NORTH MACEDONIA WINE: A SHORT GUIDE.
A meal without wine is called breakfast.
Anonymous
When I board an airplane to head to a new destination I almost immediately start to think about sampling local wine. I might learn about a new grape or taste something utterly mind blowing, everything is so unknown and exciting.
On a recent visit to North Macedonia, I tried to soak in everything I could about local wine. And make sure I had at least one glass with every meal.
This blog post sets out all you need to know as a tourist visiting North Macedonia if you want to try wine or visit a vineyard.
Does North Macedonia produce wine?
The simple answer is yes! North Macedonia does produce wine, actually rather a lot of wine.
It is estimated that wine contributes between 17 and 20% of the agricultural GDP in North Macedonia. Even more interesting is that 85% of all wine produced in the country is exported – this is often to neighboring Balkan countries but can also be as far away as China.
According to data from the OEC, North Macedonia exported $65 million worth of wine in 2022, bringing it into the top 30 wine exporting nations in the world – given North Macedonia’s relative size, this means that the region is a pretty big deal when it comes to wine production.
What wines are produced in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia grows a diverse range of grapes and produces a whole host of different still wines, brandy and liqueurs.
The country is particularly famous for red wine, specifically the Vranec variety which grows well in The Balkans. Vranec, meaning “black stallion,” produces rich, full-bodied wines with deep color and intense flavors of dark berries, plums, and spices.
In addition to Vranec, North Macedonia produces other notable red wines such as Kratosija and Stanushina. For white wine lovers, there are delightful options like Smederevka, Temjanika (Muscat Blanc), and Zilavka.
All this said, I also tasted a range of more expected grapes such as Sauvingon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and even Chardonnay. So don’t expect every wine you taste in North Macedonia to be made with traditional Balkans grapes.
Where are the North Macedonia wine regions?
North Macedonia’s wine regions are primarily concentrated in the central and southern parts of the country. The most prominent wine regions include:
Tikves: Often referred to as the heart of North Macedonia’s wine country, Tikves is the largest and most famous wine region. It benefits from a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, ideal for growing high-quality grapes. In fact, it is the hottest region in North Macedonia.
Vardar River Valley: This region encompasses several sub-regions, including Skopje, Veles, and Negotino. It is known for its diverse range of grape varieties and picturesque vineyards.
Povardarie: Located along the Vardar River, this region is known for its fertile soil and favorable climate. It produces a wide range of wines, from robust reds to refreshing whites.
Pelagonia-Polog: This region, situated in the southwestern part of the country, is gaining recognition for its high-altitude vineyards and unique microclimate.
Best places to go wine tasting in North Macedonia?
Wine is everywhere in North Macedonia – this is one of the reasons that I really enjoyed visiting. Here’s my advice on where to go wine tasting in North Macedonia.
Head to wine country
When I travelled around North Macedonia, top of my list was to visit the wine regions and sample local wine straight from the source.
To make the most of wine tasting in North Macedonia’s countryside, I’d recommend one of two choices.
1. Stay in a wine hotel in North Macedonia
I stayed in Popova Kula Wine Hotel in the Tikves wine region. A delightful winery with a hotel offering old fashioned charm, a romantic setting and stunning views over vineyards. Our total bill for two nights including breakfast, copious amounts of wine and three course dinners was £160.
A similar option is Lazar Winery B&B, which is closer to Skopje and Vardar River Valley wine region.
Visit a wine town
There are a few towns in North Macedonia with a handful of vineyards. As an alternative to staying on a vineyard, you could select a hotel in a town within walking distance of wineries.
A few options would be Negotino, Palikura or Prilep.
Wine tasting in Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is one of the most popular tourist locations in North Macedonia, for good reason. A simply stunning lake and a gorgeous town filled with historic buildings and fantastic restaurants.
My three recommendations for wine tasting in Ohrid are:
- Monastery Winery offers a tour with transport from Ohrid to the vineyard
- Ohrid Vineyard is found just outside of Ohrid – an easy taxi ride away
- Wine Bars and stores – Patche Wine Shop offers a wine tasting. Find it here.
Finally, look out for Ohrid’s annual Wine Fest which takes place in June. Numerous stalls are set up to show case the best of North Macedonia’s wine – meaning you don’t have to leave Ohrid to try it. The festival is super fun, with wine costing around 1 Euro per glass and music going into the wee hours.
Wine tasting in Skopje
If you are staying in Skopje and want to taste some wine from North Macedonia, you can find many great wine bars in the Debar Maalo region. Alternatively, if you want to get out of the city to visit a vineyard, consider a tour like this one, which visits Kartal Winery.
How much can you expect to pay for wine in North Macedonia?
Wine prices in North Macedonia are quite reasonable compared to other wine-producing countries. A good quality bottle of wine typically ranges from 300 to 1000 MKD (5 to 16 EUR).
In local restaurants, a glass of house wine can cost around 100 to 300 MKD (1.5 to 5 EUR).
How to choose a good bottle of wine in North Macedonia?
Choosing a good bottle of North Macedonian wine can be a fun adventure, or a bit and miss depending on how you look at it.
Here are a few tips to help you select the perfect bottle:
Know your preferences: Determine whether you prefer red, white, or rosé wines. North Macedonia offers excellent options in all categories. Also keep in mind that wines in North Macedonia can be dry, semi-dry, sweet or semi-sweet.
Check the label: Look for reputable wineries and regions such as Tikves, Vardar River Valley, and Pelagonia-Polog. Pay attention to grape varieties like Vranec, Smederevka, and Temjanika.
Ask for recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask local sommeliers, wine shop staff, or winery guides for their suggestions. They can provide valuable insights based on your taste preferences. Plus, they can help you understand the grapes that you may not have heard of before.
Experiment: North Macedonia is a treasure trove of unique and lesser-known grape varieties. Be open to trying something new and discovering hidden gems.
In my experience, most bars and restaurants serve the Tikves brand wine – the largest wine producer in North Macedonia. The Tikves wine is enjoyable, but keep in mind that it tends to be cheaper and readily available in super markets. So, if you see an alternative to Tikves in restaurants and bars then go for it!
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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