Never before the collaboration of architects, designers and oenologists (that’s what they call winemaking experts) from different countries, France and Bulgaria, has been quite as successful. This high-yielding union created one of the most visited landmarks in the Bulgarian city of Pleven.

In the heart of the picturesque national park Kaylaka, situated opposite an artificial lake, there is a natural cave of the same name. There, the only wine museum in the Balkans was opened. The establishment of a wine museum in Pleven cannot be described as surprising. Since ancient times, whole hectares of vineyards were laid out around the city, whereas local winemaking traditions date back centuries. It is no secret that the city of Pleven is one of the most important wine-producing industrial centres of Bulgaria. A hundred years before the popular city museum was opened, there had been The National Institute of Viticulture, and almost half a century ago the first school of viniculture and winemaking in the country was opened.

The official grand opening of the Wine Museum took place in 2008. Covering 650 square meteres, it encompasses five galleries. Here, one can learn about the history of winemaking in Bulgaria, see various artefacts dating back as early as the Frankish period. Furthermore, the museum holds the largest wine collection in Bulgaria, which is over 30 years old. Some of the wines are almost one hundred years old. In total, the museum has 7 thousand age-old wines, whereas the museum cellars hold over 12 thousand bottles of wine.

Over 6 thousand bottles from Bulgarian manufacturers from all over the country are awaiting their connoisseurs in the museum tasting room, where one can sample and appreciate the flavour of wine as well as buy a bottle to take home and give to friends as a souvenir from Bulgaria. It is difficult to disagree with the museum’s motto which states that a bottle of good wine is always better than the most expensive fridge magnet.