The Top 10 Vineyards In Montenegro

With its unspoiled sandy beaches, historic architecture and jaw-dropping scenery, Montenegro is fast becoming one of Europe‘s most sought after travel destinations. The country’s mild climate also ensures excellent conditions for wine production, and thus elevates the region as a prime location for wine tourism. From their indigenous vranac wines to classic chardonnays and merlots, Montenegro produces a tasty selection of vintages not to miss. Here’s a list of the top 10 vineyards to visit while in the country.

Cemovsko Field

The largest vineyard on one site in Europe, Cemovsko Field is an impressive sight to behold, stretching across 2310 hectares of farmland and bordering Lake Skadar at the Southernmost point of the Adriatic coast. Owned by the Montenegrin company 13.Jul Plantaže and established in 1963, this vineyard aims to combine its rich heritage in wine production with the contemporary needs of its customers, creating a range of wines and grape brandies to suit all tastes. The vineyard produces one of the largest selections of wines from a Montenegrin source, including an award winning fresh and floral white crnogorski sauvignon, and three different types of vranac. Guests can visit the estate for a tour around the substantial grounds, and are offered the chance to taste a number of bottles from a sizeable wine cellar. Photo Courtesy of Plantaže Wines

Mola Family Vineyards

Also situated in the famous Podgorica wine region are the Mola Family Vineyards, a sizeable family-owned estate in the picturesque village of Rogami. Just minutes away from the ruins of the Roman village Duklja, this mountainous setting makes for prime wine growing conditions, with the sun drenched surroundings cultivating excellent and juicy grape crops. The Mola family produce a variety of wines including a merlot, a cabernet sauvignon, and a white and red blend which have proven popular amongst bars and restaurants both locally and internationally.

Radevik Estate

This small, family run vineyard lies just outside of Podgorica city in the cozy village of Rogami. A business built on tradition, the Radevik family pride themselves on both their first class hospitality, and their ability to grow and produce original, quality wines using sustainable, organic farming techniques. Enjoy the lush green surroundings and the idyllic mountain views before tasting the wines produced here, a selection which includes a vranac, a cabernet cauvignon and a rich, dark-berried Syrah. There is a comfortable guest house situated on the grounds of the estate, and watch out for other interesting products available, including a very strong grappa and a sweet honey lip balm. Photo Courtesy of Radevik Estate

Vinarija Bogojević

Family-run vineyard, Vinarija Bogojević boasts generations of wine-making experience as well as an extensive knowledge of the local climate and growing conditions. Their rustic, homely estate and flourishing vineyard produces a celebrated Bogdan wine, a dense, dark red with hints of vanilla, blueberry pie and creme de cassis. As well as wine, Vinarija Bogojević also produces grappa in both a traditional and herbal variety, with the two drinks proving popular among local and foreign buyers. With beautiful views over Skadar Lake, this vineyard provides its guests with both experiences and flavors to remember.

Castel Savina

Castel Savina is situated in the historic region of Herceg-Novi in the small yet stunning Savina region, an area of historical significance in Montenegro featuring a beautiful monastery founded by the Duke of Saint Sava. With breathtaking views over the Bay of Kotor, visiting Castel Savina is a retreat in itself, and its luscious greenery and dazzling surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for wine tasting. Producing a range which includes a merlot, a cabernet sauvignon, a rose-grenache and a chardonnay, there is something for all wine lovers to enjoy here. The winemakers employ techniques perfected over years in the industry to produce excellent, first rate products every time. Castel Savina is a family run venue, the only winery in the bay of Kotor and on the Montenegrin coast in general; don’t miss it.

Castel Savina, Branka Ćopića 7d, Herceg Novi, Crna Gora, Montenegro.

+382 69 042022

Milović Winery

Forest, Swimming Pool, Winery

This substantial vineyard and olive plantation produces around 20,000 bottles of wine a year, and is nestled just outside of Ulcinj, the Southernmost town in Montenegro. A thriving seaside region famous for its beautiful, unspoiled beaches, the area provides ideal conditions for creating delicious wine, evident in the produce of Milović Winery. Generating a number of Barrique-stored wines, the traditional vranacs here are rich and dark ruby coloured, combining a mixture of forest fruit, cranberry and vanilla flavors. For a luxurious layover stay in the Milović Winery’s apartment complex, with its own tennis court and swimming pool overlooking the gorgeous Montenegrin wine country. Be sure to enjoy a glass in their rustic, cozy wine cellar. Lake Skadar | © Jasek-Lisowski/Flickr

Winery Mašanović

Winery Mašanović is situated in the small town of Virpazar on Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkan peninsula, and a vast national park that in 2011 was nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site. The beauty of the surroundings make this vineyard a stunning place to explore, and the mild climate and natural fertility of the soil make for robust and tasty wines with unique flavors. Established in 1969, this vineyard and winery grows six type of grapes and specialises in the traditional Montenegrin vranec wine, a dark red variety with flavors of dark chocolate, fruit and burnt oak. Also produced here are a range of brandies, as well as cherry and walnut liquors made from organic fruits grown on the property.

Winery Mašanović, Virpazar, Montenegro. ++382069063460

The Sjekloća Estate

The Sjekloća Estate generates only a few thousand bottles of wine a year, infusing its produce with an air of exclusivity. Vineyard owner Milenko K. Sjekloća was born in Crmnica, the heart of Montenegrin wine country, and has grown up in the industry, a background which has instilled within him a vast and unbeatable wine knowledge. His expertise have enabled him to create truly original and innovative flavors of wine at his estate. The traditional vranac wine here is aged for 12 months before distribution, has a ruby red color and emanates fruity undertones. The wine cellar boasts a large number of vintage bottles varying in type and taste; guests can receive expert wine guidance in the cellar upon arrival. +382020712 231 Grapes | © RobertoVerzo/Flickr

Rupice Winery

Winery

With a rich history dating back to the 20th century, the wines of Rupice Winery have been internationally renowned since they were first sampled at the Balkan Wine Fair in London, back in 1907. Located in Rupice Komanske just west of Podgorica, the owners here produce premium quality wine and brandy with the help of the area’s microclimate, perfect for generating juicy crops. Respecting the traditional methods implemented by the winery’s first owners, Rupice cultivates all grapes in limited quantities to prevent overproduction, and all farming methods practiced are natural. Their Di Vine branded red wine boasts an opulent fruity aroma, cherry taste and velvety texture, a choice said to perfectly compliment beef and lamb dishes.

Vinarija Buk

This private vineyard and winery lies in the village of Bukovik, also in the famous Crmnica wine growing region, with a total grapevine count of over 6000. The Vinarija Buk wines include a traditional vranac, an enticing marselan, and a medium-bodied French wine grape variety first developed by crossing a cabernet sauvignon with a black grenache. Guests can enjoy an affordable wine tasting tour of the grounds and facilities by contacting Medini Tours