UniqVines is an organization connecting vineyard owners and winemakers from lesser known viticultural areas around the world to mainstream market consumers.
Wine regions such as Eastern Europe and the Balkans experienced tremendous development in wine making techniques over the past 15 years leading to elevation of wine quality. Utilizing local indigenous grapes such as Shesh, Kallmet, Vlosh, Vranac, Temjanika, Smederevka and Ceruje, just to name a few, winemakers are able to produce outstanding wines.
Unfortunately, these wines are not receiving the worldwide recognition they deserve. UniqVines' goal is to spread the word through education and exposure so the rest of the world can experience the local produc.
ALBANIA
Wine Regions:
The Coastal Plains - ”Plain Bregdetare” (Western Lowlands) rise to 900 ft altitude
The Central Hilly Region - “Rajon Kodrinor” - rise to 2,000 ft altitude
The Eastern Sub-Mountainous Region - “Ragion Nen-Malore” - rise to 2,500 ft
The Mountain Region - above 3,000 ft
Plain Bregdetare Wineries
Abaia Winery & Vineyard
Kokomani Winery
Kantina Balaj
Kantina Perla
Kantina Skenderbeu
Rajon Non-Malore Wineries
Rajon Kodrinor Wineries
Grape Varieties
The main indigenous grape varieties found in Albania are:
Red
Babansan
Kallmet
Kryqes
Manakuq
Mavrud
Shesh i Zi
Red Serine
Vlosh
Vranac
White
Ceruje
Debine
Koteke
Mereshnik
Mjaltez
Pules
White Serine
Shesh i Bardhe
Stambolleshe
Tajge
BOSNIA - HERZEGOVINA
Grape Varieties
The main indigenous grape varieties found in Bosnia-Herzegovina are:
Red
Blatina and Vranac
White
Zilavka
Wine Regions
Mostar - Contains most of the country's wine production, particularly from the Vranac grape, with some white wines from the Žilavka grape. Many of the vineyards are located on terraced slopes, taking advantage of the warm, sunny climate and fertile soil.
Kozar - Located in the Posavina region and is known for producing both red and white wines, including the popular Vranac and Blatina varieties. The vineyards are planted on rolling hills and the region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to Roman times.
Ukrina - Located in the Central Bosnia region and is known for its white wines, particularly from the Žilavka grape. The vineyards in this region are situated on the slopes of the mountain range, providing ideal growing conditions for the grape.
Majevica - Located in the Posavina region and is known for its red wines, particularly from the Vranac grape. The vineyards in this region are located on terraced slopes with the first vines being planted in the early 20th century.
Rama - Located in the Herzegovina region and is known for its red wines, particularly from the Blatina grape. The region has a long history of winemaking, with the first vines being planted by the Illyrians thousands of years ago
Jablanica - Located in the Central Bosnia region and is known for its red and white wines. The first vines being planted by the Illyrians thousands of years ago with vineyards ocated on the slopes of the mountain range.
Srednja Neretva - Located in the Herzegovina region and is known for its white wines from the Žilavka grape. The region is also known for its cultural heritage, with many historical and cultural sites.
Listica and Trebisnjica - Both regions are located in the Herzegovina region and are known for producing both red and white wines from Zilavka and Blatina grapes.
Wineries
KOSOVO
Source: Kosovo Viticulture and Winery Research, August 2021, Tirana, Albania by Prof. Dr. Andrea Shundi
Wine Regions
Dukagjin Highlands - This region is located in the western part of Kosovo and is known for its red wines made from local grape varieties like Vranac, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
Prizren - This region is located in the southwestern part of Kosovo and is known for its white wines made from local grape varieties like Shesh i Zi, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
Rugova Canyon - This region is located in the western part of Kosovo and is known for its red wines made from local grape varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Opoja - This region is located in the southern part of Kosovo and is known for its red wines made from local grape varieties like Shesh i Zi, Vranac, and Merlot.
Gjakova - This region is located in the southwestern part of Kosovo and is known for its red and white wines made from local grape varieties like Chardonnay, Shesh i Zi, and Riesling.
Grape Varieties
The main indigenous grape varieties found in Kosovo are:
Red
Kruska, Rrush i Rhavoecit, Vranc
White
Dibrak
NORTH MACEDONIA
Grape Varieties
The main indigenous grape varieties found in North Macedonia are:
Red
Kadarka, Kratosija, Plovdina, Prokupac, Vranac
White
Temjanika
Wine Regions
Pcinja-Osogovo "Eastern Region" includes Pcinja and located in the southeast of the country and is known for its red wines, which are made from the local Vranec grape variety. The wines from Pčinja are known for their deep, dark color and intense flavors of black fruit, spices, and a hint of smokiness.
Povardarje "Central Region" - Includes Tikveš, the largest wine region in North Macedonia and is known for producing a wide range of wines, including red, white, and rosé wines. The region is located in the central part of the country and is known for its warm, sunny climate, which is ideal for grape growing.
Also included in the Central Region is Demir Kapija. This region is located in the south of the country and is known for its white wines, which are made from the local Smederevka grape variety. The wines from Demir Kapija are known for their bright, crisp flavors and their minerality, which is a result of the region's unique terroir.
The Central Region includes Negotino, known for its red wines which are made from the local Kratoshija grape variety. The wines from Negotino are known for their rich, full-bodied flavors and their balance of fruit and tannins.
Pelagonija-Polog "Western Region" - Located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, covering the areas of Pelagonija and Polog. This region is known for producing high-quality red and white wines made from a range of local grape varieties. The climate in the Pelagonija-Polog region is characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters, with significant temperature variations between day and night. Thus contributing to the distinct character and quality of the wines produced here.
MONTENEGRO
Grape Varieties
The main indigenous grape varieties found in Montenegro are:
Red
Kratosija, Krstac, Vranac
White
Smederevka
Wine Regions
Skadar Lake: A large lake region near the border with Albania, known for producing red and white wines made from local grape varieties such as Vranac, Kratošija, and Smederevka.
Central Montenegro: The area around the capital city of Podgorica, known for producing a wide range of wines made from both local and international grape varieties.
North Montenegro: A mountainous region near the border with Serbia, known for producing high-quality red wines made from local grape varieties such as Vranac and Kratošija.
Durmitor: A mountainous region in northwestern Montenegro, known for producing high-quality red and white wines made from local grape varieties such as Vranac and Kratošija.
Boka Bay: A coastal region in southwestern Montenegro, known for producing high-quality red and white wines made from local grape varieties such as Vranac, Kratošija, and Smederevka.
Wineries
Restska Kula Winery
Vukoje Winery
Milović Winery
Radevik Estate
Vinarija Buk
Rupice Winery
SERBIA
Grape Varieties
The main indigenous grape varieties found in Serbia are:
Red
Prokupac, Kratosija
White
Ezerjo, Grasevina, Tamjanika, Smederevka
Wine Regions
1. Timok - The Timok wine region is located in Eastern Serbia and produces both red and white wines. It is known for its international grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.
2. Nisava Juzna Morava - This wine region is located in Southern Serbia and is known for its warm climate, fertile soil, and long wine-making tradition. The main grape varieties grown here are Prokupac and Tamjanika.
3. Zapadna Morava - This wine region is located in Central Serbia and is known for its fertile soil, diverse microclimates, and ideal growing conditions. The main grape varieties grown here are Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.
4. Sumadija Velika Morava - This wine region is located in Central Serbia and is known for its warm climate and fertile soil. The main grape varieties grown here are Traminac, Prokupac, and Tamjanika.
5. Pocerina-Podgora - This wine region is located in Western Serbia and is known for its rich soil, moderate climate, and ideal growing conditions. The main grape varieties grown here are Prokupac, Traminac, and Tamjanika.
6. Srem - This wine region is located in Western Serbia and is known for its rich soil, moderate climate, and ideal growing conditions. The main grape varieties grown here are Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.
7. Banat - This wine region is located in North East Serbia and is known for its warm climate, fertile soil, and long wine-making tradition. The main grape varieties grown here are Prokupac, Tamjanika, and Traminac.
8. Suboticka Pescara - This wine region is located in Northern Serbia and is known for its rich soil, moderate climate, and ideal growing conditions. The main grape varieties grown here are Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.
9. Kosovo - This wine region is located in Kosovo and is known for its warm climate, fertile soil, and long wine-making tradition. The main grape varieties grown here are Prokupac, Traminac, and Tamjanika.
Wineries