MFG has acquired 100% of the hotel complex, villas, and the associated agricultural assets of Zornitza Family Estate, located adjacent to the group’s own AYA Estate Vineyards, in the heart of the Struma Valley. The acquisition, legally completed in December 2025, brings together two projects that share a common philosophy - respect for terroir, nature, and the local community. 

The transaction is part of a long-term investment strategy focused on the development of the AYA brand, which aims to position the region as an international destination for wine, gastronomic, and cultural tourism - and beyond. Under the AYA umbrella are already projects in winemaking, as well as initiatives dedicated to the development of the cultural scene and contemporary art spaces. 

Later this year, the AYA Equestrian Center is set to open, introducing Bulgaria in a new and distinctive way to the map of professional equestrian sport, while a number of future projects are currently at various stages of development. 

“For us, this is not simply an expansion of business operations and assets, but a natural continuation of the plans we have been implementing in the region for several years — to create lasting value, to work in harmony with nature and the local community, and to reveal the true spirit and character of this place,” the investors from MFG commented.

In the short term, carefully considered renovations of the hotel and villas are planned, with a focus on further elevating the quality of service, while preserving the architectural character and the strong connection to the surrounding environment. The complex will continue to be part of Relais & Châteaux. 

In the broader perspective, the acquisition enhances the potential for the holistic development of AYA — spanning viticulture and winemaking, gastronomy, sustainable agriculture, cultural programming, as well as high-end tourism and sport.

Through this transaction, the investors reaffirm their clear commitment to environmental preservation, the local economy, and the long-term positioning of the Struma Valley as a region with a strong and distinctive presence on the European map.