Words by Neeta Lal
Hidden at the foot of seven mountains in southwest Bulgaria, near the tranquil banks of the Struma River, Aya Winery Estate is not just a winery, it is an experience. Nestled in a valley steeped in history and myth, the rugged landscape forms a dramatic amphitheater of rolling terrain and fresh Alpine air. The valley's unique microclimate – warm days, cool nights and mineral-rich soils – makes it ideal for viticulture.
Aya is a world where wine, art and nature merge seamlessly, redefining the concept of luxury for the modern traveler. I sipped organic vintages overlooking sun-drenched vineyards, relaxed and rejuvenated, and strolled through contemporary art installations that rival any European gallery. Every corner whispered of craftsmanship, creativity and tranquility.
The winery: A symphony of wine and art
Opening in September 2025, Aya has already caused a stir with its visionary mix of wine and culture. Founded by a family of passionate winemakers and art patrons, the estate sprawls over rolling hills lined with organically grown vines. Its design – a breathtaking interplay of glass, stone and wood – reflects the natural surroundings and creates harmony between architecture and landscape.
“We wanted to build more than just a winery,” explained Irena Gergova, art director of Aya. “Our goal was to create a space where people experience wine as an emotion – where taste, art and nature are inextricably linked.”
The vineyards thrive under organic and sustainable farming methods. Grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and local Bulgarian varieties are hand-picked and processed with precision, creating wines that balance minerality, freshness and depth. The Aya Reserve Red, aged in French oak, reveals dark berry notes with a hint of spice, while the crisp Chardonnay is bursting with citrus and honey notes.
Spanning 14,000 m², the property offers versatile artistic spaces suitable for large or smaller events. The wines produced here have been winning awards at renowned international competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the Balkan International Wine Competition for years. Committed to organic and biodynamic principles, Aya farms vineyards both in Melnik and near the Black Sea, combining tradition, sustainability and artistry to create one of Bulgaria's most unique wine destinations.
In the minimalist winery building, visitors will find tasting rooms decorated with sculptures, murals and curated installations by emerging Bulgarian and European artists. The aesthetic – simple yet soulful – reflects Aya's winemaking philosophy: minimalist intervention, maximum expression.
Wine tastings at Aya are immersive – often paired with music, poetry readings or art walks. A special event, “Wine and Light,” combines sound installations with candlelit tastings at dusk, transforming the act of drinking wine into a multisensory ritual.
Architecture and design
What sets Aya apart is not only its terroir, but also its ambience. The winery's architecture is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding hills, with green roofs and natural facades that create the impression of an “invisible” building rising organically from the earth. This harmony with the landscape also extends into the basement and visitor rooms, where art and design play an integral role. Sculptures, light installations and site-specific works transform the property into a living gallery where wine and art coexist as expressions of creativity.
Designed by Bulgarian architectural firm WhATA, the winery is discreetly nestled into the hillside, its grass-covered roof and glass facade merging with the landscape, reflecting the vineyards like a living painting. Inside, natural light flows across three levels – from fermentation rooms to barrel rooms and a wine bar – creating an atmosphere that is as spacious as it is intimate. This 14,000 m² architectural masterpiece utilizes a gravity-fed winemaking system that allows the juice to move smoothly without touching machines. It is a building that does not dominate the landscape, but rather belongs to it.
From the beginning, Aya Estate Vineyards has embraced art as an integral part of its identity. Led by the vision of Irena Gergova and curated by art experts Vessela Nozharova and Vesselina Sarieva, the property features original works created specifically for this space by some of Bulgaria's most famous contemporary artists. Their presence creates a powerful dialogue between nature, architecture and wine – and combines these elements into a unique artistic experience.
Location: At the interface of nature and history
The nearby town of Sandanski is famous for its healing mineral springs, while Melnik, Bulgaria's smallest town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 30 minutes away. Melnik's sandstone pyramids, Byzantine ruins, and centuries-old wine cellars make it a perfect day trip for guests looking to immerse themselves in Bulgaria's ancient heritage.
Aya's location – about two hours from Sofia – also allows easy access to the Rila Monastery, one of Eastern Europe's most magnificent spiritual landmarks, and Pirin National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve ideal for hiking and bird watching.
The property itself is surrounded by hiking and cycling trails, olive groves and wildflower meadows, offering guests a pristine window into rural Bulgaria.
Activities: Experiences beyond the glass
Beyond wine and wellness, Aya curates experiences that immerse visitors in local culture and creativity. Art remains central to Aya's identity. The Art Residency program invites painters, sculptors and performance artists from across Europe to create on site and be inspired by the landscape. Guests can visit open studios, attend workshops, or even participate in community installations.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take guided vineyard tours, mountain hikes or horseback rides on nearby trails. The property also offers hot air balloon rides over the valley – a breathtaking way to watch the sunrise cast golden light over the vines.
During the harvest season, visitors can take part in the rituals of the grape harvest and experience first-hand the rhythm of the winemaking calendar. In the evenings, there are often live jazz or folk concerts, where fine wine is combined with soulful music under a starry sky.
For those seeking a slower pace, there is the simple pleasure of sitting with a glass of wine on Aya's terrace and watching the play of light over the hills – a quiet reminder of the property's essence: silence, art and sensual beauty.
One last toast
Aya Winery Estate is more than a destination, it is a philosophy. It invites guests to pause, enjoy and rediscover themselves and reminds us that true luxury does not lie in excess, but in the experience.
Whether you come for the award-winning wines or the captivating art, Aya offers something rare in today's fast-paced world: the feeling of being in a place that nourishes both the senses and the soul.
As dusk fell over the vineyards and the first stars appeared, I realized that Aya's magic lay not only in what I had tasted or seen, but also in how it made me feel: renewed, rejuvenated and deeply alive.
Fact box
Address: Aya Winery, Melnik District, Harsovo Village, Bulgaria
E-mail: [email protected]
Follow: @ayaestatevineyards
Neeta Lal, former editor-in-chief of The Times Of India, India Today and The Asian Age, is a SOPA-nominated journalist covering the intersection of arts, culture, food and travel in South Asia and beyond. She has traveled to 75 countries and her work has appeared in over 150 publications including Forbes, Fortune, SCMP, The Guardian, BBC Travel, NatGeo Traveler, Travel and Leisure, Foreign Policy, Global Asia, The National, Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Nikkei Asia and many more.
All image credits: Aya Winery Estate