Shestaka Winery

"Shestaka" Winery - Melnik Manolev Family (Shestatsite) is one of the old families still remaining in Melnik. We have a 120 year old history in the Town of Wine. They call us "Shestatsite" (originating from the Bulgarian word "Shest" - "Six"), because our Grand-grandfather Iliya had six fingers on his right hand, and now Mitko Shestaka has six fingers on his left hand. In our vineyards we cultivate the Wide Melnik grape vine and produce the famous Melnik wine. The family`s own vineyards spread on around 45 dc (for now). There is a production section and a 250 year old wine cellar, dug into the screes of Melnik. The return to the roots of wine making began after the 1989 reforms, when the vineyards were given back to their owners. The company Mitko Manolev-Shestaka was founded in 1993 and has been working at full power up to this day. In our wine-cellar we offer red dry and semi-dry wine, made of Wide Melnik grape vine, and white dry wine, made from a bouquet of 6-7 varieties of white Bulgarian grape, that grow in the region. The wine is completely natural (with no conservators) and is made according to our family`s traditional recipes. Because of this, it is best to drink it in Melnik and when you buy a bottle for home, you should consume it no later than 2-3 weeks from the date of purchase. We deliver wine in the entire country, but only during the winter (November till March), using own or arranged transport. Red wine - Dry: made of Wide Melnik grape vine, according to a traditional recipe and maturing in two different types of casks - oak casks and chestnut-tree casks. - Semi- dry: again, made of Wide Melnik grape-vine, but with a different technology. White wine - Dry: made of 6-7 white grape varieties, put together to ferment. Traditional technology is used. - Semi - dry: the same grape varieties are used with a different technology. House The family has built a new house (finished in 1999), where we offer accommodation. There is one room for 2 persons and one for 3 persons, each with a TV and a separate toilet. In the winter there is local heating without an extra charge. Our family is well acquainted with the regional history and places of interest, therefore we organize different tours in and around Melnik - wine, historical, walking, photography, jeep, agrarian and others. For tour arrangements, please contact us. There is a souvenir shop in our new house. It offers items from Melnik - working little casks, handmade knives and bottled wines from all popular and good regional brands. Every tourist, interested in Melnik, will find something for him/herself.