(Novinite) - Bulgaria's largest international commercial exhibit of wines "Vinaria 2013" has bestowed six "Golden Rhyton" awards and 125 medals at a ceremony held Wednesday evening.

The competition has been very heated, says Prof Plamen Mollov, Chairman of the National Vine and Wine Chamber, which organized the contest.

It included 25 Bulgarian and 20 foreign (Italy, France, Moldova, and Azerbaijan) companies with 400 wine tasting samples, compared to 29 and 350 in 2012, respectively.

Bulgaria's Vinprom Peshtera grabbed three "Golden Rhytons." One was bestowed to Vinzavod Assenovgrad; one to Black Sea Gold, and one to Domaine Boyar.

In addition, the jury awarded 109 gold medals in the wine category; 14 – in the rakiya one; 7 – for brandy, and 2 for whisky. Eight silver medals were given for wines; 4 for rakiya; 4 for mastika, and 1 for menta and vodka each.