Georgiev & Milkov.

Founders & Background

Petar Georgiev, from Plovdiv, and Radostin Milkov, from Varna, are the visionary winemaking duo behind the Georgiev & Milkov project, launched in 2014.
They met as classmates at the University of Food Technology in Plovdiv, where they discovered a shared passion for authentic Bulgarian varietal wines. Both have extensive winemaking experience across the USA, New Zealand, China, Austria, Malta, and other regions, bringing a broad perspective to their craft.

Philosophy & Approach

Georgiev & Milkov do not own vineyards. Instead, they collaborate closely with trusted growers in the Plovdiv regionof the Thracian Valley, focusing on indigenous Bulgarian varieties such as Mavrud, Rubin, and Red Misket from old-vine plots.

In 2020, they pioneered Bulgaria’s first pét-nat (pétillant naturel) made from Mavrud, reflecting their commitment to innovation and natural winemaking practices.
Their approach emphasizes minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentations, and manual processes. They own their own equipment, including about 13,000 liters of tank capacity and 25 barrels (100–500 L) of both Bulgarian and French oak, as well as acacia barrels.

Production & Techniques

  • The project began with just 600 bottles in 2014 and has grown steadily to around 17,000 bottles annually.

  • Their winemaking techniques include:

    • Cold maceration for enhanced aroma and structure.

    • Spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentations with native yeasts.

    • Careful aging in used Bulgarian and French oak barrels, balancing tradition with modern precision.

Signature Wines

Rubin Brestovitsa (Single Vineyard)

  • Grape: 100% Rubin — a Bulgarian cross of Syrah and Nebbiolo created in 1944.

  • Vineyard: 40-year-old vines near Brestovitsa at 300 m elevation, grown on light brown forest soils.

  • Winemaking:

    • 6-day cold maceration

    • Wild fermentation

    • 10 months aging: 40% in Bulgarian oak, 60% in French oak

    • Spontaneous malolactic fermentation

  • Profile: Deep ruby color, aromas of raspberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, spices, and vanilla. Medium-full body with silky tannins and a long finish.

  • Technical Specs: ABV ~12.5–13.5%, TA ~5 g/L, RS ~3 g/L, pH ~3.67.

  • Pairing: Beef, game, venison, Iberico pork.

Mavrud Novi Izvor (Single Vineyard)

  • Grape: 100% Mavrud, an emblematic Bulgarian red variety.

  • Vineyard: Over 40 years old, located near Novi Izvor, planted on cinnamon-forest soils.

  • Winemaking: Hand-harvested, 5–7 days maceration, spontaneous fermentation, 40% aged in Bulgarian oak with malolactic fermentation in barrel.

  • Profile: Deep ruby with crimson hues, aromas of red and black fruits, vanilla, roasted nuts, and spices. Balanced palate with notes of blueberries, red currants, and dried herbs.

  • Technical Specs: ABV 13.5%, TA ~6.3 g/L, RS ~3 g/L, pH ~3.4.

  • Pairing: Beef, game, venison, Iberico pork.

Pink Side of Rubin (Rosé)

  • Grape: 100% Rubin.

  • Profile: Fresh and elegant rosé with vibrant red fruit and floral aromas.

  • Alcohol: ~12.5%.

  • Pairing: Aperitif, seafood, salads, grilled white meats.

Funky Mavrud (Pét-Nat)

  • Style: Bulgaria’s first-ever pét-nat made from Mavrud.

  • Profile: Cloudy, naturally sparkling, low-alcohol wine with bright raspberry notes, lively acidity, and subtle nutty undertones.

  • Method: Traditional pét-nat technique with bottle fermentation and no disgorgement.

Red Misket (Why Not? / Skin Contact)

  • Variety: Red Misket, an indigenous white grape.

  • Style: Produced in a variety of expressions, including skin-contact orange wine, pét-nat, or rosé, showcasing the versatility of this lesser-known variety.

Summary

Georgiev & Milkov are at the forefront of Bulgaria’s modern wine movement, combining deep respect for indigenous grapes with technical precision and innovative methods.
Their wines reflect the unique terroirs of the Thracian Valley, offering a portfolio that spans classic reds, elegant rosés, experimental pét-nats, and distinctive orange wines. Through hands-on craftsmanship and a focus on authenticity, they bring Bulgaria’s rich winemaking heritage to an international audience.