In November, tourist agencies from the two Balkan countries announced their intention to develop wine tourism. The "Wine of Montenegro" project, funded with EU support, was presented in the Montenegrin capital on November 11. Despite the fact that only a few of the country's wineries currently offer tours and tastings to groups of tourists, experts believe that the country has all the conditions for the development of this interesting direction.
As part of the "Wine of Montenegro" project, an online platform and a guidebook have been created, uniting winemakers and industry professionals. The project developers hope that their product will contribute to the improvement of wine tourism in Montenegro. After all, this digital tool represents the interests of the wine industry, Montenegrin wineries, tourist agencies offering wine tours, as well as combined wine and culinary offers of Montenegro.
Currently, 120 wineries operate in the country on an area of 4300 hectares, producing wines of the Vranac, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Tribidrag, and Shiraz varieties. Many of them have been awarded international prizes.
In neighboring Croatia, they also advocate for the development of wine tourism. Recently, the Croatian winery Rizman was recognized as the most beautiful winery in Europe by the ferry company DFDS. Located between Split and Dubrovnik, among olive groves and vineyards, it offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy not only exquisite wines but also stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
This year, less grapes were harvested in Croatia than usual, due to a very hot and dry summer. But the wine from it turned out to be of excellent quality. This was confirmed at the young wine festival, which took place throughout the country in the first decade of November.
The quality of Croatian wines is highly appreciated abroad. At the coronation of British monarchs Elizabeth II and Charles III, guests were served white Traminac from the regions of northeastern Croatia. And at the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, the guests were offered red Benmosche from the Croatian peninsula of Pelješac.
In the most developed wine regions of the world, the income of famous brands from wine tourism is in the millions of dollars. Croatia and Montenegro intend to bring their tourist indicators to these levels.
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