Description

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable wine tour experience, Montenegro is the perfect destination for you. Montenegro is a small country on the Adriatic Sea, with a rich history and culture of winemaking that dates back to ancient times. Montenegro has two main wine regions: the Coastal region and the Lake Skadar region, each with its own distinctive terroir and grape varieties.

The Coastal Wine Region
The Coastal wine region of Montenegro stretches along the Adriatic coast, from the Bay of Kotor to the border with Albania. This region benefits from a fertile land and a Mediterranean microclimate, with warm summers and mild winters. The Coastal wine region is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Montenegro, such as Lipovac, Plantaže and Castel Savina. Here you can taste some of the finest Montenegrin wines, made from both indigenous and international grape varieties.

One of the most famous and emblematic wines of Montenegro is Vranac, a dry red wine with a strong dark red color, high alcohol content and complex aromas of cherry, blackberry, mint and plum. Vranac is made from a native grape variety that grows mainly in the Lake Skadar region, but also in some parts of the Coastal region. Vranac is a wine that ages well and can rival the powerful wines of southern France. Vranac is also the main ingredient of loza, a traditional grape brandy that is often served as an aperitif or digestif.

Another indigenous grape variety that is cultivated in the Coastal wine region is Krstač, a white grape that produces a light and refreshing wine with floral and citrus notes. Krstač is usually blended with other white grapes such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to create balanced and elegant wines. Krstač is also used to make sparkling wines by the traditional method.

If you prefer international grape varieties, you will not be disappointed by the Coastal wine region. Here you can find excellent examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Some of these grapes have been grown in Montenegro for centuries, while others have been introduced more recently by modern winemakers who experiment with new styles and techniques.

The Lake Skadar Wine Region
The Lake Skadar wine region is located in the southern and inland part of Montenegro, around the largest lake in the Balkans. The lake provides a natural irrigation system for the vineyards, which are planted on the slopes of the surrounding mountains. The Lake Skadar wine region has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The soil is rich in minerals and organic matter, giving the wines a distinctive character and minerality.

The Lake Skadar wine region is the main producer of Vranac, the flagship wine of Montenegro. Here you can visit some of the largest and most productive vineyards in Montenegro, such as those of Plantaže, which cover over 2,000 hectares of land. Plantaže is also one of the most innovative wineries in Montenegro, using modern technology and equipment to produce high-quality wines that have won many international awards.

Besides Vranac, you can also taste other indigenous grape varieties in the Lake Skadar wine region, such as Smederevka (a white grape that produces a fruity and acidic wine), Žižak (a red grape that produces a light-bodied and aromatic wine) and Kratošija (a red grape that is related to Primitivo/Zinfandel). You can also find some international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

How to Plan Your Wine Tour in Montenegro
If you are interested in exploring the Montenegrin wine regions and tasting some of their amazing wines, here are some tips on how to plan your wine tour in Montenegro:

– Choose your preferred wine region or visit both if you have enough time. The Coastal wine region is more accessible and offers more variety of wines and wineries, while the Lake Skadar wine region is more authentic and scenic.
– Book your accommodation in advance. There are many options for accommodation in Montenegro, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. You can choose to stay near the wine regions or in the main cities such as Podgorica, Kotor or Budva.
– Hire a car or join a guided tour. Montenegro is a small country, but the roads can be narrow and winding, especially in the mountainous areas. If you are confident in driving, you can rent a car and explore the wine regions at your own pace. Alternatively, you can join a guided wine tour that will take you to the best wineries and provide you with transportation, wine tasting and lunch.
– Check the opening hours and make reservations. Most wineries in Montenegro are open to visitors, but some may require reservations or have limited opening hours. It is advisable to check their websites or contact them in advance to confirm their availability and book your wine tasting.
– Enjoy the wine and food experience. Montenegrin wines are best paired with local cuisine, which is influenced by Mediterranean, Balkan and Ottoman traditions. Some of the typical dishes that you can try are pršut (smoked ham), sir (cheese), kačamak (cornmeal porridge), japrak (stuffed grape leaves), pašticada (beef stew), burek (cheese or meat pie) and baklava (sweet pastry). You can also enjoy some of the fresh seafood from the Adriatic coast, such as fish, mussels, oysters and squid.

Montenegro is a hidden gem for wine lovers, offering a diversity of wines, wineries and landscapes that will surprise and delight you. Whether you prefer red or white, dry or sweet, indigenous or international, you will find something to suit your taste in Montenegro. So don’t hesitate and book your wine tour in Montenegro today!