31 Jan Green practices and sustainable agriculture at Villa Melnik
The winemaking business is a marathon, not a sprint, especially in a family-run boutique winery like Villa Melnik. That’s why the idea of sustainable development is an integral part of the Zikatanov family’s philosophy.
Sustainable Vineyards
Good wine starts with good, healthy grapes. Villa Melnik’s vineyards are located near the villages of Harsovo and Vinogradi, in a region with pristine nature, free from heavy industry and pollution sources. We practice sustainable viticulture, without the use of harmful herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilizers and promoting biodiversity in the vineyards. As a result, you can see turtles, rabbits, and foxes running among our vines.
The varietal composition of the vineyards is a key element in the sustainable development of viticulture enterprises. More than half of Villa Melnik’s vineyards are planted with local grape varieties from the Shiroka Melnishka Loza family and its crossings. These varieties are specifically designed for the Melnik region and are most resistant to its unique climatic and soil conditions. Local varieties have been proven to be more drought- and disease-resistant than imported ones.
Villa Melnik also revives traditional methods for vine growing and wine production. A great example of this is the plot of Shiroka Melnishka Loza that we prune as a bush vine, with a short trunk low to the ground. Among traditional winemaking techniques, we have successfully adopted the method for orange wine – a wine made from white grapes that ferment and macerate with their skins like red wine. We also make traditional dessert wines from late-harvested grapes, allowing the grapes to dry and become raisin-like, which naturally concentrates their flavors, aromas, and sweetness.
Green Practices in Production
The winery itself is built on three levels, allowing the grapes, must, and wine to flow “downward” through the production process by the force of gravity, without the use of pumps and unnecessary energy consumption. This method is not only energy-efficient but also extremely gentle on the wine – it doesn’t stress or roughen it. The winery uses energy-saving lighting, and all household and industrial waste is collected separately for recycling.
We have installed an automated drip irrigation system for the vineyards, powered by our own wells. With the help of specialized software, we dose the amount of water to achieve optimal grape quality with minimal water consumption.
The water used in production is purified and feeds the decorative lake in front of the winery, which is filled with fish, surrounded by rich vegetation, olive groves, and fruit trees. This way, the water resource is recycled and reused.
The grape waste – stems and pomace – is composted and used as feed for animals or as natural fertilizer for the vineyards and gardens around the winery. This closes the production cycle.
A large portion of the bottles we use are lightweight, which means they have a smaller carbon footprint – they are made from less glass and are lighter to transport.
During tastings and events, Villa Melnik strives not to use disposable utensils or plastic bottles.
Among the next green steps planned by Villa Melnik are investments in solar panels, to produce energy in an environmentally friendly way. We also plan to plant cover crops (nitrogen-fixing plants) in the rows between the vines to reduce erosion, improve soil fertility without the use of artificial fertilizers, and facilitate cultivation.
Sustainable Wine Tourism
Villa Melnik is a leader in developing the Melnik region as a destination for sustainable wine tourism. The winery is open to tourists 365 days a year and welcomes guests from around the world for tours and tastings – with or without reservations, for both short and long visits. Experienced and friendly tour guides lead guests through the vineyards, the modern production facilities, and the underground cellars carved into the sandstone. They share stories about the local viticulture and winemaking traditions and practices. During the tasting, Villa Melnik wines are paired with regional delicacies.
Professional tastings are periodically held for hoteliers and restaurateurs from the region, who need to be familiar with the local varieties and offer local wines to their guests. Partnerships with regional businesses (local hotels, restaurants, catering companies, farms) contribute to the development of the local economy and help establish the region as a tourist destination.
Several times a year, Villa Melnik hosts events and festivals – a vine-pruning ritual for Trifon Zarezan, a spring and wine festival for Lazarovden, a musical concert and tent camp on the hill above the vineyards for July Morning, a Harvest Festival, and various workshops related to arts and crafts. The focus is on local culture, local farm products, and local musical and dance artists. Thus, Villa Melnik becomes a center of wine and cultural events for its community, attracting guests from all over the country and the world.