Wine has been known in the land of Bulgaria since ancient times. Archaeology, folklore, and literature provide ample evidence that wine grapes have thrived in these lands ever since the late Stone Age: grape growing and wine making were vital to the way of life of the Thracians, Romans, Greeks, Slavs and Bulgarians.
Today, grape growing and wine making play a crucial role in the country's economy. The wine industry accounts for a considerable part of the gross domestic product. In addition, the industry contributes to the steady development of rural regions and infertile areas, maintains the ecological balance and encourages the appropriate and efficient use of the country's resources. Moreover, the industry preserves the regional diversity and the cultural traditions. Finally, grape growing and wine making secure steady employment and boost the country's credible image.
The importance of the wine and vine-growing industry for the country is evidenced by the fact that the first Wine Law enacted as early as 1879, shortly after the country's liberation, when the reinstated Bulgarian state was still in its infancy, and the First Bulgarian Constitution was not adopted yet. The Wine Law of 1978 played an important role in establishing the country as a world wine-growing authority. In the late 1970s Bulgaria ranked fourth in wine production in the world.
A new
Wine and Spirits Act was passed in 1999. It is a modern legislative act designed to establish a system of economic, social and legal measures for the development and advancement of vine-growing and wine-making as well as for the establishment of the industry as a major agricultural industry in the country. The purpose of the 1999 Legal Act is to stimulate the production of quality and regional wines by the efficient use of the country's resources and intensive advanced technology.
