Bulgarian native Petar Kirilov founded Kukeri after working at several California wineries and a top winemaking technology supplier. The winery is focused on producing small-lot wines from unique vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties. Kukeri refers to a Bulgarian ritual dating back as far as 8,000 years to the ancient Thracians – and to Dionysus, the god associated with wine, fertility, and rebirth. The festival is replete with mystical symbolism, steeped as it is in a tradition representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Those taking part wear costumes covering most of the body, decorated animal masks and large bells on their belts.