Serbian viticulture is not the most famous one worlwide. And yet, like Armenia or Georgia, the culture of wine goes back to more than 3 000 years ago.
Rapid growth
Serbian (or Yugoslavian) viticulture occupied in the years 1970-1980, a leading position in wine production. It was among the 10 largest producers of wine in the world and provided alone 40% of the production.
But the viticulture was strongly impacted by the communist reforms and the conflicts of the time. At that time, high yields were favored, to the detriment of quality.
From the 2000s, foreign investment has allowed the wine sector to renew itself, with the advent of modern and more efficient infrastructure.
Serbia is now taking part in the conquest of international markets and is experiencing a rapid growth in wine tourism. The offer is plethoric with hotels, restaurants, spa…
Indigenous
varieties
Sumadija appears as the historical heart of Serbian viticulture.
It is here that in the 1920s the first vines of French origin were planted. That is the reason why grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir can be found there in abundance.
However, the Serbian producers are keen to preserve their tradition and wine heritage, and indigenous varieties are a majority (there are about 400!).
The oldest are “Prokupac“, a red grape variety which dates back from the Middle Ages and “Tamjanik“, a muscat originating from the south of France which is more than 500 years old.
70,000 ha
The most important Serbian vineyards are located in Negotin Krajina, in the Vršac region, on the slopes of “Fruška Gora” and in the Subotica region, in Šumadija and Župa.
Extent of the vineyard
The country enjoys a moderate continental climate and Mediterranean influences.
In 2017, the vineyard extended over 70,000 hectares, shared by thousands of winegrowers. Two thirds of them own less than 5 ha.
