Gorun is not just a modern Bulgarian winery, but a project with character, modesty and a clear philosophy. From the carefully selected vineyards in the Danube Plain to their limited edition signature wines, they won us over with integrity and taste.
We don’t just want to sell our wine, but also to participate in building the wine culture in our country. We want to convince – not with slogans, but with concrete examples – that Bulgarian wine deserves trust, attention and love. That is why we present GORUN to you in the interview below.
The questions are answered by Petar Angelov, one of the main drivers behind the family venture – ambitious, with a strong vision and deep knowledge, Petar is a representative of the new generation of Bulgarian winemakers.
Enjoy reading =)
1. I tried wine for the first time…
I don’t remember exactly my first sip of wine, it was probably somewhere in my early childhood – from my father’s or grandfather’s glass. But I clearly remember another memory – my grandfather, who was a dedicated gardener, had a small plot of land with fruit trees, vines, hazelnuts, walnuts, raspberries and blackberries. We would often start the car with him, he would take the vine shears and other tools and go there. He would calmly do some work, and I would walk around the gardens and eat ripe fruit. I was probably 5-6 years old, but I clearly remember watching him with interest when he pruned and cared for the vines and fruit trees, and he slowly passed on to me the mastery, technique and purpose of the craft.
I remembered the moments with the tranquility of the place and my grandfather, who seemed to be in sync and unity with nature, taking care of the plants, and they thanked him. This is probably one of the first seeds that sprouted in me to one day take this path.
2. My inspiration when I decided to make wine was…
When we started our new family business venture in 2014 – grain-oriented agriculture, I was attracted by the idea of a small vineyard with a small boutique winery that would make distinctive wines. I had the necessary prerequisites to start, my family supported me and that’s how we started. Wine has been made in our family since time immemorial.
There are people in my family who have not only been involved in winemaking, but also professionally connected with agriculture – agronomists, coopers. Whether professionally or amateurly, wine has never been absent from our homes – for more than a century it has been created with love and passed down as a craft from generation to generation.
3. The first wine I made was …
I have been involved in winemaking since I was a child, but our first wines in our professional journey were in 2018 from our newly planted vineyards – small experimental 300-liter batches of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Gamza and Cabernet Sauvignon. Even then, they showed promising potential, which was one of the reasons we continued with the construction of the cellar. I still remember the captivating aroma of the first sip of Gamza, which I poured straight from the vessel, as well as the style and elegance of our Cabernet Franc.
4. If I had to describe the wine I make in three words…
5. One of the most interesting things about Gorun that people might not know is…
6. The picture that suits the Gorun wine is …
7. Tonight I would open a bottle of …
Fresh, mineral and aromatic Kaylashki Misket on a summer Sunday evening.
8. My fondest wine-related memory is…
9. My favorite part of winemaking – from vineyard to bottle – is …
10. The most underrated skill a good winemaker should have is…
11. In order for a Bulgarian wine to be drunk all over the world, it must…
12. Try my wine because…
13. The two bottles of Gorun wine that I would recommend to someone are…
Gorun Cabernet Franc Reserve, Gamza Reserve, but it can’t be done without Kaylashki Misket.
14. And lastly: is there anything you want us to know about you and your wine, but we forgot to ask you…
Gorun is not just the winery with which we start this column, but the winery that reminded us why we love drinking wine in the first place. After a long journey outside Bulgaria, Gorun was the first Bulgarian winery that we truly fell in love with. This meeting was like a sign (and a sigh of relief) that at home, not just good, but inspiring wine is made.
We discovered them unexpectedly – at the most standard wine exhibition – but the very first sip revealed everything to us: attention to detail, respect for the terroir, manual touch and soul in every bottle.
