History
The name Bononia
Our name is inspired by the ancient Roman city of Bononia — today's Vidin. It carries the connection with the Danube, the land and the cultural heritage of the region.
This is the story behind the name of our mansion, and the story of the building itself begins centuries later.
The beginning by the Danube
In 1895, captivated by the beautiful nature and the soft water of the Danube, the Hungarian Victor Olinger founded one of the oldest breweries in Bulgaria in the village of Kosava.
The impressive building and the preserved underground corridors are located on the riverbank near Vidin. Later the brewery was converted into a winery, and over the years of transition it sank into oblivion.
The first vineyards
In 2013, the first 400 decares of young vines were planted. Carefully selected from Italy and France, they marked the beginning of the new wine estate.
A family, in love with Bulgaria and aviation, decided to revive the place and develop a modern winery. The foundation is the belief that in order to fulfill your dreams, you must allow your spirit to fly.
The plantations are formed according to the Guyot system. International varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Traminer, Viognier, Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah find their place alongside the traditional Gamza for the region.
The first wines
In 2016, Bononia Estate presented its first wines — ISTAR, Ooh La la, Gomotartzi and Bononia Estate Reserve.
The beginning of wine selection combines the character of the land, the attention to the vineyards, and the modern approach to wine production.
The beginning of the restoration
In 2016, the restoration of the historic building began. With care for the architectural details and the preserved underground spaces, the place gradually receives new life.
The old walls and corridors become the foundation for a modern winery and boutique hospitality. Preserving the character of the building goes hand in hand with the implementation of modern wine-making technologies.
We preserve the spirit. We create the future.
We are opening our doors for you
In the summer of 2022, Bononia Estate Winery & Resort welcomes its first guests. The carefully restored building from 1895 and the preserved underground corridors reopen their doors.
The boutique hotel section complements the wine cellar with 22 rooms, a restaurant, a wellness area, tasting rooms, a conference and event hall, and an outdoor pool.
Wine, history and hospitality come together in a destination on the banks of the Danube.
International recognition
In 2024, Bononia Estate ranks 53rd in the World’s Best Vineyards Top 100.
The award ranks the estate among the best wine destinations in the world and is a recognition of the effort, the place, and Bulgarian wine tourism.
Today
The story continues with you
Wine, nature and hospitality on the banks of the Danube.
