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OVERVIEW

Founded in 2010 by Michael and Velichka Zehe, Velis Vineyards is a pioneering cross-border wine project that found its roots in the western Thracian Valley of Bulgaria. What began as the fortuitous discovery of a neglected vineyard has evolved into a thriving venture, driven by a profound love for wine and nature.

Key highlights

  • Old Vine wine
  • The people behind the process
  • Sustainability as a social responsibility
  • Combating climate change
  • Economic viability

 

Old Vine wine

  • The bunches are notably loose, and the berries are small yet intensely concentrated.
  • This distinct profile sets the stage for a wine of depth and complexity.
  • The grapes are selected three times: in the vineyard during harvest; when delivered to the winery via a sorting belt; at a vibration table with built-in grids.
  • Prolonged maceration for extraction of nuanced flavours and aromas.

Velis Vineyards – Crafting excellence, nurturing sustainability

Velis Vineyards is committed to sustainable practices that transcend environmental stewardship to encompass social responsibility and economic viability.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WINE

Central to Velis Vineyards is the collaborative effort of Nikolay Kovachev, Clemens Engel, and Michael Zehe.

Winemaker, Clemens Engel, and founder, Michael Zehe, pruning the German vineyards.
Agronomist, Nikolay Kovachev pruning Velis Vineyards’ old vines in the western Thracian Valley of Bulgaria.

Social responsibility

Through initiatives such as art exhibitions and intercultural exchanges, Velis Vineyards fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment that empowers individuals to thrive.

Supporting artists, enabling the local community

Sustainable agriculture

The fruits, vegetables and herbs that we have planted are used in our wineries’ shops and restaurants.

In Bulgaria, we saved 80 50-year-old trees from deforestation.

We have replanted 125 trees around the winery in Karabunar in the last eight years, as well as hundreds of meters of bushes and hedges.

Encouraging biodiversity

In our German winery we have planted 60 trees on 7,500 square meters and built a natural pond that is home to toads, newts, water frogs and some species of dragonflies.

Around the winery in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, we have created approximately 3,500 square meters with a bee and butterfly meadow, supplemented by around 30 cherry and apple trees.

Environmental care

  • We adopt innovative water management strategies like rainwater collection and biological sewage treatment to minimise environmental impact.
  • We focus on carbon sequestration with flowering meadows and PV power installation and through the incorporation of green roofs.
  • We also try to protect our soils through limited use of herbicides, no irrigation systems, and careful management of surface and roof water.

Velis Vineyards has grown from a neglected vineyard discovery to a thriving cross-border project spanning Bulgaria and Germany. With a focus on long-term economic viability and environmental stewardship, we continue to innovate and pioneer sustainable practices.