Our Story
Kristova Family Partners is a San Francisco-based Bulgarian wine import and distribution company founded by Helen Yanek and Deanne Travis, a mother-daughter team. It was born out of a personal yearning to connect more deeply to Helen and Deanne’s Bulgarian roots, and to introduce the American market to the rich expanse of still relatively unknown Bulgarian wines. Kristova Family Partners focusses on working with wineries following sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, as well as wineries that are reviving the unique indigenous varieties (both ancient and new) that Bulgaria is exclusively growing with great success and acclaim. They firmly believe that the rich culture and beautiful landscape of Bulgaria are hidden gems that the world needs to recognize and celebrate.
Further assisting in their efforts, Helen and Deanne work closely with acclaimed San Francisco sommelier Matt Montrose, who provides client and business outreach as their Bulgarian Wine Ambassador and Wine Educator. His experience in the world of wine spans years of running acclaimed wine programs for globally notable chefs such as Dominique Crenn, Michael Mina, and David Kinch. He is an Advanced Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers USA.
Together as a team, they are able to further drive attention to Kristova Family Partner’s story and the beautiful wines they have brought to the United States for the first time.