Wait what? Balkan countries produce wine? Yes they do, as it happens, and some are not just good. They're VERY good. Wine season is fast approaching and we just so happen to have holiday bases in two of the finest wine countries in the Balkan region: Croatia and Montenegro. In late August and September, it’s busy on the vineyards as vintners begin harvesting, but they’ll always welcome visitors. On both our week-long adventure near Dubrovnik in Croatia and our original crowd pleaser holiday at Villa Miela in Montenegro, we’re surrounded by family-owned vineyards which offer tours and tastings. If you’re joining us on a trip at this time of year, know that you’ll certainly get a chance to sample something grape. Read on for a taste of Balkan wines. Dingač Croatian wine Croatia is best known for full bodied red varieties which grow mostly along the coast in Dalmatia, the most famous being Dingač. It’s found in the steep hilly subregion of the same name on the Pelješac peninsula in Southern Dalmatia. Dingač is not a grape variety itself, it’s made from the Plavac Mali (‘little blue’) grape of Dalmatia. It was officially protected under Croatian law as a premium wine in 1965, but the tradition of winemaking in the Dingač region goes back centuries. Likened to a Mediterranean wine, Dingač is big, fruity and tannic, so it’s a perfect pairing to those hearty meat dishes and strong cheeses. On our week-long Croatia activity holiday, we have a sip and cycle day around the vineyards of Dingač. It’s a wonderful cultural experience with epic views of the vines against the backdrop of the Adriatic. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for travel inspiration and offers on holidays in the Balkans Vranac & Krstač of Montenegro Lake Skadar is Montenegro’s wine country
Wait what? Balkan countries produce wine? Yes they do, as it happens, and some are not just good. They’re VERY good. Wine season is fast approaching and we just so happen to have holiday bases in two of the finest wine countries in the Balkan region: Croatia and Montenegro. In late August and September, it’s