TRENDS IN THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE WINE INDUSTRY IN BULGARIA

ABSTRACT This article is an attempt to bring the wine sector as one of the alternatives for rural development in Bulgaria. The introductory part presents a simple global picture with the development of the wine sector and the opportunities for countries like Bulgaria to develop the wine industry. Justifies the development of viticulture in Bulgaria and its zoning, as well as an overview of available varieties and species. The capacity and condition of the wine industry is shown, outlining its specifics and features. In methodological terms, the article presents the importance of the wine industry on the territorial development of Bulgaria. The institutional side of the formation of the regional institutional and economic model of development of viticulture and the integration of Bulgarian producers in it is substantiated. The tendencies in the development of viticulture and its economic expediency in general European plan are outlined. The need for the wine sector to influence the regional development, respectively the development of the rural areas is stated. Relevant conclusions have been made, which outline the main challenges facing the industry. Relevant conclusions have been made and new trends for the development of viticulture in Bulgaria have been outlined