01.02.2019 / With partners and friends, the vine-growers from the Agricultural University of Plovdiv pruned the vineyards in Brestnik

Near the Experimental Base of the Agricultural University in Plovdiv, on the territory of the village of Brestnik, lecturers, scientists, Bulgarian students and their colleagues from the Republic of South Africa, presented traditional vineyards ceremony. Established 60 years ago after soil and climate analysis, around 400 wines and dessert grape varieties are now growing on its territory. The AU has 185 hectares of agricultural land. In the winery, built half a century ago, wine of over 50 grape varieties is stored and its annual capacity is 20,000 liters. One of the largest collections of wines of different age and a museum, telling the 50-year history of the wine-cellar are there.

The rector Prof. Dr. Hristina Yancheva spoke about the vineyard-gardening and the vine-grower’s day – “Trifon Zarezan”, about the rich wine-growing history of the Agricultural University. For the first time in the AU history, the “King of the Vineyards” was chosen. The Bulgarian custom commands him to be a good and generous master so he’ll be a lucky man and during his reign there’ll be heavy grapes and pouring wine. The honor fell to Chief. Prof. Dr. Boyan Stalev. He thanked for the trust, promised to be a caring owner and explained the role of pruning for the fruit of the vine. The “King” sprouted with wine and holy water the vines and wished for rich harvest.

Apart from the experts at the Association for the Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between China and CEE Countries (APACCCEEC) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Foods and Forestry – partner of the Agricultural University, the guests of the celebration were the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev, the Governor of Plovdiv Region Zdravko Dimitrov, mayors, diplomats, and friends of the University.