Set in a wine region of exceptional nature and hot springs, the Zornitza Family Estate welcomes guests to enjoy rustic luxe in an intimate country retreat.
“The family is very attached to their region and produce their own wine, honey and truffles, and grow vegetables that they serve up in delicious dishes in their restaurant. You won’t be short of things to do here, what with exploring the wine cellars or visiting exceptional nearby sites like the Melnik pyramids, unusual rock formations that are really worth a trip.”
Positioned among the rolling hills and vineyards of southern Bulgaria, the Zornitza Family Estate is an oasis of calm in harmony with nature. The purity of its air and its volcanic origins have endowed this region with fertile soils, a curative spa mud, and natural mineral water.
Picturesque stone buildings with timber beams, red bricks and artistic design describe the interior of the six villas and boutique hotel built in Tuscany style.
Stay in the boutique hotel rooms or larger private villas with incredible mountain and vineyard views. Staying at this property is a unique opportunity to discover southern Bulgaria in all of its luxury and authenticity — from local traditions to the historical richness of its sites dating to the Northern Thrace and ancient Greece.
The nearest beach is within an hour’s drive and the winter ski slopes of Bankso can be reached in around 75 minutes.
Fine wine and dining
“My philosophy is to return to the roots. It’s also defined by the search for a quality product and emphasizing its perfect taste. Of course, that includes a few modern techniques, but without overdoing it.”
Veselin Kalev, Chef
Chef Veselin Kalev sources ingredients from its surrounding eco-farm on the 200ha estate where organic herbs, fruits, and vegetables are tenderly cultivated. The estate farm produces honey, preserves, and truffles, gathered from the extensive tree planting scheme. 5ha of new vines produce small-volume, high-quality wine, the grapes harvested by hand and pressed on-site.
The result is true ‘farm to fork’ experience with respect for the area’s landscape and native wildlife.
Fine wine is at the heart of Zornitza Family Estate. Carefully watched over by Restaurant Manager and Sommelier Aleksandar Skorchev, the wine cellar lies 7 metres below ground and holds 4500 bottles from a 350 bin wine list. All major regions are present with focus on Bulgarian wines and in particularly the region of Struma Valley.
Spa & Experiences
ZOMA spa
The ZOMA spa is a sanctuary of well-being. Relax by the indoor pool, surrounded by natural materials a nd textures and with therapies using grapes and wine, healing herbs and oil, honey and healing mud.
Four stops and four tastes
Take a guided walk through the Estate to taste the home-made produce. Begin at at the truffle orchard, then proceed with wine tasting, enjoy the honey from the estate hives, and end with a delicious BBQ feast.
Soar the skies in a hot air balloon
Enjoy a glass of Franciacorta in the sky while soaring over the vineyards and the ridged Melnik rocks surrounding the estate.
Wine tours
Join the estate team for for pruning, harvesting or simply to picnic in the vineyards. Along with other local wineries, Zornitza Family Estate hosts wine tours and tastings.
Perfect your putting
At the 6-holes par 3 practice course, beginners have the opportunity to get acquainted with the rules, etiquette and terminology of golf with an individual training programme.
Guests are in a perfect location to hike or bike through the stunning southern Bulgarian countryside. Horse riding, rafting and canoeing can be arranged, as can fishing trips. Venture out beyond the estate to visit churches and archeological sites in this largely undeveloped region of Eastern Europe.
Map and Travel Information
Getting to Zornitza Family Estate
Fly to Thessaloniki (Greece) in around 3hr15m.
135km transfer by road in a private car in approx 75 mins.
Email us
Visit
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH