Discover Serbia’s rise as a powerhouse in natural wine production and a must-visit destination for wine tourism
Serbia is making waves on the global wine scene, especially in the production of natural wines. Recently, the publication of the Michelin Guide to Natural Wines of Serbia highlighted some of the country’s top wineries, underscoring the quality of their products, which now rival the finest wines from across the globe. This newfound recognition is a testament to the dedication of Serbian winemakers who have embraced the latest technologies to craft high-quality, healthy, and natural wines.
THE GROWTH OF WINE TOURISM IN SERBIA
Wine tourism in Serbia, particularly in the region of Šumadija, has experienced significant growth in recent years. More and more locals are opening up their rural homes to visitors, offering a unique experience that includes tours of vineyards and tastings of premium red and white wines made from the finest grapes grown on the sunny slopes of Oplenac. This area, often referred to as the “Serbian Tuscany,” has a rich winemaking tradition passed down through generations, making it a prime destination for wine enthusiasts.
For centuries, grape growing and winemaking have been a way of life in this region. Autumn here is synonymous with the grape harvest and the start of the winemaking process. Much like the vineyards of France, the quality of wine in the Oplenac region depends heavily on the amount of sunshine during the growing season. The sun-drenched hillsides impart a unique flavor to the wines produced here, resulting in numerous award-winning varieties.
PROKUPAC: SERBIA’S SIGNATURE GRAPE
One grape variety, in particular, is making headlines both at home and abroad: Prokupac. Officially recognized as Serbia’s indigenous variety, Prokupac has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Once the most widespread grape variety in the Balkans, it is now Serbia’s best-rated wine on the international stage, captivating the attention of top oenologists worldwide.
Prokupac is considered Serbia’s most important indigenous grape variety and is a growing symbol of the country’s winemaking identity. With 400 hectares of vineyards dedicated to Prokupac, winemakers are eager to expand this to 5,000 hectares to fully capitalize on its potential. Despite its deep roots in Serbian winemaking tradition, Prokupac is gaining recognition as a unique and valuable variety, with the potential to elevate Serbia’s reputation in the global wine market.
LOCAL SUPPORT FOR WINE TOURISM
Local governments are also recognizing the importance of wine tourism. Recently, the municipality of Topola introduced new measures to support rural tourism by offering grants of 150,000 dinars to registered rural households involved in tourism. Currently, there are 12 registered rural households in Topola, six of which have earned the prestigious four-star rating.
Serbia is emerging as a global leader in natural wine production, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology to create world-class wines
In an effort to further promote Serbian wines on the global stage, the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (PKS), in cooperation with the Serbian Development Agency (RAS) and with support from the General Secretariat of the Government of Serbia, organized the first-ever appearance of Serbian winemakers at the National Stand of Serbia at the London Wine Fair 2024. This event provided a platform for Serbian wines to shine, including at the regional wine fair Wine Vision by Open Balkan.
Serbian wineries also enjoyed great success at this year’s Balkan International Wine Competition (BIWC 2024), held in Bulgaria and Turkey, further solidifying the country’s position as a serious player in the wine industry.
EXPLORING SERBIA’S WINE ROUTES
Serbia’s wine tourism industry is built around 17 wine routes, each offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and diverse winemaking traditions. Vinorodna Srbija (Wine-Producing Serbia) is divided into three main regions: Central Serbia, Vojvodina, and Kosovo and Metohija, which are home to 22 wine-growing regions and 77 vineyards. These regions host numerous wine routes, such as the famed Šumadija Wine Route, which offers visitors the chance to explore the best that Serbian winemaking has to offer.
Central Serbia, the largest region, boasts 13 wine-growing regions and 55 vineyards, with 10 wine routes to explore. Vojvodina, in the north, has seven wine-growing regions, 15 vineyards, and five wine routes, including the Srem-Fruška Gora route, known for its exceptional wines. Kosovo and Metohija, with its two wine-growing regions and seven vineyards, also offer two wine routes, showcasing the unique wines of Northern and Southern Metohija.
As more wineries continue to emerge in Šumadija and other parts of Serbia, wine tourism is becoming a vital component of the country’s economy. Winemakers are shifting their focus towards the market, moving from family-run operations to higher-end production, building tasting rooms, and expanding their capacities. This allows them to cater to a growing audience of wine lovers who are eager to experience Serbia’s wine culture.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE 2024 HARVEST
The summer of 2024 brought extreme heatwaves to Serbia, raising concerns about the upcoming grape harvest. With ripening occurring 10 to 20 days earlier than usual, many vineyard owners are anxious about the impact of these unusual weather patterns on the quality of their wines. Excessive moisture followed by disease outbreaks in the vineyards only adds to their worries. However, regions like Šumadija and Župa seem to be faring better, with less pronounced anomalies in grape maturation.
The early harvest mirrors conditions from 2012, when a similar situation occurred. While the wines from that year were not bad, much depends on how well individual grape varieties and vineyards were managed. This year, all factors will play a crucial role in determining the quality of the wines produced.
SERBIAN WINES ON THE WORLD STAGE
Despite the challenges, Serbian wineries have made significant strides in obtaining organic and biodynamic certifications. After years of investment and risk-taking, several vineyards and wines have achieved certification, including the prestigious Demeter certification, which is recognized worldwide.
While the world is full of French grape varieties, Serbia’s native and localized varieties, such as Prokupac and Tamjanika, are gaining traction with both domestic and European consumers. Other local varieties, like the aromatic and fruity Bagrina from Negotin, are also beginning to make a name for themselves.
The vineyards of Šumadija, often called the “Serbian Tuscany,” are attracting wine lovers from around the world, with their sun-soaked grapes and centuries-old winemaking traditions
It is encouraging to see Serbia building its wine identity around indigenous grape varieties, just as other European wine-producing countries do. Serbia’s wealth of autochthonous varieties, with Prokupac leading the charge, provides a solid foundation for promoting Serbian wines both at home and abroad.
In an era dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Serbia’s 20,000 hectares of vineyards have produced fragrant, musky black and white Tamjanika, mysterious Jagoda, Ranka, Smederevka, and the unique Prokupac. Župa, in particular, is renowned for its Prokupac, which is celebrated for its authenticity and potential to elevate Serbian winemaking on the global stage.
EMBRACING AUTHENTICITY: SERBIA’S FUTURE IN WINEMAKING
In the world of winemaking, there is a growing movement to return to our roots by embracing indigenous grape varieties. Foreign wine enthusiasts are increasingly seeking out wines that are unique to specific regions, and Serbia’s autochthonous grape varieties offer precisely that. These wines provide a distinctive experience for consumers, while also offering greater opportunities for Serbian wines to succeed in the global market.
Serbia’s potential in the wine industry is further evidenced by the numerous gold medals won at prestigious international competitions, including Decanter in Italy, Bergamo, and Merano, as well as in distant China, Brussels, and Vienna. Experts agree that Serbia’s future lies in the cultivation and promotion of its native grape varieties, which have been overlooked for far too long.
As the global wine industry evolves, Serbia is poised to make a lasting impact with its authentic, unique, and long-forgotten grape varieties. The future of Serbian winemaking is bright, and the world is beginning to take notice.