity of the Virgin
What the village of Natsovtsi is most famous for is the monastery located in the village. Nativity of the Virgin, better known as Kilifarevsky Monastery, has a centuries-old history and an attractive location at the foot of the Central Stara Planina mountains. The monastery was originally founded in the 14th century by Theodosius of Tarnovo. It was an important literature school which was housed here. The church, the work of the master Kolyu Ficheto, and the orderly courtyard of the monastery hide a lot of history and beauty, and the river Belitsa, which flows by the walls of the monastery, is a pleasant detour on the way.
The walk to the monastery is almost mandatory if you are visiting the village of Natsovtsi or our winery. You can get there on foot in about 20 minutes or by car. There is no need for special shoes – a quiet asphalt road in the middle of the forest leads to the monastery.
Walking routes around Natsovtsi village
Around the village of Natsovtsi there are two main hiking routes with several variations, especially suitable for walks in spring and autumn. In summer, it is best to leave early to avoid the heat, and in rainy weather, be aware that the paths can be muddy and slippery. Two of the routes pass by the remains of the old monastery above the current monastery. If you wish, we can guide you or even accompany you. You will need between one and two hours, comfortable shoes and a little enthusiasm.
The shortest route starts near the monastery straight up the hill to the site with the remains of the medieval monastery. The path is well formed, but in muddy weather it is slippery. In the spring you will walk among crocuses and cockatiel, and in the fall – among autumn sedges. The view from the highest part is impressive. The whole route with the detours does not take more than an hour.
The second route passes through the neighboring village of Verlinka on a road in the first 1/3 and a forest path after that. The route is very pleasant and not difficult, but be aware that the descent is again on the steep path above the monastery and can be challenging in wet weather. The trail can be overgrown between May and October and get lost in places. It will take you about 2 hours to complete the entire route, which again passes through the archeological excavations, the nice view at the top and makes a big circle around Natsovtsi.
Natsovtsi village
The village of Natsovtsi arose in the first half of the 19th century, and naturally its early history is connected with the monastery. It took its name from Natsa, a young woman from Ratai, who settled with her husband on land given by the monastery, but then moved to neighboring Gabrovtsi . The first residents, whose descendants still live in Natsovtsi, were four builders of the monastery church “Saint Dimitar”.
Today, the village is small – in general there are two streets and several roads. At first glance, it’s nothing special. Lately, however, it has been bubbling with life. Its residents – old and new – are joining forces to make it a more attractive place. The village festival is on the Saturday closest to September 8, the temple festival of the monastery. On this day, the village organizes a festival called “Tastes of Autumn”.
Dots and checkers
Dots and checks give freshness and a feeling of coziness to the interior. Much more than that is Dilyana's pretty shop on the very main street of Natsovtsi, just 50 meters from us. Everything here is handmade, colorful and beautiful. If you want to leave Natsovtsi with a gift, you should stop by "Dots and Checkers".
Honey and hazelnuts
The Metodievi family produces high-quality honey, bee pollen, glue tincture and hazelnuts. If you are interested, we will be happy to take you to them to try and purchase their products.
How to find us
Dragoshinov Winery is located in the village of Natsovtsi, 15 km south of Veliko Tarnovo. From the main road through Republika pass you will reach the village in just a minute. If you leave from Veliko Tarnovo, the journey by car will take you about 20 minutes.
Please call us in advance to arrange your visit!
