Wine roads

Want to know why Montenegro is considered one of the cradles of viticulture, what endemic grapevine varieties it is known for, and what lies behind the story of the secret military airport, which has been transformed into a grandiose wine cellar? Then set off down Montenegro's wine road.

Facts:

The most famous vineyard areas: Crmnica, Nahije, Komani, Bjelopavlići, and other settlements around Skadar Lake that are engaged in viticulture. You can get a tourist map of wine tours in local tourist organizations in every city in Montenegro. The largest vineyard in Montenegro - the vineyard of the Montenegrin company July 13 - Plantations spans an area of about 2.300 ha (annually produces about 22 million kg of grapes)

Learn about the tradition of growing autochthonous wine varieties on wine routes

Can you imagine the love that went into passing down the tradition of growing Vranac, Kratošija, Krstač, Žižko, and other endemic grapevine varieties? The local winemakers' love and commitment to their craft can be tasted in every sip. How many generations have carried on this custom? You will find answers if you visit the local wineries.

In addition to its native wines, you can find a wide assortment of international wine varieties in Montenegro, so you can find good wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Marselan, Malvasia, and others in wineries. 

Stunning contrasts of flavours from the north and south of MontenegroWe recommend pairing the wines of the south with veal and lamb from Montenegro's north. Is there a better way to appreciate the stark beauty of Montenegro's contrasting aspects? The most delicious delicacies from national cuisine, including Njeguški pršut, wide cheese selections, and fish specialties are paired with local wines by friendly hosts in Montenegrin wineries.

Stunning contrasts of flavours from the north and south of Montenegro

We recommend pairing the wines of the south with veal and lamb from Montenegro's north. Is there a better way to appreciate the stark beauty of Montenegro's contrasting aspects? The most delicious delicacies from national cuisine, including Njeguški pršut, wide cheese selections, and fish specialties are paired with local wines by friendly hosts in Montenegrin wineries. 

We take you on intricately planned "Wine Roads"

If you want to visit wineries, learn about their history, taste wines, pick grapes, and stroll through vineyards while observing workers tend to them, grab yourself a tourist map of wine tours and plan your journey down the "Wine Roads."

Feel transported back in time by the austere architecture of authentic stone houses located along numerous marked hiking and cycling trails. At the end of the tour, don't forget to pick up the best souvenir you can take from Montenegro: a bottle of red Vranac. After all, Vranac wine is a Montenegrin national brand and treasure. 

Virpazar hosts a wine and bleak festival

Looking to enjoy fine homemade wine, priganice (fried pastries) with honey or cheese, finely fried bleak fish, marinated carp, fried flathead grey mullet and trout fish, all accompanisongs by songs from famous Montenegrin performers.

A location where up to 33 million liters of wine mature

Just a few kilometers from Podgorica is the largest European vineyard "in one piece." It lies in Čemovsko Polje, measures at 2,310 ha, and is managed by the company 13. Jul - Plantaže (July 13 - Plantations.) Its three wine cellars located at Lješkopolje, Ćemovsko Polje, and Šipčanik can hold up to 33 million liters of wine. 

The Secret Military Airport is now the most well-known wine cellar

Wine tasting has never been more fascinating than in the Šipčanik wine cellar, a former secret military airport located over 30 meters below ground in a 356-meter-long tunnel. Plantaža - Lesendro, the oldest archival wine from the 1979 harvest, is also available here, and this bright-bodied wine is still available to this day. Call and make an appointment for a tour. 

Castel Savina - winery with a beautiful sea view

If you visit Herceg Novi, close to the miraculous Savina Monastery, you will find vineyards bursting with grapes, just as they did in the 18th century. The wine from these meticulously tended vineyards are aged in French oak barrels at the family winery. Two red wines are created at this winery: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Chardonnay and Rose Grenache.

The Bay of Kotor provides the ideal backdrop for wine tasting! At the table, you'll find elegant, full-bodied wine that pairs perfectly with a variety of hors d'oveurs, from fish and seafood to salads and poultry dishes to barbecue. It can't possibly get any better, can it?

Where will the well-traversed wine roads take you?

More interesting wine stories will take you to: the Radević Property, Mašanović, Krgović, Kopitović, Mola, Bogojević, Milović, Mašanović, Sjekloća, Buk, and Rupice wineries, and many more.

Wine has been a part of Montenegrin tradition, culture, and religion for centuries, and you can find it in many churches and monasteries throughout the country, many of which have their own vineyards and produce wine. 

Text and photos: Montenegro Travel