Militza Zikatanova to lecture on wine tourism at NBU

At Villa Melnik Winery, we have always believed that wine tourism is not merely a business, but a bridge connecting terroir, culture, and people. That is why we are thrilled to share that Militza Zikatanova will be part of the lecturing team in the pioneering professional qualification program “Management of Gastronomic Tourism.”

The program is organized by Pendara Academy (founded by Gergana Kabaivanova) in partnership with New Bulgarian University (NBU) and is the first postgraduate qualification with a management profile of its kind in Bulgaria. It stands as a natural continuation of Pendara Academy’s visionary initiatives to nurture culinary culture and regional terroir products across the country.

First-Hand Theory and Practice: The “Wine Tourism” Module

As a lecturer in the specialized Wine Tourism module, Militza Zikatanova will bring real-world experience from building and managing one of Bulgaria’s most recognizable wine destinations directly into the classroom. Students will learn how to curate authentic wine experiences, develop a sustainable regional brand, and leverage indigenous grape varieties like Melnik 55 and Broadleaved Melnik Vine to attract both Bulgarian and international tourists.
A core highlight of the course will be a hands-on practical session on-site at Villa Melnik.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with real-world operational processes:

• From planning vineyard routes and navigating the gravity-fed winery;
• To organizing tasting menus paired with local produce;
• To creating successful events and engaging with the regional community.

A Stellar Team of Lecturers and Leading Experts

The program brings together leading figures and researchers of Bulgarian culinary and wine identity. The curriculum will be delivered by an exceptional panel of professionals, including:

• Eng. Gergana Kabaivanova — Founder of Pendara Academy, pioneer of farmers’ markets, and leading expert in rural and gastronomic tourism, whose mission is preserving local traditions, guest houses, and authentic Bulgarian flavors.
• Maria Zhekova — Culinary author, TV host, and researcher of Bulgarian gastronomic culture.
• Ivan Makedonski — Wine expert and established lecturer in sommelier studies at NBU.
• Dr. Albena Shkodrova — Journalist, historian, and researcher of food history.
• Dr. Anelia Ovnarska-Milusheva — Specialist in culinary heritage and gastronomic rituals, alongside a broad international team of guest lecturers.
• Svetlin Mirchev — Visionary who transforms the tradition of Bulgarian rakia into an art form and a premium tasting experience.
• Alexander Taralezhkov — Chef and conceptual culinary artist, renowned for his innovative events and fresh interpretation of Balkan flavors.
• Prof. Maria Yotova (Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan) — World-renowned food anthropologist examining Bulgarian food culture and tradition through a global research lens.
• Eleni Karaiskou (Karaiskos Farm, Portaria, Greece) — Pioneer in sustainable agritourism and the farm-to-table concept, sharing her extensive experience from the foothills of Mount Pelion.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teodora Rizova (NBU) — Established academic specialist in tourism management and marketing, focusing on modern regional models.
• Dr. Milen Angelov (NBU) — Researcher and lecturer building strategic business frameworks for the development of sustainable tourism destinations.
• Militza Zikatanova — Second-generation owner of Villa Melnik Winery (ranked #39 in World’s Best Vineyards 2020, and Top 100 in 2021 and 2022). Militza actively works to position her family winery and the Melnik region on the global wine and wine tourism map.
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About the “Management of Gastronomic Tourism” Program

Винен туризъм

This innovative one-year program prepares future industry leaders to design, develop, and manage sustainable gastronomic and wine products, itineraries, and concepts. The curriculum covers key topics including:

• Wine, Rakia, and Fermentation Tourism;
• Terroir Products and Regional Culinary Traditions;
• Business Modeling, Brand Positioning, and Event Management;
• State-Recognized Qualification in Gastronomic Tourism Management.

The entire team at Villa Melnik Winery wholeheartedly supports this valuable initiative! We believe that collaboration between Pendara Academy, NBU, and industry practitioners from the wine and culinary sectors is the key to establishing Bulgaria as a globally recognized gastronomic and wine destination.
We wish the best of luck to the inaugural class of students and great inspiration to the stellar lecturing team! We look forward to welcoming you among the vineyards of Villa Melnik for your immersive immersion into the world of wine!

Learn more about the program, application process, and curriculum: Find full details on the official NBU webpage.