Wine estate
Vineyards
The vineyards are located in the land of the village of Goritza, not far from Pomorie. They are located on slopes with a diverse gradiant from 3 to 15o and with an altitude of about 100-130 meters, nestled at the foot of the Stara Planina, on a rich and heterogeneous soil with exceptional biodiversity, imprinting a unique, inimitable individuality on our grapes, which, together with the moderate weather and organic practices developed in the plantations further contribute to the authenticity of the terroir, allowing each wine to showcase the natural flavors and characteristics of the grapes.
The road to the entrance of the estate leading to the cellar
Our terraced vineyards are carefully designed to maximize the potential of the land
Santa Sarah Wine Estate has a total area of 29 ha of vineyards. 17 different varieties were planted, carefully selected according to site conditions and soil. The white varieties planted have an area of 12 ha and include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Traminer and Vermentino, while the red varieties planted have an area of 17 ha and include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Mavrud, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Malbec, Carmener, Petit Verdot, Grenache and Mourvedre. To optimize the use of the vineyard area, the vines have an inter-row distance of 2.00 m and an intra-row distance of 1.00 m, which provides enough space for each vine to grow and receive enough nutrients. The training system of all vines is Guyot Double. The planting material is selected from Italy and France, and the use of mass selection of branches ensures the quality of the vines. The exposure of the terrain in red varieties is South-Southwest, which means that the vines receive a good amount of sunlight and warmth, which is ideal for the growth and development of red grapes. On the other hand, the exposure of the terrain in white varieties is East-Southeast and North-South, which provides a cooler and more balanced environment, ideal for the growth and development of white grapes.
Mavrud from our own vineyards
Autumn 2021: the colors of our vineyards
The altitude of the vineyards has also been selected to reduce the risk of frost damage while retaining the acids and aromas of the grapes. Good water drainage and constant wind help to protect the vineyards from disease. The wide variety of soils in the area offers a range of different nutrient profiles and drainage characteristics, which can be beneficial for grape growth. Over 40 mini plots with an area of 0.50 to 1.00 ha can be differentiated. The main soil types are leached cinnamon forest soils, sandy-loam and slightly loamy, carbonate black earth soils and rendzinas. The plantations have a drip irrigation system that is fully consistent with the row location of the vines and the slope of the terrain. The drip irrigation system is designed to deliver water directly to the roots of the vines in a well-dosed manner, which helps to prevent the vines from experiencing stress due to drought or over-watering. This can help to ensure that the vines produce high-quality grapes with desirable flavors and aromas.
Autumn 2021: Plot with plantings of the Syrah variety
Spring 2020: preserving biodiversity among our vineyards
Our most important mission in the cultivation of our vineyards, which is practically organic, is to ensure the conservation of biodiversity in soil. By preserving the natural ecosystem in the soil and vineyards, it's possible to create wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of the region, and to maintain the health and productivity of the vines in a natural and sustainable way. Our approach is based on proper soil management, avoiding erosion, maintaining the right level of organic matter and ploughing only when strictly necessary. Organic fertilizers and compost are used to ensure soil fertility, and the compost is produced using a mixture of marc, sludge, pruned shoots and manure and letting them ripen together for 12 months. The presence of various plants and trees in the vineyards, along with careful agronomic practices, helps to create a complex biosystem that supports the health and resilience of the vines. This can help to reduce the need for phytosanitary treatments, such as pesticides, and maintain a healthy balance of beneficial insects and other organisms.
Poppies covering our organically grown vineyards in spring
Compost of cow manure and marcs