Montenegro Wine Road Tour

Wine has been woven into Montenegro’s culture, faith, and customs for centuries, which is why the country is often described as “the land of wine.”

Overview

In the mid-19th century, King Nikola Petrović recognized the exceptional potential of this region and the strength of its local wine tradition. He introduced a rule that every soldier from a vine-growing area had to plant two hundred grapevines. That marked the beginning of a new chapter for Montenegrin wine, and in 1907, Montenegrin Vranac won first prize at a wine exhibition in London.

Today, Montenegro has around 4,300 hectares of vineyards. One of the most significant projects is Ćemovsko field near Podgorica, home to the country’s largest vineyard and modern wineries.

On this trip with Monte Mare Travel, guests will experience the scenic landscapes along the wine route, discover the traditions and unique character of the vineyard region, and learn more about wine production in Montenegro. Hosts will welcome visitors with wines from their cellars and Montenegrin specialties, creating a memorable combination of drinks, food, and atmosphere.

Itinerary

Day 1

Visit: 13. Jul - Plantaže vineyard “Ćemovsko field” and wine cellar “Šipčanik”

We begin with one of the largest and most beautiful vineyards in Europe, Ćemovsko field. Located about 30 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, next to Skadar Lake, it covers around 2,300 hectares and includes about 10 million grapevines, both local and internationally known varieties.

Vranac is the leading grape of this impressive estate, as well as the national brand and the most recognizable product of 13. Jul - Plantaže. Among the white varieties, Montenegrin Krstač stands out as a grape that grows only in Montenegro.

Remarkably, 95% of the vineyard is still harvested by hand. During the harvest season, from August until the end of September, more than 2,000 pickers gather here, creating an unforgettable scene.

After a tour through the vineyard by tourist train and a short stop at the viewpoint, we continue to the heart of the estate, the Šipčanik wine cellar. Built in a former underground aircraft hangar, the cellar lies more than 30 meters below ground and stretches 356 meters in length. Before entering, guests can enjoy panoramic views over the vineyard from the viewpoint and experience the distinctive climate of the site. With an area of 7,000 m², a temperature of 17–19°C, and humidity of 70–80%, it provides ideal conditions for storing and aging wine. A wine shop with Plantaže wines and other products is also located here.

The visit includes a tasting of 3 wines, including 2 from the classic line and 1 special wine, along with bruschette topped with Njeguški cheese, olive oil, and rosemary. Duration: approx. 2 hours.

Day 2

Visit to the rural household and Dabović Winery

After the visit to Šipčanik, the journey continues to the rural household and Dabović Winery in Nudo village. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.

The wines of Dabović Winery come from Nudo, the smallest wine region in Europe. This small village lies in a basin on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, 18 kilometers from Trebinje and 40 kilometers from Risan. It is also rich in cultural and historical heritage, adding another reason to visit.

Tasting these wines is like being transported to the dramatic stone hills and fertile green fields of Nudo, with the sound of the Zaslapnica River and the meeting of winds from the Adriatic Sea and Orjen above the village.

For years, this winery has received prestigious awards at international fairs and is considered the most successful winery in Montenegro.

In its stone- and wood-decorated cellar and tasting hall, guests will enjoy the aromas of local drinks and traditional specialties.

The visit includes the vineyard, cellar, and winery, with a tasting of 1 brandy, 2 herbal drinks, and 3 wines, served with an appetizer of prosciutto, cheese, homemade bread, and honey, followed by lunch with goulash, potatoes, roasted meat, and salad, and dessert with homemade cakes. Duration: 2 hours.

After lunch, return. End of the tour.

Price Includes:

• Transport by car, van, or tourist-class bus with an English-speaking driver
• Visit to the Ćemovsko field vineyard and Šipčanik wine cellar
• Tourist train ride through the Ćemovsko field vineyard
• Tasting of 3 wines, bruschette with Njeguški cheese grilled on olive oil and rosemary at Šipčanik wine cellar
• Visit to the rural household, vineyards, cellars, and Dabović Winery
• Tasting of 1 brandy, 2 herbal drinks, and 3 wines with appetizer, lunch, and dessert

Price does not include:

• Food and drinks not listed in the program
• Tour guide in a specific language
• Other non-program costs
• Travel health insurance – optional

Additional options (for extra charge):

• Recreational riding time at Horse Club “Vranac” (60 minutes of active riding) with an instructor – 13. Jul Plantaže
• Visit to the old cellar “Lješko field” with tasting of three premium wines – 13. Jul Plantaže
• Tour of cultural and historical monuments near the Zaslapnica River – Nudo village
• Tour of Bijela Gora, with forest trails, forest fruit picking, hiking on marked paths, a visit to the Austrian fortress, or time to rest in a small wooden house or summer house; the tour can also include Grahovo Lake and the Arboretum in Grahovo
• Travel health insurance