The 'Mavrud' legend probably dates back to the time of the Bulgarian ruler, Khan Krum in the nineth century. Mavrud is an indigenous variety which was named after a youth who was brave enough to ignore the Khan's recently introduced wine prohibition order. Mavrud drank wine, made from a secretly kept vine. It gave him the strength and courage to capture a lion that roamed free after escaping from the Khan's palace. His bravery convinced the ruler that wine should be cherished and the grateful citizens named the variety Mavrud.