Podgorica wine subregion

Vineyard structure and wine production in the Podgorica subregion

According to the Montenegrin viticulture registry, the Podgorica subregion accounts for 57% of all registered producers, making it by far the most dominant area in terms of vineyard activity. With 2,497 hectares of vineyards, it represents 95% of Montenegro’s registered vineyard area.

The backbone of this dominance is the renowned winery 13. Jul Plantaže, which alone manages 2,350 hectares, making it one of the largest single vineyard estates in Europe. Plantaže’s vineyards are concentrated in Ćemovsko polje, a vast plain with over 11 million vines, producing a wide range of wines exported to more than 40 countries.

The most common grape varieties in Podgorica subregion

The grape variety structure of Podgorica mirrors the wider Skadar Lake Basin, with a blend of indigenous and international cultivars:

• Vranac is the flagship of Montenegrin winemaking, covering just over 50% of vineyard area (1,262 hectares). Known for its deep colour, firm tannins, and flavours of blackberry, plum, and Mediterranean herbs, Vranac thrives in Podgorica’s hot summers and stony soils.
• Chardonnay occupies 12% (307 hectares). It performs well in Podgorica, yielding wines that balance freshness and ripe tropical fruit aromas. Some plots are aged in oak, producing barrel-fermented Chardonnay styles comparable to international benchmarks.
• Cardinal is A table grape, holding 5% (143 hectares), highlighting the dual-purpose nature of Podgorica vineyards, where both wine and table grape production coexist.

Other key grape varieties of Podgorica wine subregion:

• Cabernet Sauvignon (3.99%) — produces structured reds suitable for blends with Vranac.
• Rkatsiteli (3.73%) — a versatile Eastern European white, valued for its crisp acidity.
• Krstač (3.17%) — Montenegro’s native white, unique to this region, offering delicate floral and citrus notes.
• Kratošija (2.78%) — a historic Balkan grape genetically linked to Zinfandel.
• Grenache (1.68%) and Merlot (1.48%), both used to complement blends and bring international character.

Altogether, the top ten grape varieties occupy nearly 90% of the vineyard surface, showing both specialisation and controlled diversity.

Terroir and climate of Podgorica wine subregion

The Podgorica subregion is shaped by a Mediterranean climate with continental influences, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Skadar Lake plays a key role in moderating temperatures, extending the growing season, and providing optimal conditions for late-ripening varieties like Vranac.

Soils vary across the subregion — from alluvial deposits in the Zeta plain to karstic, rocky areas near Tuzi — allowing for a wide spectrum of wine styles.

Vine densities in commercial vineyards range between 2,500 and 5,000 plants per hectare, while some traditional vineyards maintain higher densities of up to 10,000 plants per hectare, emphasising concentration over yield.

Wines and styles in the Podgorica wine subregion

The Podgorica subregion produces Montenegro’s most recognisable wines, both for domestic consumption and international markets. Styles include:

• Powerful reds are dominated by Vranac and Cabernet Sauvignon, often aged in oak for premium labels.
• Fresh, aromatic whites, including Krstač and Chardonnay, that reflect the balance of sun and moderating lake influence.
• Rosé wines, increasingly popular, are produced from Grenache and Vranac, offering fruity, refreshing styles.
• Sparkling wines, though limited, are being explored by larger producers such as Plantaže.

The role of the winery Plantaže 13. Jul

It is impossible to discuss Podgorica without mentioning 13. Jul Plantaže, Montenegro’s flagship winery. With its enormous vineyard base and state-of-the-art facilities, Plantaže has set the standard for Montenegrin wine internationally.

Its iconic wines, such as Vranac Pro Corde, Stari Podrum Reserve labels, and the white Krstač, have become symbols of national winemaking identity. However, alongside Plantaže, there is a growing movement of smaller, family-owned wineries in Podgorica that focus on terroir-driven, artisanal wines, adding diversity and depth to the region’s profile.

21 wineries of the Podgorica wine subregion