Where it once flowed, it will flow again… fine wine. Gorun Winery was established to preserve and build upon the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the Danubian Plain, demonstrating that world-class wine can be made in Bulgaria. The vineyards are situated on the windy hills above the Iskar River, where sunlight is abundant, while the winery lies in a picturesque valley. The region’s microclimate and terroir provide the essential foundation for producing high-quality wines.
They breathe new life into and transform an abandoned veterinary clinic, built by Germans a century ago, into a winery in the town of Iskar. They name it after the old name of the settlement—Gorun—honoring the centuries-old winter oaks in the area. Here’s the story:
The family of Petya and Miloslav Angelov has been in private business since 1991. Both graduated in economics in Varna and became entrepreneurs as students, exploring various ventures. Demonstrating economic foresight, they turned to land acquisition, which became a solid foundation for agribusiness. Later, they embraced the idea of establishing a winery. They have been involved in grain production since 2013. Miloslav Angelov’s father was an agronomist with a career in agriculture, providing valuable guidance and inspiration for their endeavors.
a nudge toward agriculture
He rekindled the ancestral passion for the land and wine after actively engaging in agriculture and carefully studying the soil and climatic characteristics of the microregion. He vividly remembers the nearly 4,000 decares of vineyards that were later uprooted. Thus, the spirit of grapes and wine began to resonate within the family.
The initiative came from the elder son, Petar Angelov, who was studying law at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” but, in his second year, took on the task of establishing the first vineyards through European projects focused on restoring local varieties such as Gamza, Kaylashki Misket, and Kaylashki Rubin. Their collaboration with specialists from the Institute of Viticulture and Enology in Pleven prompted them to reflect on why this unique institute, unparalleled in the Balkans, was established in Pleven as early as 1892.
They discovered that at the time, the Bulgarian state decided to develop viticulture. A French delegation of specialists was invited, who recommended that the Institute be located precisely in this region. It began as an experimental station and agricultural school, with the first wine dating back to 1893. The following year, Pleven’s Gamza won several medals at international exhibitions. “We decided to revive viticulture and winemaking in the region and to resurrect…”
the good old traditions
built upon extensive knowledge and experience. It also gave a fresh twist to the saying that when genes speak, even the gods remain silent,” says Petya Angelova.
In this family, economics and law go hand in hand with business. There is a clear division of work and responsibilities. Petar invests his youthful energy in the vineyards, cultivating them with innovative methods to produce high-quality grapes. Their younger son, Miloslav, is already an agronomist with a master’s degree in International Economic Relations, and he is gradually becoming involved in the work process. Parents Petya and Miloslav are delighted that their sons are returning to their roots and traditions: “There’s no recipe for how to make children feel deeply connected to the family business. What matters is
the stone to rest where it belongs
and everyone to follow their mission for which they came to Earth,” affirms Miloslav Angelov, the father. He explains that modern agriculture cannot progress without contemporary technologies, as they provide significant ease in the face of labor shortages. However, in viticulture, much of the human labor cannot be replaced by machines. While machines exist for grape harvesting, producing high-quality wine requires extensive manual work, modern technological equipment, professionalism, and innovation.Gorun Winery has attracted oenologist Svetoslav Krastev, who has gained experience in Bulgaria, California, and New Zealand. He skillfully combines classical and modern styles while adhering to minimal human intervention during the vinification process.“Our goal is for our wines to have their own character that captivates,” says Miloslav, while Petya adds: “For us
winemaking is an art
We create by seeking the perfect balance—in the winery, in the vineyard, and among different perspectives. Our team is a bouquet of three generations—our sons are 25 and 30 years old, the winemaker is around 40, and my husband and I are in our 50s.”
The results came quickly—the winery is very young, yet awards are already pouring in. They produced their first vintage in 2019 but did not rush to market. They wanted to ensure their success would be guaranteed. In 2022, at the Balkan Wine Expo, their white wine and rosé
win two gold medals
and one silver medal, along with a plaque for the best label design—a modern interpretation of Bulgarian embroidery. For them, it’s important that the packaging catches the eye. However, at global competitions, the tastings are “blind,” and typically, a young winery only enters prestigious rankings after five years. Yet Gorun is the exception that proves the rule.
“Experience, traditions, education, and courage are essential for good development and for ‘luck’ in business. My grandfather was a renowned cooper, and this fact in our family tree also contributes to economists and lawyers becoming vintners and winemakers. When everything is done with soul and heart, that’s when luck lands on your shoulder,” says Petya Angelova.
The French government provides strong support for winemaking, reinforcing the myth that France produces the best wines. In contrast, the Bulgarian government remains distant from promoting Bulgarian wine on international markets. However, the Angelov family is firmly convinced that Bulgarian wine will claim its rightful place.
The facts speak
- In the area of the city of Iskar, the Angelov family owns 60 decares of vineyards, processing part of their produce in Ruse.
- They focus on local grape varieties – Giumza, Kaylashki Mishet, Kaylashki Ruby – as well as world-renowned grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Pinot Noir.
- The bottles are world-class, but the greatest pride is the product within them: “They welcome us by the bottles, they seek us again by the contents.”