90 Years of Bendida Winery: Four Generations, Bulgarian Wines, and Traditions

The family-owned winery in Brestovitsa celebrates 90 years of history, in which Bulgarian grape varieties, traditions, and winemaking experiments go hand in hand.

Some wine discoveries begin with an unknown grape variety. Others come from meeting the people behind the label. At Bendida Winery, the two intertwine in a story that has spanned four generations.

Located in the village of Brestovitsa, near Plovdiv, this family-run winery creates wines inspired by local grape varieties and the winemaking traditions of the Thracian Lowlands. Here, respect for heritage goes hand in hand with a desire to experiment and offer new interpretations of the familiar.

In 2026, Bendida Winery will celebrate the 90th anniversary of its founding. This milestone is an opportunity to look beyond the labels and discover how a family-run winery manages to preserve the past while never losing sight of the future.

Bendida Winery: A Family History That Began in 1936
 

The history of Bendida Winery began in 1936, when Metodi Portev laid the foundations for the family’s winemaking business in Brestovitsa. The village is located in one of Bulgaria’s iconic wine-growing regions, known for its favorable conditions for growing grapes.

After a hiatus, winemaking was revived by his grandson, who inherited not only the name but also his grandfather’s passion. He breathed new life into the old stone cellar, preserving its authentic appearance while equipping it for modern production.

The winery’s name also carries its own history. Bendida is the Thracian goddess of the moon, fertility, and hunting, revered also as the patroness of marriage. For the Portevi family, she symbolizes the connection between nature, the earth, and the generations.

This sense of continuity remains at the heart of the winery’s philosophy today, as the fourth generation continues to build upon the family legacy.

Bulgarian Grape Varieties at the Heart of Bendida Wines

One of the defining characteristics of Bendida Winery is its focus on Bulgarian grape varieties. In the limited-edition BENDIDA series, Mavrud and Rubin hold a special place—two varieties that play a significant role in the wine identity of the Thracian Lowlands.

Mavrud is known for its structure, deep color, and aging potential. Rubin, created by crossing Syrah and Nebiolo, is distinguished by its rich fruit profile and versatility across various winemaking styles.

The winery’s portfolio also includes Vrachanski Misket and Dimyat. These Bulgarian white varieties complement the diversity with their distinctive aromas and flavors. International varieties also feature in the family’s wines, expanding the possibilities for different interpretations.

Hand-Harvested Grapes and Minimal Intervention in Winemaking

Bendida Winery’s approach begins right in the vineyards. The grapes are harvested by hand, and the work in the cellar is guided by a commitment to minimal intervention and preserving the natural character of the raw material.

Red wines are not filtered, and some of the wines are aged in French and American oak barrels. The use of oak allows the structure to develop and adds new nuances to the aroma and flavor profile.

Behind these decisions lies the desire for each wine to retain its individuality and to showcase the grape variety in a way that reflects both the characteristics of the vintage and the winemaker’s signature style.

Elizabeth Porteva: The Fourth Generation at Bendida Winery

Today, the family legacy continues with Elizabeth Porteva, a representative of the fourth generation of winemakers. She combines her work on the BENDIDA series with the development of her own line of natural wines, By Elizabet.

For Elizabeth, winemaking is a space for discovery. Alongside traditional techniques, she explores the possibilities of spontaneous fermentation, minimal technological intervention, and unconventional vessels for winemaking.

In this way, inherited knowledge becomes a starting point for new ideas, and familiar Bulgarian grape varieties are reinterpreted.

By Elizabet and “SamoDiva”: Natural Wines with a Distinctive Style

Among Elizabet Porteva’s intriguing projects is “SamoDiva,” a series of wines created through wild fermentation in glass demijohns, without fining or filtering.

With this method, fermentation occurs with the help of naturally occurring yeasts. The process can lead to more unpredictable results and requires careful monitoring, but at the same time allows for the creation of wines with a distinctive character.

“SamoDiva” showcases a more experimental side of Bendida Winery and demonstrates how natural winemaking can offer a fresh perspective on the grape and its potential.

Rubin’s Ritual Wine and Inspiration from the Phases of the Moon

Elizabeth’s interest in natural cycles is also reflected in her work with the biodynamic calendar.

One example is the “Ritual Wine” made from the Rubin grape variety, which she crafts in accordance with the phases of the moon. This approach is part of her personal philosophy and her desire to explore different traditions and practices in winemaking.

The symbolic connection to the winery’s name is also intriguing. Nine decades after the family’s story began, the Thracian moon goddess Bendida continues to be present not only in the name but also as an inspiration for new wine projects.

Bendida Winery and the Wine Traditions of the Thracian Lowlands

Brestovitsa and the area around Plovdiv hold an important place on Bulgaria’s wine map. The Thracian Lowlands are among the country’s most recognizable wine regions, and the local grape varieties are an integral part of its identity.

It is precisely in this setting that the story of Bendida Winery unfolds. The family maintains its connection to the region while simultaneously seeking different ways to showcase its wine-making potential.

From classic interpretations of Mavrud and Rubin to the natural wines of By Elizabet, the winery offers diverse perspectives on Bulgarian winemaking.

90 Years of Bendida Winery: A Tradition That Continues to Evolve

Ninety years after its founding, Bendida Winery remains a family story to which each generation adds its own touch.

From Metodi Portev’s first steps in 1936 and the restoration of the old stone cellar to Elizabeth Porteva’s contemporary wine experiments, the winery’s evolution demonstrates how tradition can serve as a foundation for innovation.

Bulgarian grape varieties remain at the heart of this story, but the ways in which they are interpreted continue to evolve.

For the curious wine lover, this is precisely what makes an encounter with Bendida Winery’s wines so fascinating. Behind every bottle lies not only a grape variety, a vintage, or a winemaking technique, but also a piece of a family’s history.

And the best part is that this story continues to unfold with every subsequent glass.