Red Church & Rhodope Wine Escape from Plovdiv

Special Tour Half-day
Ustina village Eastern Rhodopes Tour Guide: Ekaterina Terzieva

Escape the vibrant atmosphere of Plovdiv for a relaxing half-day journey into the countryside, where history, wine culture, and scenic landscapes meet. This experience takes you to the gentle hills at the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains, a region known for its long traditions in viticulture and its rich cultural heritage.

The tour combines two remarkable aspects of the region – ancient Christian heritage and contemporary Bulgarian winemaking. You will visit one of the most impressive early Christian monuments in Southeastern Europe, the Red Church, before continuing to a modern winery where tradition and innovation come together.

Just a short drive from Plovdiv lies the charming town of Perushtitsa, surrounded by vineyards and historical landmarks. Nearby, among sunlit hills and fertile soils, you will discover Villa Yustina Winery – a boutique winery that has become one of the most recognizable wine producers in the region.

During this half-day experience, you will learn about the history of early Christianity in the region, the local terroir, and the philosophy behind modern Bulgarian wines, while enjoying beautiful views, engaging stories, and a carefully curated wine tasting.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine culture, history, and wine in a relaxed countryside setting, just a short distance from the city.


Place of departure/arrival

Pick‑up and drop‑off from/to your address in Plovdiv


The tour price includes

  • Hotel/Airbnb pick-up and drop-off
  • Transportation
  • Visit to The Red Church
  • Tasting of 5 wines
  • Water
  • Appetizers
  • English-speaking driver guide

The tour price does not include

  • Food beyond the included tastings
  • Personal expenses and purchases (wine, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Travel/medical insurance
  • Tips

Purchase opportunity

Purchase opportunity for Bulgarian wine at producer prices.


What to expect?

Your experience begins with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Plovdiv. You will travel comfortably by car or passenger minivan towards the town of Perushtitsa and the winery Villa Yustina Winery.

Your first stop is the Church of St. Mary, better known as the Red Church — an early medieval basilica and one of the most remarkable early Christian monuments in Southeastern Europe.
You will have time to explore the site, feel its atmosphere, and learn more about its history and significance.

Afterward, you continue to Villa Yustina Winery, beautifully located among the rolling hills at the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains.

Here you will follow the “Path of Wine” through the winery’s production facilities and wine library – from the vineyard and grapes, through fermentation and aging, all the way to the finished wine in your glass.

The highlight of the tour is a guided tasting of five wines from the Villa Yustina and Four Seasons collections. A trained wine guide will introduce the organoleptic characteristics of each wine, explain the grape varieties, style, and vinification process, and answer your questions.

The tasting is accompanied by selected local meat and dairy delicacies, bread, and mineral water, allowing you to experience the harmony between wine and food.

The total duration of the experience is approximately 4–5 hours (half-day tour), after which you will be returned to your hotel or address in Plovdiv.

Prices & Booking

Price for 2–3 people:
€109 per person

Price for 4–7 people:
€92 per person

Minimum number of participants: 2 people

For groups of more than 7 people, please send us an inquiry so we can prepare a custom offer tailored to your needs and preferences.


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