Winery Mrkan

The winery Mrkan is located in the village of Rvaši, in the hamlet of Suvodoli, within the Skadar Lake national park. The formal founding of the winery is impossible to determine; it has been present as a family tradition and craft for centuries, with all the secrets of the trade of producing top-quality wines carried down from generation to generation, blended with modern production techniques.

Just 25 km from Podgorica, Mrkan winery offers an authentic experience in a rural Montenegrin setting. Grapes are cultivated on a 0.5-hectare plot, with an annual production of around 3,000 litres of premium-quality wine.

Wines of Mrkan winery

Mrkan winery produces wines with diverse characteristics, with a special focus on traditional Montenegrin grape varieties:

• Mrkan Crno (dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, barrique) – A red wine made from Kratošija and Vranac, featuring pronounced notes of ripe dark fruit.
• Suvodolski Dukat (white) – A blend of Rkatsiteli and Župljanka in a 2:1 ratio. A light and refreshing white wine.
• Suvodolski Chardonnay – Made by pressing Chardonnay grapes, this wine offers a fresh and fruity profile typical of the variety.

Awards and recognitions of Mrkan winery

Mrkan Winery has received numerous awards at wine fairs in Novi Sad and Budva, including:

• 7 gold medals and 9 silver medals for “Mrkan” red wines
• Grand gold medals for the homemade rakija Ceklinska loza
• Champion trophies for overall wine and product quality (2010–2012)

Facilities at the Mrkan winery

Whether you’re looking for an authentic wine experience, a peaceful retreat in nature, or quality products to take home, Mrkan winery offers it all, combining tradition with the natural beauty of the Skadar Lake region:

Tasting room

Enjoy guided tastings of wine and rakija either in the winery’s specially designed tasting area or on the spacious terrace of the family home overlooking the vineyards. Tastings are organised for small groups in a relaxed and friendly setting, where guests have the chance to hear family stories, learn about the production process, and discover the unique qualities of each drink they sample.

Wine shop

The winery features a wine shop where visitors can purchase red and white Mrkan wines, the house-produced grape rakija Ceklinska loza, as well as medicinal rakijas and liqueurs.

Apartments and rooms

For guests who wish to extend their stay, the winery offers accommodation within the family estate. The apartments and rooms are decorated in the style of a traditional Montenegrin village home and provide all the necessary comforts for a pleasant stay. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy peace, homemade cuisine, and fine wines, away from the city bustle.

Interesting facts about Mrkan winery

Mrkan winery is not just a place of wine production, it is a guardian of rich family heritage, tradition, and accolades that reflect its quality and long-standing dedication to viticulture. Beneath the surface of every sip lies a story of legacy, respect for nature, and love for the craft.

Historical significance

Wine from the Mrkan winery has been present at numerous important events in Montenegro and former Yugoslavia. Among the notable figures who were regular guests and admirers of Mrkan wine was Josip Broz Tito. The Šofranac family’s winemaking tradition dates back centuries, with the first official recognition for their wine recorded in 1954.

Rakijas and other liqueurs

In addition to wine and grape rakija, the winery maintains a tradition of crafting homemade rakijas and liqueurs based on old family recipes. The estate produces rakijas infused with rosemary, wormwood, gentian, and cornelian cherry, as well as liqueurs made from cherry, peach, quince, and mint—all prepared using house-made brandy and estate-grown herbs.

Wine tours and experiences

There are two available options for visiting Mrkan winery, their vineyards and tasting their wines. Both tours are available for booking through the Wine of Montenegro platform:

• Wine tasting experience is a guided wine tasting experience with a wide selection of wines, liqueurs, and rakijas, a snack plate of local specialities, and a winery tour with insights into the winemaking process.
• Premium wine tasting and local specialities is a guided wine tasting with red and white wines, homemade liqueurs and juices, a traditional meal with cured meats, cheeses, salads, and pastries.