Winery Dračevica

Dračevica is a boutique winery founded out of the Lukić family’s shared desire to give their family winemaking hobby a clear form and visibility, fulfilling their personal need for fulfillment while offering the market wines crafted with knowledge, love, and dedication, wines of unpretentious character and a personal signature. Although named after the village on the shores of Lake Skadar from which the Lukić family originates, Dračevica is a story that begins in the present and looks to the future, aiming to revitalize the village it was named after. In doing so, Dračevica completes a full circle, simultaneously returning to its roots and moving forward, guided by wine, the most faithful witness to many beautiful stories.

The history of winery Dračevica

The Lukić family’s first vineyard was planted in 1990 and today spans about half a hectare on the sunny slopes of Zeta. The vineyard cultivates three indigenous grape varieties that reflect the local terroir and heritage: Vranac, Crna (Black)  Tamjanika, and Muscat Krokan. Each variety carries its own story and character, and the products Bodin, Obolon, and Kosara are the result of their love for viticulture, tradition, and their desire to offer something unique, authentic, and heartfelt.

Wines of Dračevica winery

Dračevica Winery offers a carefully curated selection of wines made from indigenous Montenegrin grape varieties, cultivated in the sunlit vineyards of the Zeta plain. Each wine reflects the family’s commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.

• Bodin is more than just a wine, it is a symbol of the family’s tradition, passion, and heritage. Named after the magnificent King Bodin Vojislavljević, whose reign once included the village of Dračevica, this wine carries the spirit of bygone times and the rich history of Duklja. Bodin is a red wine made from the indigenous Vranac grape, the pinnacle of the family’s winemaking tradition and love for viticulture. The vineyard has been carefully tended for over three decades. Since the early 1990s, every bunch of Vranac grapes has been grown with love and care, not only for the family but also for their friends and the community. At Dračevica Winery, tradition meets modern production techniques to create wines that tell the story of the land and its people. Vranac is the heart of the winery. This native variety, thriving for centuries in the fertile Skadar Lake basin, is known for its resilience and rich flavor.

Tasting notes:

• Color: Deep dark ruby that draws the eye and promises rich flavor.
• Taste: Full-bodied, with pronounced notes of dark forest fruits such as blackberries, cherries, and raspberries, complemented by subtle spicy undertones.
• Aroma: Intense and inviting, leaving a lasting impression.
• Pairing: Perfectly pairs with various meats, from juicy beef steaks to game dishes and complements spicy and mature cheeses, making every meal a special experience.

Celebrate history, Montenegro’s soil, and the passion behind every sip with Bodin.

• Obolon is a distinctive orange wine made from the rare and authentic Muscat Krokan grape, embodying a unique and high-quality experience. Unlike classic white wines, Obolon is produced through extended fermentation with grape skins for about 14 days on natural, spontaneous yeasts, without additives or filtration. This process demands patience and precision, letting nature set the pace rather than industrial methods. The wine gains its unique color, texture, and complexity through this approach. Muscat Krokan is an old and rare variety originating from France, known for its pronounced aromatic profile. When used for orange wine production, its intense floral and fruity aromas gain added depth thanks to prolonged skin contact. Named after the Oblun fortress (Latin Obolon), this wine carries strength, longevity, and a fortress of flavor.

Tasting notes:

• Color: Warm orange with a slight haze, a sign it’s unrefined and carries the story of grape, soil, and time.
• Aroma: Intense with notes of dried orange peel and subtle floral tones.
• Taste: Dry and rounded with pronounced tannin structure, giving the wine body and depth. It’s not an easy or casual drink but one for those who appreciate complexity and true texture, a wine that demands attention and a good bite.
• Pairing: Foods with pronounced flavors such as fermented cheeses, olives, grilled fish, or summer vegetables are natural companions. It might not suit every dish, but with the right pairing, it creates perfect harmony.

In short, Obolon is the choice for those seeking an authentic and different experience. Not a wine for the masses, but for those who find it, a faithful companion.

Distillates of Dračevica Winery

In addition to wine production, Dračevica Winery distills traditional Montenegrin grape brandy:

• Kosara – just as the Montenegrin sun nourishes the vineyards, Kosara brings light and warmth to every gathering. This colorless brandy, made from the indigenous Vranac grape, embodies a fusion of tradition and modern craftsmanship. Its pronounced aroma and smooth, rounded flavor invite exploration of new taste horizons, revealing the richness contained in every drop. Kosara aims to break stereotypes, true to its name, which is tied to the oldest love story from these lands, this brandy is strong but moderate, gentle yet memorable, smooth in small quantities but sharp if overindulged. Kosara proves that brandy can be a drink of pleasure. Crafted through careful grape selection and double distillation, this brandy reflects the strength and character of Montenegrin heritage. Brandy is always linked to the soul, it is drunk for the soul, a remedy for the soul, and calms the soul. Therefore, this brandy is: From the soul, for the soul.

Tasting notes:

• Color: Crystal clear
• Aroma: Intense and distinctive
• Taste: Smooth and balanced with a gradual warming sensation
• Pairing: Ideal with dried fruits, homemade cheese, walnuts, and traditional bread baked under the bell (sač).

Terroir and Vineyard Philosophy

The Zeta Plain, known for its fertile and mineral-rich soil, as well as its ideal combination of Mediterranean climate and mild continental influence, provides optimal conditions for cultivating indigenous grape varieties. The uniqueness of the terroir lies in the rich soil composition — a blend of red earth and loam, perfectly drained and abundant in nutrients — which allows the vines to develop deep roots and express a full spectrum of intense aromas.The sunny days of the Zeta Plain grant the grapes the necessary ripeness and sweetness, while gentle breezes from Lake Skadar contribute to vine health by balancing humidity and reducing the risk of disease. This unique combination of microclimatic factors and soil enables the wines to express their character and authenticity with every harvest.

At Dračevica Winery, the vineyards are nurtured with deep respect for nature and tradition, following the rhythm of the seasons and the distinct characteristics of the terroir. Hand pruning, controlled green harvesting, and carefully chosen harvest dates are essential to extract the best qualities of the grapes — intense aromas, natural freshness, and complex flavors. Minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar is the winery’s core approach, ensuring the preservation of the authenticity of each grape variety. The natural balance of soil and microclimate inspires the winery to apply sustainable viticultural practices that maintain vine health and guarantee consistent grape quality year after year. Each bottle from Dračevica tells a story of the land, tradition, and passion for winemaking.

Experiences and Activities

At Dračevica Winery, guests can enjoy an intimate and authentic wine experience that includes:

• Guided wine tastings
• Vineyard tours and insights into the winemaking process

Winemaker and winery

The winery is led by Dragan Lukić, founder and winemaker, who together with his family nurtures tradition while developing a contemporary vision focused on indigenous varieties and sustainable production.