Grapes

The grapes of the Balkans

North Macedonia and the Balkans are among the oldest wine regions in the world — wine has been made here for more than 4,000 years, long before the vine reached Western Europe. Warm summers, cool nights and abundant sunshine give the grapes here intense colour, ripe aromas and plenty of character.

What makes them special: many of these grape varieties grow virtually nowhere else. From the inky black Vranec and the ancient Kratošija to the aromatic Temjanika and the fresh Žilavka — they are indigenous treasures, each with its own story, often rescued from oblivion by passionate winemakers.

Click on a grape below, read its story and discover the wines it produces. Enjoy your journey of discovery through one of Europe's best-kept wine secrets.