Zina Sorensen & Vasil Zlatev – The Poison is in the Dose

15 December 2019

In this episode #28, we speak with Zina Sorensen & Vasil Zlatev . The couple met in 2012 during their Master’s programme in Environmental Policy and Management at The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics in Lund, Sweden. Vasil’s background is in environmental economy and policy, while Zina’s background is in hospitality and tourism. Both fell in love with the wines and wine regions they experienced while traveling around Bulgaria in 2013. Both are enthusiastic about sustainable and authentic tourism, so in 2013, Zina moved to Plovdiv – Bulgaria’s second largest town – and co-founded Bulgaria Wine Tours a year later. While Zina manages the day-to-day operations of Bulgaria Wine Tours , Vasil leads most of the tours himself.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • Why a destination needs to diversify its product portfolio to be competitive
  • How the poison is in the dose – nothing in extremes gives great results
  • How new technologies threaten culinary tourism experiences & what can be done to prepare for a sustainable future for our industry
  • Why the personal touch needs to be preserved when you’re trying to create an offer an authentic experience
  • Why storytelling is important in service
  • How food evokes specific memories

Discussed in this episode:

Promotion for culinary capitals an innovative destination certification and development program for unknown destinations
Taste of place podcast listen to our culinary travel and culture podcast with erik wolf
Food
A membership page with a picture of pancakes on a plate.
30 September 2025
In Loving Memory and with Deep Gratitude: Honoring Brian F. Lorge
29 September 2025
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 80: “Mexico Beyond the Myths” featuring Ximena Velasco In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we chat with Ximena Velasco, founder of the ¡Qué Gusto! festival in France. Originally from Mexico, Ximena has dedicated the past decade to changing perceptions of Mexican food abroad, proving that it is far more than fajitas or chili con carne. She shares her journey from working with Atout France to creating her own cultural platform, the challenges of promoting Mexican gastronomy in a country so deeply proud of its own food traditions, and the victories that come from perseverance, creativity, and trust in her instincts. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
25 September 2025
Quarterly tales from the ambassadors of the World Food Travel Association
by Erik Wolf 21 September 2025
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 79: “Peace Through Food” featuring Paula Mohammed In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Paula Mohammed – podcaster, cultural explorer, and founder of In My Kitchen. Paula’s story begins with a unique multicultural upbringing as the daughter of a Pakistani father and Māori mother, raised in both Canada and New Zealand. She shares how a childhood memory of curried peas sparked a lifelong passion for connecting cultures through food. From organizing events and working in sports marketing, to launching In My Kitchen and facilitating culinary exchanges worldwide, Paula has built a life around creating peace through food — one dish and one story at a time. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
Smiling Black chef in black uniform with arms crossed. Outdoor setting.
29 August 2025
Chef Dela Acolatse from Ghana is the newest certified ambassador for the World Food Travel Association.
by Erik Wolf 29 August 2025
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 78: “From Abidjan to London” featuring Paule-Odile Beke In this episode, Ivorian-French chef Paule-Odile Béké shares her journey from sneaking street food in Abidjan to founding her Afro-fusion catering company in London and competing on MasterChef: The Professionals. She reflects on her culinary roots, the influence of family, her experiences in Paris and London, and her mission to elevate Ivorian cuisine on the global stage. Paule also discusses resilience in the kitchen, the importance of mentorship, and her exciting new ventures with Ivorian teas, spirits, and food products. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
More posts