Winery Plantaže 13. Jul

Plantaže 13. Jul winery stands as one of the largest and most celebrated wineries in Southeastern Europe, with more than 60 years of tradition and excellence. Nestled in the heart of Montenegro, the winery has become a symbol of Montenegrin viticulture, famed for its premium wines, rakija, and dedication to innovation.

The estate spans an impressive 2,300 hectares in Ćemovsko polje, a unique terroir shaped by a Mediterranean climate, limestone soils, and over 2,500 hours of sunshine each year. These natural conditions create the perfect environment for cultivating high-quality grape varieties.

On more than 2,000 hectares of vineyards, Plantaže cultivates 28 different grape varieties. Internationally recognized names such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Kratošija Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Marselan grow alongside indigenous Montenegrin treasures like Vranac, Kratošija, Krstač, Malvasia, and Žižak.

Of the total vineyards, around 70 percent are dedicated to red varieties, while 30 percent are devoted to white.

In addition, 132 hectares are reserved for table grapes intended for fresh consumption and sale, including Cardinal, Rivijena, Muscat, Victoria, Red Globe, and others. Precision viticulture defines the vineyards, with approximately 4,800 vines planted per hectare, spaced 2.6 meters apart, forming an average of 23 rows per hectare.

The richness of Plantaže extends beyond wine. The estate cultivates 73 hectares of peach and nectarine orchards, with smaller plantations of apricots and pomegranates. Olive groves stretch across 45 hectares, with around 17,000 trees of renowned varieties such as Leccino, Istrian Bjelica, and Maurino, producing only the finest extra virgin olive oil.

Fruit brandy is crafted from orchard harvests, and the estate also maintains a nursery producing mother plants, vine rootstocks, and young vines, ensuring the future of its vineyards.

Adding to its uniqueness, Plantaže breeds California and salmon trout in the crystal-clear waters of Mareza, reflecting the estate’s vision of harmony between land and water.

With vast vineyards, diverse cultivation, and a legacy built on passion, Plantaže 13. Jul Winery is not only the pride of Montenegro but also a true ambassador of Southeastern European winemaking.

Wines of Plantaže 13. jul winery

Plantaže winery offers an extensive range of wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. Each wine uniquely captures the essence of Montenegrin terroir and demonstrates Plantaže’s dedication to quality and tradition.

Some of the most distinguished wines include:

• Vranac Pro Corde – Renowned red wine with rich flavours and velvety tannins.
• Vranac Reserve – Premium red wine, deep character and complex aromas.
• Vranac Barrique – Dry red wine, oak-aged, rich in fruity and spicy notes.
• Chardonnay Barrique – White wine aged in oak barrels, with elegant notes of vanilla and tropical fruit.
• Medun – Sweet honey wine, ideal for pairing with desserts.
• Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp white wine with pronounced citrus aromas.
• Malvazija – White wine with delicate notes of citrus and floral aromas.
• Regina – Red wine featuring fine tannins and intense dark-fruit flavours.

Special wines

The winery’s portfolio also includes limited-edition wines, showcasing exceptional skill and careful selection. Among these, Vranac Pro Corde stands out, as does Krstač, an elegant white wine crafted from Montenegro’s indigenous grape variety.

Grape brandies of Plantaže 13. jul winery

Besides wines, Plantaže 13. jul winery also produces premium rakijas, traditional regional beverages with 42-46% of alcohol, which are crafted from indigenous fruit varieties:

• Montenegrin Lozova rakija – a traditional brandy made from 90% Vranac and 10% Kratošija, offering a pure fruity character with gentle aromas, aged at least one year in stainless steel for refined smoothness.
• Rakija Prvijenac – a crystal-clear brandy crafted from selected Vranac and Kratošija distillates, offering a refined fruity aroma with a smooth, lasting finish, best enjoyed chilled as an aperitif or digestif alongside dried fruits, nuts, or dark chocolate.
• Rakija Kruna – a limited-edition brandy made from Vranac and Kratošija, crystal-clear with delicate fruity aromas, a rich bouquet and a smooth rounded taste, best enjoyed chilled as an aperitif, digestif, or in cocktails with dried fruits and nuts.
• Fruit rakija Breskva – a crystal-clear peach brandy with rich varietal aromas and a full, harmonious taste, aged for over a year in inert stainless steel to preserve its fresh fruity character.

Awards and recognitions of Plantaže 13. jul winery

Over the years, Plantaže wines have garnered numerous international awards at prestigious competitions, such as Decanter World Wine Awards, Mundus Vini, and AWC Vienna. These accolades reinforce Plantaže’s standing as a leading regional winery renowned for innovation, sustainability, and exceptional quality.

Decanter World Wine Awards:

• Vranac Pro Corde 2021: Gold medal
• Premijer 2017, Vranac Barrique 2021, and Grand Reserve 2005: Silver medals
• Nota 2024: Bronze medal

Mundus Vini Spring Tasting:

• Grand Reserve 2005 and Premijer 2017: Grand Gold awards and “Best of Show – Montenegro”
• Nota, Epoha, Vladika, Vranac Barrique, and Vranac Pro Corde: Gold medals

The Balkans International Wine Competition:

Plantaže wines have won multiple awards, including double gold, gold, and silver medals, as well as the recognition for the best wine from Montenegro.

Decanter Asia Wine Awards:

• Silver medals for Epoha (2012), Premijer (2009), and Vranac Reserve (2011).

AWC Vienna:

• Gold medals for Epoha (2012), Vranac Reserve (2011), and Premijer (2009), along with silver medals for other wines.
• Regional Business Partner 2017 & BEST PARTNER 2017:
• Plantaže has been recognized for its business practices and strong partnerships.

Best Company in Podgorica:

• Plantaže was awarded this title by the Tourist organization of Podgorica.

Oscar of Quality 2019:

• Plantaže and its executive director, Verica Maraš, received this prestigious recognition.
• Gold Medal at Decanter 2019 for Vranac

Novi Sad Fair:

Plantaže has received numerous awards for its wines and other agricultural products, including vine grafts and peaches.

Wine experiences and tours

Visitors can discover Plantaže winery through specially curated wine experiences. A highlight is wine tasting in the spectacular Šipčanik cellar – once a military hangar, now transformed into an underground wine haven. These experiences are complemented by authentic Montenegrin cuisine, ensuring every wine journey is complete:

Wine scenic escape tour combines a guided city tour of Podgorica, an exclusive visit to Plantaže’s Šipčanik Wine Cellar, and a tranquil boat cruise on Skadar Lake, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and premium Montenegrin wine.

The Power of terroir wine tour at Plantaže’s iconic Šipčanik Wine Cellar offers a guided journey through one of Europe’s largest underground wine spaces, featuring Montenegro’s winemaking heritage, panoramic vineyard views, premium wine tastings paired with local delicacies, and a unique souvenir bottle for an unforgettable experience.

Other products winery Plantaže 13. jul produces

In addition to vineyards, Plantaže winery uses 73 hectares for peach and nectarine plantations, while apricot and pomegranate orchards are smaller. Olive groves cover 45 hectares, with about 17,000 olive trees, mostly of the Leccino, Istrian Bjelica and Maurino varieties. Only high-quality olive oil is produced from the olives.

There is also a nursery production that includes mother plants, vine rootstocks and seedlings. This winery also raises trout (California and salmon trout). The fishpond is located on the Mareza River.