Regions & subregions
REGIONS AND SUBREGIONS
Montenegro, with its rich winemaking tradition, features wine regions that span 180,700 hectares, representing 13.08% of the country’s total area. Through the process of regionalization, the viticulture sector has been precisely defined, dividing Montenegro into four main wine regions and eleven subregions. Each of these regions boasts unique geographical, climatic, and soil characteristics, which directly impact the quality of the grapes and wines produced.
SKADAR LAKE BASIN REGION
The Skadar Lake Basin is the largest wine region in Montenegro, encompassing the continental area around Skadar Lake. This region is the heart of Montenegrin winemaking, home to 85% of all registered wineries in the country. Geographically, it includes cadastral municipalities within the administrative territories of Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Bar, Nikšić, Cetinje, and Kolašin. The region spans a total area of 113,526.37 hectares and is divided into seven subregions:
Structure of Viticulture Production
The viticulture production in this region comprises both indigenous and international grape varieties. Of the total vineyard area, 1,280.74 hectares (49.62%) are planted with the native variety Vranac, the most prevalent grape in the region. Chardonnay follows, with 308.30 hectares (11.94%), and Cardinal covers 143.41 hectares (5.56%). The top 10 grape varieties occupy nearly 90% of the vineyards in the region. Other notable varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon (3.86%), Rkatsiteli (3.61%), Krstač (3.07%), Kratošija (2.84%), Grenache (1.63%), and Merlot (1.45%). This diversity enables the production of a wide range of wines, from full-bodied reds to fresh whites, offering a spectrum of flavors that reflect both regional tradition and global wine trends.
Viticultural Significance
The Skadar Lake Basin is not just a wine region; it is the foundation of Montenegro’s wine culture. With nearly 92% of grape producers and the majority of vineyard areas concentrated here, it is the primary area for viticulture and winemaking. Favorable climatic influences, a mix of Mediterranean traits, and protective mountains surrounding Skadar Lake have created ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality grape varieties. The rich soils and proximity to the lake further contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced here.
Potential for Wine Tourism
Given its dominance in Montenegrin viticulture, this region holds great potential for the development of wine tourism. Wineries in this area offer an authentic experience of Montenegrin wine culture, with opportunities for vineyard tours, local wine tastings, and insights into ancient viticultural traditions passed down through generations. The diverse landscapes and picturesque areas, combined with rich history and cultural heritage, make this destination attractive to wine enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Skadar Lake Basin region is the heart of Montenegro’s wine industry, blending tradition with innovation. With its extensive vineyards, high-quality indigenous varieties, and growing recognition on the global wine map, this region will continue to play a crucial role in shaping Montenegro’s future as a distinguished wine destination. Whether for wine lovers or those seeking to experience Montenegro’s cultural richness, this viticultural region offers a unique and unforgettable wine tourism experience.
- Podgorica Subregion
- Crmnica Subregion
- Kuči Subregion
- Rijeka Subregion
- Piperi Subregion
- Katunski Subregion
- Bjelopavlići Subregion
Structure of Viticulture Production
The viticulture production in this region comprises both indigenous and international grape varieties. Of the total vineyard area, 1,280.74 hectares (49.62%) are planted with the native variety Vranac, the most prevalent grape in the region. Chardonnay follows, with 308.30 hectares (11.94%), and Cardinal covers 143.41 hectares (5.56%). The top 10 grape varieties occupy nearly 90% of the vineyards in the region. Other notable varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon (3.86%), Rkatsiteli (3.61%), Krstač (3.07%), Kratošija (2.84%), Grenache (1.63%), and Merlot (1.45%). This diversity enables the production of a wide range of wines, from full-bodied reds to fresh whites, offering a spectrum of flavors that reflect both regional tradition and global wine trends.
Viticultural Significance
The Skadar Lake Basin is not just a wine region; it is the foundation of Montenegro’s wine culture. With nearly 92% of grape producers and the majority of vineyard areas concentrated here, it is the primary area for viticulture and winemaking. Favorable climatic influences, a mix of Mediterranean traits, and protective mountains surrounding Skadar Lake have created ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality grape varieties. The rich soils and proximity to the lake further contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced here.
Potential for Wine Tourism
Given its dominance in Montenegrin viticulture, this region holds great potential for the development of wine tourism. Wineries in this area offer an authentic experience of Montenegrin wine culture, with opportunities for vineyard tours, local wine tastings, and insights into ancient viticultural traditions passed down through generations. The diverse landscapes and picturesque areas, combined with rich history and cultural heritage, make this destination attractive to wine enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Skadar Lake Basin region is the heart of Montenegro’s wine industry, blending tradition with innovation. With its extensive vineyards, high-quality indigenous varieties, and growing recognition on the global wine map, this region will continue to play a crucial role in shaping Montenegro’s future as a distinguished wine destination. Whether for wine lovers or those seeking to experience Montenegro’s cultural richness, this viticultural region offers a unique and unforgettable wine tourism experience.
Podgorica subregion
The Podgorica subregion, spanning 48,778.77 hectares, is the largest subregion and encompasses the central part of the Skadar Lake region. It includes the municipalities of Podgorica and Tuzi and features six viticultural oases: Vranjina, Lužnica, Pelev Brijeg, Klopot, Trimojevići, and Bratonožići.
According to the viticulture registry, grape producers in the Podgorica subregion account for 57% of all registered producers. This subregion also leads in registered vineyard areas, with 2,497 hectares of vineyards, representing 95% of the vineyards listed in the registry. Of these, 2,350 hectares belong to Plantaže 13. Jul, a winery primarily state-owned.
The grape variety structure in the Podgorica Subregion is similar to that of the Skadar Lake Basin Region. The native Vranac variety dominates, covering just over 50% (1,262 hectares) of the vineyard area. Chardonnay ranks second with 12% (307 hectares), and the table grape variety Cardinal ranks third with 5% (143 hectares). The top ten grape varieties occupy nearly 90% of the total vineyard area. Other significant varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon (3.99%), Rkatsiteli (3.73%), Krstač (3.17%), Kratošija (2.78%), Grenache (1.68%), and Merlot (1.48%).
According to the viticulture registry, grape producers in the Podgorica subregion account for 57% of all registered producers. This subregion also leads in registered vineyard areas, with 2,497 hectares of vineyards, representing 95% of the vineyards listed in the registry. Of these, 2,350 hectares belong to Plantaže 13. Jul, a winery primarily state-owned.
The grape variety structure in the Podgorica Subregion is similar to that of the Skadar Lake Basin Region. The native Vranac variety dominates, covering just over 50% (1,262 hectares) of the vineyard area. Chardonnay ranks second with 12% (307 hectares), and the table grape variety Cardinal ranks third with 5% (143 hectares). The top ten grape varieties occupy nearly 90% of the total vineyard area. Other significant varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon (3.99%), Rkatsiteli (3.73%), Krstač (3.17%), Kratošija (2.78%), Grenache (1.68%), and Merlot (1.48%).
Crmnica Subregion
The Crmnica subregion is located in the southern part of the Skadar Lake region. Although it stretches along the entire western coast of Skadar Lake, it covers a relatively smaller area of 17,059.82 hectares.
The subregion includes viticultural oases such as Gluhi Do, Bukovik, Gluhi Do – West, and Dedići, along with islands on Skadar Lake within the municipality of Bar.
Grape producers from the Crmnica Subregion account for 11.18% of all producers in Montenegro’s viticulture registry. However, in terms of vineyard area, this subregion comprises only 0.67% (17.33 hectares) of the total registered vineyard area.
Producers here manage an average of 2.74 vineyard plots, with an average plot size of 0.18 hectares, reflecting the region’s rugged terrain. The average vineyard area per producer is 0.50 hectares.
The leading grape variety in Crmnica is the native Vranac, which occupies 34.31% of the vineyard area, and 36.59% when combined with mixed plantings. Other varieties include Kratošija (10.73%), Chardonnay (2.55%), Marselan (1.66%), Lisičina (0.92%), Smederevka (0.69%), Krstač (0.41%), and others.
The subregion includes viticultural oases such as Gluhi Do, Bukovik, Gluhi Do – West, and Dedići, along with islands on Skadar Lake within the municipality of Bar.
Grape producers from the Crmnica Subregion account for 11.18% of all producers in Montenegro’s viticulture registry. However, in terms of vineyard area, this subregion comprises only 0.67% (17.33 hectares) of the total registered vineyard area.
Producers here manage an average of 2.74 vineyard plots, with an average plot size of 0.18 hectares, reflecting the region’s rugged terrain. The average vineyard area per producer is 0.50 hectares.
The leading grape variety in Crmnica is the native Vranac, which occupies 34.31% of the vineyard area, and 36.59% when combined with mixed plantings. Other varieties include Kratošija (10.73%), Chardonnay (2.55%), Marselan (1.66%), Lisičina (0.92%), Smederevka (0.69%), Krstač (0.41%), and others.
Kuči subregion
The Kuči subregion, situated in the northwestern part of the Skadar Lake Basin Region, is one of the smaller subregions, covering 4,784.87 hectares.
Data from the viticulture registry show that grape producers in Kuči represent less than 3% of all registered producers. The vineyards in this subregion account for just 0.16% (4.22 hectares) of Montenegro’s total registered vineyard area.
The leading grape variety in Kuči is the native Vranac, covering 36.52% of the vineyard area, and 35.12% in mixed plantings. Other varieties include Chardonnay (7.10%), as well as native varieties such as Čubrica (3.55%) and Kratošija (0.25%), along with others.
Data from the viticulture registry show that grape producers in Kuči represent less than 3% of all registered producers. The vineyards in this subregion account for just 0.16% (4.22 hectares) of Montenegro’s total registered vineyard area.
The leading grape variety in Kuči is the native Vranac, covering 36.52% of the vineyard area, and 35.12% in mixed plantings. Other varieties include Chardonnay (7.10%), as well as native varieties such as Čubrica (3.55%) and Kratošija (0.25%), along with others.
Rijeka subregion
The Rijeka Subregion is located in the western part of the Skadar Lake region, covering an area of 14,394.64 hectares. It includes cadastral municipalities within the administrative territory of Cetinje and is divided into several viticultural oases: Žabljak – Skadar Lake, Kosijeri, Štitari – South, Štitari – North, and Grabovi Do.
Grape producers from the Rijeka Subregion represent 5.75% of all registered producers in Montenegro’s viticulture registry. This subregion currently has 21.36 hectares of vineyards, which accounts for 0.82% of the total vineyard area in the country.
The leading grape variety in this subregion is Maraština, occupying 48.05% of the vineyard area. Vranac is the second most common, covering 10.29% of the area and 24.07% in mixed plantings. Other notable varieties include Kratošija (4.52%), Crna Tamjanika (4.12%), Pinot Noir (2.32%), Tamjanika Bijela (1.7%), Pošip (1.41%), Lisičina (0.73%), Smederevka (0.71%), and others.
Piperi subregion The Piperi subregion is one of the smallest subregions, situated adjacent to the Podgorica Subregion. It spans an area of 1,559.56 hectares and encompasses cadastral municipalities within the administrative territory of Podgorica. This subregion predominantly features native grape varieties, Vranac and Kratošija, with Chardonnay as the most common international variety.
Grape producers from the Rijeka Subregion represent 5.75% of all registered producers in Montenegro’s viticulture registry. This subregion currently has 21.36 hectares of vineyards, which accounts for 0.82% of the total vineyard area in the country.
The leading grape variety in this subregion is Maraština, occupying 48.05% of the vineyard area. Vranac is the second most common, covering 10.29% of the area and 24.07% in mixed plantings. Other notable varieties include Kratošija (4.52%), Crna Tamjanika (4.12%), Pinot Noir (2.32%), Tamjanika Bijela (1.7%), Pošip (1.41%), Lisičina (0.73%), Smederevka (0.71%), and others.
Piperi subregion The Piperi subregion is one of the smallest subregions, situated adjacent to the Podgorica Subregion. It spans an area of 1,559.56 hectares and encompasses cadastral municipalities within the administrative territory of Podgorica. This subregion predominantly features native grape varieties, Vranac and Kratošija, with Chardonnay as the most common international variety.
Katun Subregion
The Katun subregion is located in the northwestern part of the Skadar Lake region. It covers an area of 8,747.85 hectares and includes cadastral municipalities within the administrative territories of Podgorica, Danilovgrad, and Nikšić.
Grape producers in the Katun Subregion represent 5.43% of the total number of producers in the viticulture registry. With 22.31 hectares of vineyards, this subregion accounts for 0.86% of the total registered vineyard area in Montenegro.
The leading variety is Vranac, which occupies 14.69% of the vineyard area and 68.47% in mixed plantings. Other notable varieties include Kratošija (1.19%) and Marselan (0.45%), along with other varieties.
Grape producers in the Katun Subregion represent 5.43% of the total number of producers in the viticulture registry. With 22.31 hectares of vineyards, this subregion accounts for 0.86% of the total registered vineyard area in Montenegro.
The leading variety is Vranac, which occupies 14.69% of the vineyard area and 68.47% in mixed plantings. Other notable varieties include Kratošija (1.19%) and Marselan (0.45%), along with other varieties.
Bjelopavlići Subregion
The Bjelopavlići subregion is located in the northeastern part of the Skadar Lake region. It spans an area of 15,238.31 hectares and includes cadastral municipalities within the administrative territories of Danilovgrad and Nikšić.
Grape producers from the Bjelopavlići subregion represent 9.90% of all registered producers, while the registered vineyard area accounts for 0.70% (18.11 hectares) of the total registered vineyards in the country.
The dominant variety in this subregion is the native Vranac, covering 29.41% of the vineyard area and 41.99% in mixed plantings. Other varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon (4.16%), the native Kratošija (3.88%), Merlot (1.79%), and Marselan (1.44%), along with others.
Grape producers from the Bjelopavlići subregion represent 9.90% of all registered producers, while the registered vineyard area accounts for 0.70% (18.11 hectares) of the total registered vineyards in the country.
The dominant variety in this subregion is the native Vranac, covering 29.41% of the vineyard area and 41.99% in mixed plantings. Other varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon (4.16%), the native Kratošija (3.88%), Merlot (1.79%), and Marselan (1.44%), along with others.
MONTENEGRIN COAST REGION
Montenegrin Coast Region
The Montenegrin Coast is one of the most attractive wine regions in Montenegro, stretching along the Adriatic Sea from the border with Croatia in the northwest to the border with Albania in the southeast. Covering an area of 62,660.64 hectares, it includes the municipalities of Herceg Novi, Tivat, Kotor, Budva, Bar, and Ulcinj.
Combining natural beauty, a Mediterranean climate, and a rich winemaking tradition, this region offers ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines. The region consists of four subregions:
The Montenegrin Coast is one of the most attractive wine regions in Montenegro, stretching along the Adriatic Sea from the border with Croatia in the northwest to the border with Albania in the southeast. Covering an area of 62,660.64 hectares, it includes the municipalities of Herceg Novi, Tivat, Kotor, Budva, Bar, and Ulcinj.
Combining natural beauty, a Mediterranean climate, and a rich winemaking tradition, this region offers ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines. The region consists of four subregions:
- Boka Kotorska subregion
- Budva-Bar subregion
- Ulcinj subregion
- Adriatic hinterland subregion
Boka Kotorska Subregion
The Boka Kotorska subregion is located in the northwestern part of the Montenegrin Coast wine region. It spans an area of 24,957.36 hectares and includes municipalities within the administrative areas of Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Tivat.
According to the viticulture registry, producers from this subregion represent 1.6% of the total registered producers.
The leading variety is Merlot, which occupies 22.42% of the vineyard area. Vranac, grown mainly in mixed vineyards, accounts for 28.57% and only 0.33% in pure plantings. Other significant varieties include Shiraz (20.79%), Sauvignon Blanc (6.74%), Kratošija (6.36%), Chardonnay (4.68%), Lisičina (4.55%), Traminer (2.11%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (0.50%).
According to the viticulture registry, producers from this subregion represent 1.6% of the total registered producers.
The leading variety is Merlot, which occupies 22.42% of the vineyard area. Vranac, grown mainly in mixed vineyards, accounts for 28.57% and only 0.33% in pure plantings. Other significant varieties include Shiraz (20.79%), Sauvignon Blanc (6.74%), Kratošija (6.36%), Chardonnay (4.68%), Lisičina (4.55%), Traminer (2.11%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (0.50%).
Budva-Bar subregion
The Budva-Bar subregion is located in the central part of the Montenegrin Coast region.
The area of the Budva-Bar subregion is 15,895.51 hectares, covering cadastral municipalities in the administrative municipalities of Budva and Bar.
According to data from the viticulture registry, producers from this subregion represent 1.6% of the total number of registered producers. Currently, only 0.89 hectares of vineyards are registered in this subregion, meaning that its vineyard area symbolically contributes to the total vineyard area.
The leading grape variety is Vranac, which occupies 50.93% of the vineyard area, as well as 37.65% of the area in mixed plantings with other varieties. Other varieties present in this subregion include Kratošija, Merlot, Riesling, and other varieties.
According to data from the viticulture registry, producers from this subregion represent 1.6% of the total number of registered producers. Currently, only 0.89 hectares of vineyards are registered in this subregion, meaning that its vineyard area symbolically contributes to the total vineyard area.
The leading grape variety is Vranac, which occupies 50.93% of the vineyard area, as well as 37.65% of the area in mixed plantings with other varieties. Other varieties present in this subregion include Kratošija, Merlot, Riesling, and other varieties.
Ulcinj subregion
The Ulcinj subregion is the southernmost subregion of the Montenegrin Coast region. This subregion consists of two parts – the southern and northern areas.
The area of the Ulcinj subregion is 18,284.99 hectares, covering municipalities in the administrative municipality of Ulcinj.
Producers from the Ulcinj viticulture subregion represent 3.51% of the total number of registered producers, and the area of registered vineyards is 0.22% (5.58 hectares) of the total vineyard area in the registry.
In the Ulcinj subregion, the leading variety is Vranac, which occupies 48.08% of the vineyard area, as well as 39.32% of the area in mixed plantings with other varieties. Other varieties in this subregion include Moldova (5.16%), Cardinal (1.34%), and Sauvignon Blanc (0.9%).
Producers from the Ulcinj viticulture subregion represent 3.51% of the total number of registered producers, and the area of registered vineyards is 0.22% (5.58 hectares) of the total vineyard area in the registry.
In the Ulcinj subregion, the leading variety is Vranac, which occupies 48.08% of the vineyard area, as well as 39.32% of the area in mixed plantings with other varieties. Other varieties in this subregion include Moldova (5.16%), Cardinal (1.34%), and Sauvignon Blanc (0.9%).
Adriatic hinterland subregion
The Adriatic hinterland subregion encompasses a larger number of viticulture oases located at higher altitudes in the Montenegrin Coast region, including: Dapčevići – Grdovići, Podi, Stari Bar – Turčini, Tuđemili, Gradac, Ugao, Brda, Lapčići, Viškovići – Zečevo Selo, Ježević, Veljinići, Ledenice, Knežlaz, Poljice, Bakoči–Lastva–Repaji, Mokrine, Luštica, and Vrmac.
The area of the Adriatic Hinterland subregion is 2,575.37 hectares, covering administrative municipalities of Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat, Budva, and Bar. According to data from the viticulture registry, there are currently no registered grape producers in this subregion.
The area of the Adriatic Hinterland subregion is 2,575.37 hectares, covering administrative municipalities of Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat, Budva, and Bar. According to data from the viticulture registry, there are currently no registered grape producers in this subregion.
NUDO REGION
The Nudo region represents a small viticulture area in the valley of the Zaslapnica River, separated from other viticulture areas in Montenegro.
The region consists of four smaller viticulture areas – viticulture oases, namely: Kunska, Žugljaj, Nudo, and Nudo South.
The area of this region is 408.77 hectares and it occupies a narrow area within the Nikšić municipality.
Grape producers in the Nudo viticulture region represent 0.64% of the total number of registered producers, and the area of registered vineyards is 0.07% (1.85 hectares) of the total vineyard area. The average vineyard plot size is 0.92 hectares, with an average number of vineyard plots per producer being 1. A typical producer in this small viticulture area has an average of 0.92 hectares.
In the Nudo region, the leading variety is the native Vranac, found in mixed plantings. Other varieties present in mixed plantings include Žilavka, Prokupac, and Smederevka.
The region consists of four smaller viticulture areas – viticulture oases, namely: Kunska, Žugljaj, Nudo, and Nudo South.
The area of this region is 408.77 hectares and it occupies a narrow area within the Nikšić municipality.
Grape producers in the Nudo viticulture region represent 0.64% of the total number of registered producers, and the area of registered vineyards is 0.07% (1.85 hectares) of the total vineyard area. The average vineyard plot size is 0.92 hectares, with an average number of vineyard plots per producer being 1. A typical producer in this small viticulture area has an average of 0.92 hectares.
In the Nudo region, the leading variety is the native Vranac, found in mixed plantings. Other varieties present in mixed plantings include Žilavka, Prokupac, and Smederevka.
MONTENEGRIN NORTH REGION
The potential Montenegrin North Region includes colder areas where grapevines are not traditionally cultivated, but rather grown in backyards, with the potential for growing white varieties and producing aromatic, fresh wines.
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