Serbian Wine Routes 2009

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Serbian wine

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Winesfrom SandsPali Wine Route


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History of the Regions WinesThe entire Pali region lies on sandy terrain leftby the prehistoric Pannonian Sea. That's whywines from this area are commonly referred to assand wines. The sandy soil, a moderate continen-tal climate and top grape varieties yield veryappealing wines. The Subotica-Horgo area has awinemaking tradition that goes back well over2,000 years.

In the Baka region winemaking flourished afterthe phylloxera epidemic destroyed much ofEuropes viticulture.. At this time three winecellars were founded in the vicinity of Pali , okaand in Biserno Ostrvo near Novi Beej. Thesecellars remain the backbone of the region'sviticulture.

The oka Cellar, established in 1903, is among therare and magnificent monuments of a great winetradition. The cellars rustic interior featuresseven cold wine alleys and has a capacity of 3300tones. There are 130 oak casks with a capacitybetween 1500 and to 11,000 liters capacities and17 special concrete tanks insulated with glass

tiles. These tanks have a total capacity ofbetween 33,000 and 67,000 liters. Locals saythat the biggest tank, which is as large as a smalldance hall, was used for parties hosted by CountLederer, the cellars founder.

The Pali Cellar, founded in 1896, was built wherean agricultural school once stood. It preservedthe ancient winemaking heritage of theSubotica-Horgo sandy heath. Today the WOWWinery continues the tradition.

The Muscat Croquant grapevine variety wasplanted by count Lipot Rohonczi in BisernoOstrvo, where he built a small castle with a winecellar that still exists . The wine made from those

grapes was sold in Budapest, London and otherEuropean markets.


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Viticulture and Winemaking Today

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Practically all of the 24,000 hectares of theSubotica-Horgo sands are suitable for grape-vines. . The region's vineyards are concentrated

around the towns in the municipalities of Kanjiaand Subotica.

The area is characterized by sandy heaths andoccasional patches of quicksand, as well as byvarious clayey soils, chernozem mixed withsandy soil, and brown steppe soils. The landscapeis either flat or rolling plateaus.

The climate is typically continental, and theterrain even allows polar fronts through in thewinter.Certain ancient varieties are traditionally grown

in these sands. Earlier this was the case with theKadarka variety. Today it is the same with theKevedinka variety the Muscat Croquant grapefrom around Novi Beej.The varieties are predominantly grown in newvineyards include Italian Riesling, Rhine Rieslingand Chardonnay.

The areas recommended white varieties areItalian Riesling, upljanka, White Burgundy,Ezerj, in the zone around oka Muscat Ottonel

and Smillon, and Muscat Croquant from BisernoOstrvo. Recommended red grape varietiesinclude Merlot, Frankovka, Red Burgundy andCabernet.

The sandy terrain, a moderate continentalclimate and high-quality grapevines yield veryappealing wines distinguished by a harmonious,yet refined taste and a gentle bouquet.

The oka Winery and the WOW Winery are theleading wine producers in the area. The okaWinery produces top-quality wines with the

vitality of a colt, the most representative beingthe Merlot, the Muscat Ottonel and drepevaKrv (Colts Blood).The local Pinot Gris, Pinot Noirand Pinot Blanc are also notable.


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Wine RouteVinski DvorHajdukovo bb, Phone: (+381) 024/754762Produces Chardonnay, Kevedinka, Italian and

Rhine Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Merlot, CabernetSauvignon, Pinot Noir and Red BurgundyCan accommodate up to 200 wine samplers, hastwo restaurants and a hotel with 32 rooms.www.vinskidvor.com; [email protected]

Vinski sala uvardiE. Kardelja 139, SuboticaPhone: (+381) 024/515 721Produces: Bouvier, Chardonnay, Merlot, CabernetSauvignon, Kadarka and Kevedinka.Can accommodate up to 30 visitors.www.vinskisalas.com; [email protected]

DibonisTuk Ugarnice 14, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/546 067Produces Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Riesling,Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc,Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.Can accommodate up to 60 visitors for winetasting and also has a restaurant with 130 seats.www.dibonis.com; [email protected]

WOW WineryJosipa Kolumba 33, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/603001.

Produces: Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir,Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.The wine sampling hall can accommodate up to100 people. www.wowwinery.com;[email protected]

oka WinerySegedinski put 80, SuboticaPhone: (+381) 024/546555

Vinum LodiNjegoeva 36, Feketi, Phone: (+381) 024/738276Produces upljanka, Frankovka, Cabernet

Sauvignon, Italian and Rhine Riesling Canaccommodate around 40 wine-sampling guests.www.vinumlodi.co.rs; [email protected]

VinduloBaranji Karolja 17, TemerinPhone: (+381) 021/843773Produces Chardonnay, Italian Riesling, Baka,Frankovka and Cabernet SauvignonCan accommodate up to 60 guests for winesampling.www.vindulo.com; [email protected]

Visits to cellars are subject to prior arrangement.

The Arena Sabatkienze order of Wine Knights is a local tradition. Wine Knights belonging to thisorder protect and popularize the culture of wine drinking.. Ancient wine customs are cherished withspecific rituals, with knights wearing unusual and attractive uniforms. The knights have ranks, andthe initiation ritual requires a test of the candidates wine expertise.


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Places to Eat

RestaurantsMala Gostiona****

Park Narodnih Heroja 15, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/753447International and national cuisine, 150 years oftradition

Restaurant and Wine Treasury "iraz"Paliki put 14, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/686220Oers Hungarian and international cuisine and alarge selection of wines.

Riblja arda****Obala Lajoa Vremea bb, Pali

Phone: (+381) 024/755040Oersfish paprikash (a spicy fish stew), fish soupand fish specialties

Villa ViktorijaJezerska 15, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/754497International cuisine, pleasant environment

Gulja ardaLudoki or 206, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/758093Oers Vojvodina cuisine as well as specialties withostrich meat and mangulica pork

Vinski DvorHajdukovoPhone: (+381) 024/754762, National cuisine

Majkin SalaPaliPhone: (+381) 024/753032

Vojvodina cuisine

AbrahamHorgoki put 132, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/755012, Hungarian cuisine

Perkelt - a typical regional dish- goes well with aMerlot. Cabernet goes well with rooster paprikash(stew), while the local wine Kadarka is a perfectaccompaniment to a veal steak with mushrooms.


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SightseeingPali lends its name to a lake, a spa and a townwhich is among the best-known tourist resorts inSerbia. Pali is a stylish summer resort oering a

charming environment, entertainment, abaroque park, and a heritage of Secessionarchitecture. Known as a Champion of ComfortPali oers hotels, restaurants, beaches, tenniscourts, a casino and a zoo all within a onekilometer radius.

In the vicinity of Pali there are also numerousother attractions, including the Lake Leda specialnatural reserve, numerous salas (isolated farms)and ardas (traditional inn), an ostrich farm at theGulja arda, and Zobnatica Stables (30 km from

Pali) where thoroughbred horses have been bredfor over 200 years.The nearby town of Subotica, with a population of

100.000 has a picturesque central pedestrianzone. For true connoisseurs, Pali is synonymouswith beauty and a sophisticated and unusualcuisine, set against a backdrop of cymbals andviolin music that seems to sing. In Pali andSubotica, good food is guaranteed whether oneopts for Hungarian, Serbian or Bunjevac cuisine,or even a combination of the three.In late September, Pali hosts the traditionalGrape-Picking Days, a festivital dedicated tograpes and wine.

Tourist information: JP Pali-Luda, Kanjiki put 17aPhone: (+381) 024/753111, www.palic.rs; [email protected]


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Getting There and Accommodations

Subotica lies 181 km north of Belgrade on theinternational route E75, with the North Exitleading to Pali. The Tompa and Horgos border

crossings to Hungary are just 20 km and 52 kmfrom Pali respectively.

Regular bus lines go from Belgrade to Suboticaevery 90 minutes or so, and there is also a directBelgrade-Subotica train.

AccommodationPBG Hotel***Harambaieva 21, SuboticaPhone: (+381) 024/556542Oers 27 rooms with 66 beds

Patria Hotel***ure akovia bb, Subotica

Phone: (+381) 024/554500Oers 141 rooms with 237 beds

Prezident Hotel****Olge Penavin 2, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/622662Oeris 56 rooms with 112 beds

Park and Jezero hotels****Park Narodnih Heroja 15, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/753112Oers a total of 64 rooms with 120 beds

Lira HotelHorgoki put 144, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/753032Oers 13 rooms with 31 beds

Vinski DvorHajdukovo bb

Phone: (+381) 024/754762Oers 32 rooms with 76 beds

Villa MilordSplitska Aleja 19, PaliPhone: (+381) 024/602800Oers 15 rooms

Cvetni SalaHajdukovo 387Phone: (+381) 024/753276Oers 15 rooms with 41 beds


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In the Reflectionof the DanubeFruka Gora Wine Route


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History of the Regions Wines

The Srem region is one of the oldest viticulture areasin Europe. Grapes have been cultivated on Mt.Fruka Goras fertile slopes for over 1700 years. The

first vines were planted by the Roman EmperorProbus at the ancient town of Sirmium. With thearrival of the Ottoman Turks, Srems viticulture wasalmost annihilated, only to be gradually reborn, andreach its full bloom under Austro-Hungarian rule.

Vineyards have been a quintessential part of lifehere for generations. Sremski Karlovci wines havebeen appreciated throughout Europe - always nobleand refined, counted among the best. SremskiKarlovci was the uncrowned wine capital of Serbiafor centuries. Wines from the .Fruka Gora regionwere exported to Bohemia and Poland as early asthe 15th century.

In 1783, Zaharije Orfelin, a writer and member of theViennese Academy of Sciences, published thetreatise Iskusni Podrumar (The Versed Cellar-

Keeper) in Vienna. In 1816, Prokopije Boli, thearchimandritef Mt. Fruka Goras Rakovac Monas-tery published the first viticulture manual entitledSoveren Vinodelac (The Perfect Vintner) in presentday Budapest, Hungary. These are the oldestwinemaking books in Serbian.

"Bermet", the regions authentic wine, was exportedto the United States even 150 years ago. Accordingto some documents, it was also on the wine list ofthe Titanic . Bermet is an exceptional fortifieddessert wine. It is similar to Italian Vermouth butproduced in a dierent way - through maceration of20 dierent herbs and spices.


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In this region, vineyards occupy the slanting fields,plateaus and slopes of Mt. Fruka Gora.They are

exposed to the beneficial eects of their nearnessto the Danube. The dominant soil types includepararedzina, chernozem and eutric cambisol. Loessis the dominant subsoil.

The continental climatic conditions allow aseven-month growing season and a five-monthwinter dormancy for the regions grapevines.Vranac is the predominant native grapevine varietygrown on Mt. Fruka Gora. The Portugieser varietyis an old variety, used in the past for the productionof Ausbruch and Bermet wines. There are also localhybrid varieties, such as upljanka (Prokupac and

Red Burgundy), Neoplanta (Smederevka and RedTraminac), Sila (Kevedinka and Chardonnay), Liza(Gray Burgundy and Kunleany) and Petra (RedBurgundy and Kunbarat).

Recommended grape varieties in this region includeItalian and Rhine Riesling, Traminac, Sauvignon,Neoplanta, Sirmium and upljanka. They producequality wines that bear their names.

Due to the combination of the geographic position,the nearness of the Danube, a unique micro-

climate and the reflection of light from the surfaceof the Danube, grapes ripen here earlier. They alsohave sugar levels up to 2% higher than in otherwine producing areas in Vojvodina.

Winds that arrive from the water in the winter havea beneficial impact on the grapevines, which dontfreeze., In the summer the reflection of light fromthe rivers waters creates an extraordinarymicro-climate which raises the level of sugar ingrapes.

Mt. Fruka Gora is a region of Italian Riesling.

According to some experts, it is actually thebirthplace of the renowned Italian variety. Morethan half of local vineyards cultivate this particulargrapevine.

The areas best known wines are Fruka GoraRiesling, Italian Riesling, Rhine Riesling, upljanka,Traminac, Bouvier, Frankovka, Plemenka(Chasselas), Silvanac Zeleni (Grner Silvaner),Portuguiser, and the uniquely aromatic Bermet.


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Wine RouteMt. Fruka Gora is famous for its wines, which canbe sampled in one of 60 privately-owned winecellars. Bermet and Ausbruch are sweet, excep-

tionally strong aromatic wines. Neoplanta, theareas authentic aromatic wine, can be tasted in

the erevi Cellar. Other interesting wine cellarsand wineries are found in the nearby villages ofNetin, Banotor, Erdevik and Irig.Visits are subject

to prior arrangement.

VinumPatrijarha Rajaia 36, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/619924Produces Italian Riesling, Rose', Bermet andFrankovkawww.vinum-ns.co.rs; [email protected]

Ki CellarKarlovakog mira 46, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/882880

Produces red and white Bermet, Italian and RhineRiesling, Chardonnay, Frankovkawww.vinarijakis.com; [email protected]

Dulka CellarPotanska 8, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/881797Produces red and white Bermet, Ausbruch, ItalianRiesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvi-gnon.www.dulka-vinarija.com; [email protected]

Roa Cellar

Petra Rajaia 5, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/881911Produces Roa Riesling, Roa Red and RoaDessert Wine

Kosovi CellarKarlovakog Mira 42, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/882842

Produces Italian Riesling, upljanka, Merlot,Cabernet Sauvignon and red and white Bermet.www.vinarijakosovic.com;[email protected]

ivanovi CellarMitropolita Stratimirovia 86b, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/881071Produces Bermet, Ausbruch, Merlot, CabernetSauvignon, Riesling. [email protected]

Kovaevi Wineryoke undukovia 85, IrigPhone: (+381) 022/461192Produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Roseto,Aurelijus and [email protected]

Vinarija BononijaSvetozara Markovia 3, BanotorPhone: (+381) 021/879 032Produces: Frankovka, Merlot, Chardonnay, ItalianRiesling and Bermet.

[email protected]

Vinogradi UroeviNikole Paia 4, BanotorPhone: (+381) 021/879029Produces Italian Riesling, Rhein Riesling, Vranac,Cabernet franc, Merlot and [email protected]


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Where to Eat

Restaurants

Sremski KutakMitropolita Stratimirovia 2, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/884140Oers national and Srem cuisine and local wines

etiri LavaTrg Branka Radievia 3, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 063/7658106Oers grilled meat, fish soup, fish, venison, localwines

Eikovac

Belilo 71, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/ 883325Oers daily menus, grilled specialties

"Dunav" Fish Restaurant

Dunavska 5, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/881666.Oers national cuisine, fish dishes, local wines

Bermet is still produced in Sremski Karlovci, and some wineries oer samplings with a side dish of localsweet pie as an ideal combination.

Vintners from Sremski Karlovci insist that wine lists in the best restaurants cannot be compiled withoutthe wines they produce .

Vojvodina ham, kulen (smoked hot-flavored sausage) and Srem cheese go best with white wines suchas Italian Riesling, upljanka, Ros, or a young Gamay. Vranac, Gamay, and red Burgundy goes well withmeat pie, while Ruica or a light red wine are the best choices to go with fish paprikash.


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Sightseeing

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Sremski Karlovci is a pearl of Serbian culture andreligious heritage. As an open-air museum itranks among the most famous European cities.The baroque urban core includes many historicalbuildings - impressive both for their beauty andfor their historical importance.

The "Fruka Gora" National park with its numer-ous 14th century monasteries, a tour of the enejsala, and the Kovilj-Petrovaradin Wetland (a truebird-watching paradise) are just some of theregions other attractions. Then there is Novi Sad- a city of culture and festivities on the Danube.

Sights in Novi Sad include the 18th centuryCatholic cathedral, the Orthodox St. Georgecathedral with the bishop's court, DunavskaStreet with a lane of 19th-century houses, andlast ,but not least, the Petrovaradin Fortress. -Dubbed the "Danube Gibraltar", it is a uniquemilitary construction from the era of the empressMaria Theresa.

Every year in late September, Sremski Karlovcihosts the Groebal - a festival dedicated to grapeharvesting and wine.

Tourist information:Tourist Organization of Sremski Karlovci,Trg Branka Radievia 7, Phone: (+381) 021/882127www.karlovci.co.rs; [email protected]


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Getting There and Finding AccommodationSremski Karlovci can be reached by buses to Novi Sad leaving from Belgrade every hour, which stop inSremski Karlovci. By car, Sremski Karlovci can be reached either by the M22 road from Belgrade to NoviSad (65km), or by international route E75 from the direction of Subotica, taking the exit at Temerin.

Sremski Karlovci can also be reached by Belgrade-Novi Sad regular train lines, and from May to Octoberthe heritage train "Romantika" also runs on the Belgrade-Sremski Karlovci line.

AccommodationBoem Hotel**Patrijarha Rajaia 2, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/881038The hotel , located in the city center, has 15 roomswith 30 beds, a restaurant and a private parking lot.

Dunav HotelDunavska 5, Sremski KarlovciPhone: (+381) 021/883735The hotel has 52 rooms with a total of 130 beds.

Andrevlje HotelPhone: (+381) 021/4802400Located on the lower slopes of Mt. Fruka Gora, just35km from Sremski Karlovci near the locality oferevi.Oers 30 rooms with 60 beds

Also, the nearby city of Novi Sad has a very rich variety of hotels suitable for an overnight stay.


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Sea ofVineyards

Vrac Wine Route


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History of the Regions WineAccording to some historical sources, Vracviticulture goes back to the times of the Daciansand Roman rule. However, the earliest writtenevidence of wines produced in Vrac goes back tothe 15th century and a 1494 sales-bill for winedelivered to the court of the Polish King VladislawII. Although Turkish writer Evliya Celebi noted inhis travel accounts that vineyards covered theVrac Hill slopes and produced sweet tasty grapes,it was only with the extensive Austro-Hungariancolonization during the rule of Maria Theresa(1740-1780) that winemaking really developed inthe Banat region.

The large Helvetia Cellar, built and equipped in1880 by Swiss wine merchant Bernhard Staub, lies

along the road to the Mesi Monastery. Theprofound importance of winemaking for Vrac isprobably best illustrated by the grapevine foundon the municipal coat-of-arms, and representa-tions of grapes decorating the facades of its oldbuildings.

By the end of 19th century, Vrac had 10,000hectares of vineyards. At the time these were thelargest vineyards in Austria-Hungary, and possiblyeven in all of Europe, since many continentalvineyards had been destroyed by the phylloxeraepidemic.The end of Ottoman rule and the arrival of Germansettlers from the Rhine made viticulture the mainsource of income in the village of Gudurica, not farfrom Vrac. The villages ethnic diversity wasfurther enriched after World War II, whenSlovenes, Macedonians, and people from Bosnia,Lika, Banija and Kordun also settled there.

Today, Gudurica has a population of 1,500 compris-ing 22 dierent nationalities, including a French

woman. 80 of the villages 400 householdscultivate vineyards on around 100 hectares of land.When one considers that the local VrakiVinogradi plantation covers 1,000 hectares, this iscertainly the most vineyard-oriented village in theall of Serbia.


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The Vrac wine-producing region covers hillyterrain that makes up the farthest western slopesof the Carpathian mountain range. The VrakiVinogradi company is the leading winemaker. Ithas -well over 1,700 hectares of vineyards, thelargest share of the regions total of 2,100hectares.The dominant soil types of the region includesmonitza (vertisol), eutric cambisol and dilluvialsoils with quicksand. The area has a continentalclimate.Ancient, native grape varieties include upljanka,Smederevka, White Chasselas, Rkatsiteli, andKreaca. Kreaca is an ancient white grapevine avariety native to Vrac. It used to be grownthrought the Banat plain. White grape varietiesdominate in the Vrac vineyards. Red varieties arevery rarely found.

For a connoisseur, the Vrac Hills Gudurica andVeliko Sredite are synonymous with top-qualitygrapes and good wine. Favorable geographic andclimatic factors have traditionally inspired thelocals to grape and wine production.

Today, the entire area where the Vrac hills and thegentle Banat plain meet is covered with vineyards.It is certainly one of the most important viticultureregions in Serbia.

Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Rhineand Italian Riesling stand out among the numer-ous top quality wines produced in this region. TheBanatski Rizling white table wine is very popular.It is a blend of Italian Riesling, Smederevka,upljanka and Kreaca.


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Wine RouteVraki VinogradiSvetosavski trg 1, VracPhone: (+381) 013/822088 Produces a wide range

of top-quality wines, as well as wines obtainedfrom ancient native varieties. The old wine cellarin the village of Gudurica can accommodate 150persons.www.vvinogradi.co.rs;[email protected]

Krstov CellarVeliko Sredite, VracPhone: (+381) 013/833624Very pleasant environment. Sampling of"Todorovo Vino" (coupage of Frankovka, Merlotand Red Burgundy), "Sveti Georgije" made ofKreaca, as well as Shiller. Two halls can accom-

modate 80 visitors for wine-sampling.www.krstov.blogspot.com; [email protected]

Vinik WineryNovosadska 1, VracPhone: (+381) 013/820210

Produces Vrole white and Vrole rose' andBermet. Accommodates up to 50 visitors forwine samplings .www.dobrovino.com; [email protected]

Selecta - Stoji CellarStudenaka 11, Vrac Phone: (+381) 013/881067Produces "Dvorsko vino", Chardonnay, WhiteBurgundy. Accommodates up to 50 visitors forwine sampling and oers two double [email protected]

Nedin CellarGortanova 22, village of GuduricaPhone: (+381) 013/881076 Produces: Kreaca,

Rhine Riesling, White Burgundy and Merlot.Accommodates up to 25 visitors for wine-sampling.

Visits to cellars are subject to prior arrangement.

Vraki Vinogradi wine cellar is a feat of engineering and an architectural marvel. It can store 34,000tones of wine. It was built between 1964 and 1967. Shaped in the form of a Y, the Vraki Vinogradi cellarwas a specific symbol of former Yugoslavia. It is also one of the three biggest wine cellars in Europe,along with one in Listel (France) and Logrono (Spain). The wine cellar has five galleries - one under-ground and four above ground - containing 580 special concrete tanks lined with glass tiles.


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Places to Eat

RestaurantsGudurika Pria

Village of GuduricaPhone: (+381) 063/1010550Ethno-style restaurant and a cellar with aselection of local wines. Oers local cuisine.

Restaurant M

Omladinski trg 17, VracPhone: (+381) 013/800158The restaurant is located in the Millennium SportsCenter and can seat 90. Oers national andinternational cuisine.

Ikar

Podvranska 146, Vrac

Phone: (+381) 013/830650The dining hall can seat 55 guests.Oers national cuisine

Fontana

Trg Save Kovaevia bb, VracPhone: (+381) 013/835645

Located in the heart of the city and has twodining halls which can seat 200.

Arena

Gradski park, VracPhone: (+381) 013/830163Located within the Municipal Park, the restaurantis decorated in a traditional style, and can seat 50guests.

Vraka Pivnica

arka Zrenjanina 4, VracPhone: (+381) 013/838037Accommodates 180 guests in several diningrooms

Apart from local wines, restaurants serve localspecialties from Vrac and Vojvodina, such asvenison, grilled meats, smoked ham, vargla(head cheese), cheese rolls, and poppy seedstrudel. Venison goes well with the local Frank-ovka wine, while smoked ham goes well withKreaca and Italian Riesling.


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Sightseeing

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Vrac, a town of 40,000, lies about 90km east of

Belgrade, close to the Romanian border.The following recommended city sights will fulfillyour tourist experience: 14th century Vrac Toweron Vrac Hill; 18th century City Hall (Magistrate);18th century bishop's court (Vladianski Dvor)with a rich treasury; 16th century Mesi Monas-tery (10km from Vrac); 18th century AncientPharmacy. This is located next to the permanentexhibition of the Museum of St. NicholasOrthodox Cathedral from 1785; the RomanCatholic St. Gerhard Church built in 1863, and theHoly Cross Chapel dating from 1720.

A visit to the Vraki Vinogradi winery includes a

tour of the cellar storing 34,000 tones of wineand a two-hour drive through the plantationvineyards. This experience, followed by asampling of wines at the famous old wine cellar inGudurica just outside Vrac, is certain to satisfyeven the most discriminating wine connessieur.The St. Theodor Order of wine-knights (namedafter the patron saint of the city) is quite active inVrac. Touring the wine route one is bound tomeet members of the Order, since the vintnersrecommended in this publications are allmembers.

Tourist information: The Vrac Tourist OrganizationPhone: (+381) 013/832999www.to.vrsac.com; [email protected]


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Getting There and Accommodation

From Belgrade, a bus for Vrac leaves every 30 minutes. The trip takes about two hours.To get to Vrac by car, one follows route M19 from Belgrade - via Panevo.

Accommodation

Villa Breg Hotel *****,Goranska bb, VracPhone (+381) 013/831000.The hotel has 48 rooms with 105 beds.

Srbija Hotel***Svetosavski trg 12, VracPhone: (+381) 013/815545.A downtown hotel with 85 rooms with 186 beds.

Vetrenjaa MotelBeogradski put bb, VracPhone: (+381) 013/801156.The motel has 22 rooms with 44 beds.

JAT Boarding HousePodvranska 146, VracPhone: (+381) 013/821120The hotel is located about 2 km from the citycenter, and has 47 rooms with 78 beds.


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Golden Hill

Smederevo Wine Route


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History of the Regions Wine

The history of Smederevo dates back to Romantimes, and the rule of Emperor Probus. Serbian

despots Stefan Lazarevi and ura Brankoviboth had vineyards in the Smederevo area in the15th century. At that time vineyards also includedpimnice (wine houses), where one could rest andhave a jug of good wine. In those days the winetrade was strictly controlled.

The leader of the Second Serbian Uprising againstTurkish rule, Milo Obrenovi, contributed toSmederevo winemaking by planting 36 hectares ofvineyards on Zlatni Breg (Golden Hill), his family'ssummer seat.

High-quality wines are still produced there.The wine cellar PK Godomin, founded in 1909. is

still in operation and serves as a testament to thelong wine making tradition of Smederevo.

The cellars have a capacity of 20,000 tons, withcasks that can hold several thousand liters of wine.

Traditionally Smederevo vintners packed theirpremium white wine, called Smederevka, first intocrates and then into cases before exporting themto West Europan markets.


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The Smederevo winemaking region lies betweenthe Danube and the Velika Morava river - a

perfect geographic position for viticulture, withfavorable terrain climate and soil.The climate is characterized by regular tempera-ture fluctuations, while the dominant soil types,eutric cambisol and smonitza, are loose andfavorable for growing grapes. The grape produc-ing area encompasses more than 500 hectares.

Smederevka, named after the town of Smeder-evo, is the leading grape variety and thetraditional symbol of the region's viticulture.

It yields grapes of high quality, which also yieldgood table wine. The wines made from

Smederevka are pleasant and energizing, and areeven better when coupaged with high-qualityRiesling, Smillon, and white Burgundy.

Along with Smederevka, other noteworthy winesare produced in the region, such as wines madefrom Italian Riesling, Sauvignon, Smillon andTraminac.Among quality red wines Gamay stands out aswell as Prokupac-based blush wines.


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Wine RouteOne could say that the Smederevo vintners havebeen blessed by nature, which has given them allthey need to produce a good wine. Now, all they

have to do is to use these gifts wisely.

In the village of Krnjevo, just outside of Smederevo,grapevines are grown on the sandy and gravelstrewn terrain. Here one can sample the winesfrom the"Mali Podrum Radovanovi" (Small CellarRadovanovic), a winery that makes Chardonnay,Rhine Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon,all of

which rank among the top Serbian wines. TheRadovanovi family has been in the winemakingbusiness for generations. This heritage and

tradition formedthe foundation of the companyestablished in 1990. At that time a new 2.5 hectarevineyard was planted on the sandy terrainbetween the small hills of Mali Gola and VelikiGola. This vineyard was planted facing southeastto absorb the first morning sunrays and be exposedto a steady circulation of warm air.

Mali Podrum Radovanovi CellarDositejeva 10, KrnjevoPhone: (+381) 026/821085

Produces Rhein Riesling, Chardonnay, ChardonnaySelection, Rose', Cabernet Sauvignon and Caber-net Sauvignon Barrique. Accommodates groups ofup to 50 visitors for wine samplings.www.podrumradovanovic.com;[email protected]

ivkovi WineryVillage of Klievac, near PoarevacPhone: (+381) 012/226426.Produces Rhein Riesling, Chardonnay, CabernetSauvignon and Bermet and can accommodate 30visitors for wine samplings. [email protected]

Janko Cellaralinaka bb, Smederevo, SmederevoPhone: (+381) 026/613340

ProducesSmederevka, "Zapis" (Rhein and ItalianRiesling), "Misija" (Chardonnay), "Adut"(Traminac), "Zapis Red" (Merlot) and "Zavet"(Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot).Accommodates 30 wine-samplers and 50 moreguests in the restaurant.www.vinjanko.com; [email protected]

Visits are subject to prior arrangement.


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Places to Eat

Restaurants

DunavDespota ura 21, SmederevoPhone: (+381) 026/221442The restaurant can seat 50 and oerstraditional cuisine and fish specialties.

BrvnaraBeogradski put 161Phone: (+381) 026/617064Ethno restaurant, with a good wine list.

urevi VajatiBeogradski put, SmederevoPhone: (+381) 026/671943The restaurant specializes in traditionalcuisine.

Grand PerperTrg Republike 1-3, SmederevoPhone: (+381) 026/614671A broad oering of international cuisine

The Smederevka white wine has an unobtrusive aroma, making it a perfect match for local

cheese pies, Serbian gibanica (local version of cheese pie), roast pig with farm bread or cornbread, zucchini moussaka or sarma (stued Swiss chard rolls).


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Sightseeing

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Medieval Smederevo was the seat of Serbianmonarchs and has a rich history. A town tourshould start with a visit to the Sveti GeorgijeChurch, built in the 19th century. The SmederevoFortress was constructed in the 15th century andcovers an area around 10 hectares. Triangular inshape, it has 25 towers. Karaorev Dud (MulberryTree), a famous site from the First SerbianUprising, is also interesting.

In late September, Smederevo hosts a festivalcalled Smederevska Jesen (Smederevo Fall),dedicated to grapes and wine.

The festivities include a wine competition and aparade of medieval knights.

Smederevo MuseumOmladinska 4Phone: (+381) 026/222138Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Closed on Mondays

Old Town / FortressPhone: (+381) 026/224046Open: every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tourist information: Tourist Organization of SmederevoOmladinska 1, Phone: (+381) 026/222952 www.toosd.com; [email protected]


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Smederevo is 45-km from Belgrade by the Smederevo road via Grocka, or 55-km by the interna-tional E75, the Ni highway. A bus for Smederevo leaves every hour from Belgrades Lasta busstation.

Accommodation

Car Hotelure Daniia 64, SmederevoPhone: (+381) 026/229760Oers 33 rooms with 54 beds

Zlatnik Boarding HouseKovinski put bbPhone: (+381) 026/651411Oers 12 rooms with 30 beds.

Kraljev dvor HotelCrvene Armije 280Phone: (+381) 026/651223Oers 14 rooms with 30 beds

Konak InnLjubika 3Phone: (+381) 026/615801Suite with 4 beds

Mir InnAnte Protia 2

Phone: (+381) 026/228820.Oers 6 suites with 13 beds

Jerina MotelAutoput bb, Malo OrajePhone: (+381) 026/722254.The motel has 30 double rooms, with 60 beds,a restaurant and a parking lot.


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O

Royal WinesOplenac Wine Route


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On the slopes of Mt. Kosmaj, Mt. Rudnik and Mt.Venac, in the region of Oplenac and Prokop

vineyards have been cultivated sinceancient times.

The wine making fame of this territory grewgreatly during the Middle Ages. The first writtenrecord of Oplenac wine making can be found in DeLa Broquieres travel accounts, published in 1432.Serbian state archives also contain documentswhich show that grapes and wine were soabundant during the time of Duke Milos that therewas not enough storage space for all of them.In early 15th century, Despot Stefan Lazarevioften went hunting on Mt. Kosmaj.

It was here that he became acquainted with winesfrom Pavlovac - now called Koraica. 1903 was a

pivotal year It was then that the Venac viticul-ture cooperative and wine cellars of King Petar andKing Aleksandar Karaorevi were established.

This event was destined to make Oplenac winesfamous throughout Europe.The Cooperative had members from the smalltowns of Vina, Brezovica, Lipovica, Topola andBanja. Topolas vineyards covered some 1500hectares at that time. Under the supervision ofexperts, mostly brought in from France, Coopera-tive members produced wine, cognac and evenchampagne.


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The Oplenac sub-region , with its Mt. Venac andMt. Kosmaj vineyards, is situated in the hilly

umadija region along the Velika Morava riverbasin. The vineyards mostly occupy southern andsoutheasterly exposures. The climate has regulartemperature fluctuations.

The dominant soil types include silty alluvialsediment, smonitza (vertisol), eutric cambisol,parapodsol, and other types of soil.The favorable climate, the texture and configura-tion of soil, as well as outstanding viticulturalfactors provide excellent conditions for cultivatingvarieties like Prokupac and Vranac, as well as theold Smederevka grape variety.

Prokupac yields exceptionally good wines.Coupage of Prokupac with premium varieties gives

wines that closely resemble French types.The tradition of the King's Cellars and the heritageof the Venac viticultural cooperative have beenrevitalized by the Aleksandrovi Cellar in Oplenac.

Several years ago, the chief cellar-keeper of theroyal family Karaorevi, who immigrated toCanada in 1945, sent a recipe for the best wine onceproduced in the King's Cellar to the owner of theAleksandrovi Cellar. This heralded the rebirth of"Trijumf", a coupage of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardon-nay and Riesling. It is considered to be one of thebest Serbian wines.


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Wine RouteAleksandrovi CellarVillage of Vina, near TopolaPhone: (+381) 034/826555

Produces the "Oplenac" (coupage of Rhein andItalian Riesling), "Trijumf" (Sauvignon Blanc),"Trijumf Barrique", "Varijanta" (Muscat Hamburg),"Harizma" (Chardonnay), "Euforija", "Frankovka"and "Rodoslov". The wine sampling hall canaccommodate 60 visitors.www.podrumaleksandrovic.co.rs;[email protected].

Srpska TradicijaVillage of Blaznava, near TopolaPhone: (+381) 063/604336Produces the "Srce" (coupage of Vranac and

Gamay) and "Dua" (Italian Riesling and Smeder-vka). Accommodates up to 40 visitors for winesampling. [email protected];www.srpskatradicija.com

King's Cellar (Kraljev podrum)Kraljice Marije 4, TopolaPhone: (+381) 034/811118.Produces Sauvignon Blanc. Accommodatesgroups of up to 100 visitors. The cellar is also a

[email protected]

Grb CellarTrenjevaki Put bb, AranelovacPhone: (+381) 034/724274.Produces Vranac, Rhein Riesling and ItalianRiesling. Also has a restaurant that seats up to [email protected]

Jeli CellarVillage of Bujai, near ValjevoPhone: (+381) 014/291143Produces "Morava", Rhein Riesling, Chardonnay,"Louis Gedoin", "Belle Epoque", "Millennium","Mamut", Pinot Noir Rose'.

Two wine-sampling halls can accommodate up to150 persons, and the cellar also has a restaurant.www.tamuzvino.com; [email protected]

The Jeli Cellar is located in the Pocerje viticultureregion, but for practical reasons we decided toinclude it in the Oplenac Wine Route.

Visits to cellars are subject to priorarrangement.


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Places to Eat

RestaurantsRestaurant VodBeogradski put bb, TopolaPhone: (+381) 034/811365Ethno restaurant seating 80 guests.

Restaurant JezeroBeogradski Put bb, TopolaPhone: (+381) 034/811528Seats up to 500 guests.

Restaurant Staro VinoBournja, near TopolaPhone: (+381) 034/812393Seats up to 100.

Restaurant BrezaMije Todorovia 25, TopolaPhone: (+381) 034/812463

Restaurant AleksandarKnjaza Miloa 171, AranelovacPhone: (+381) 034/714617

Restaurant GrbTanaska Rajia bb, AranelovacPhone: (+381) 034/721395

The restaurants serve a variety of local winesthat go well with the traditional umadijacuisine. The "Varijanta" blush wine goes wellwith smoked ham, kajmak (cream cheese),

cracklings and home-made bread. "Smederevka"goes well with roast pork, while "Vranac" and"Prokupac" go well with hajduki evap(brigand's kebab). Svadbarski kupus (garnishedcabbage stew) goes well with Sauvignon Blanc,making "Trijumf" an obvious choice.


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Sightseeing

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The endowment of King Petar I includes the St.George church, serving as the mausoleum of theKaraorevi dynasty; Petars House - a galleryexhibiting personal belongings of both king PetarI and king Aleksandar I; Karaores Hall - builtbetween 1911 and 1913, housing Karaorespersonal belongings and authentic weapons fromthe First Serbian Uprising and the ViticulturalHouse - which has a gallery.

Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer and8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter.

The Kings Cellar in Topola has two undergroundfloors where the temperature is a constant 8degrees Celsius.There are 99 barrels in the cellar, each with a4,000-liter capacity. They were last filled 20 yearsago. Every October, Topola hosts the traditionalthree-day Oplenac Harvest and the FolkloreFestival, dedicated to grapes and wine.

The Bukovika Banja spa with its century old parkis just 12 km from Topola. The Mt. Rudnikmonasteries are also a short drive away. TheRisovaka Peina cave - close to Aranelovac isalso well worth a visit.

Tourist information: Topola Tourist Organization,Kneginje Zorke 13, TopolaPhone: (+381) 034/811172www.topolaoplenac.org.rs; [email protected]


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Getting There and AccommodationTopola is a small town situated on the slopes ofLittle Oplenac, a rocky oak-covered hill in theheart of umadija.

Legend has it that a poplar tree (Topola)sprouted at the crossroads and served as a

traditional gathering place, giving its name tothe town that gradually grew there.The town lies some 80 km south of Belgrade and

can be reached by the route E75.Regular bus lines from Belgrade take about 90minutes to reach Topola.

Accommodation

Oplenac Hotel**Phone: (+381) 034/811430Oers 100 beds in suites, double and triple rooms.The hotel has a restaurant, a national cuisinerestaurant, a TV hall, and a souvenir shop.

Konak Staro VinoPilota Zorana Tomia 48, TopolaPhone: (+381) 034/814000.The inn oers 10 rooms with 20 beds.


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The RajacPimniceNegotin Wine Route


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Grapevines have been grown in the Negotin regionsince Roman times, possibly as early as in the 3rdcentury.

In the late 19th century when the phylloxeraepidemic devastated French and Europeanvineyards, Negotin Krajina wines were exported toFrance, Austria-Hungary, Germany and Russia. Itsvineyards, planted on sandy terrain along thebanks of the Danube, were not aected by thedisease.Wine was exported using ships, via the Radujevacport on the Danube. The local consulate ofAustria-Hungary coordinating these exportsstayed operational until 1911.This intense wine trade prompted the creation ofthe first viticultural cooperative in 1890. In late

19th century, the Negotin Krajina evolved intoSerbia's biggest wine growing region.

The Rajac pimnice are a unique architecturalcomplex comprising 270 wine cellars, builtbetween the mid 18th century and the 1930's. They

are all dug into the ground at least 2 meters deep.This keeps temperature fluctuations minimalthroughout the year.

These Pimnice were built using logs and cut stone.They are aligned and connected by streets, alleysand squares just like real houses. The bottom halfof the cellar is deep in the ground and the roomson the upper floor are designed to accommodateharvesters and vintners.Similar stone complexes have also been preservedin the villages of Rogljevo and Smedovac. Oncethere were 316 pimnice in Rajac, but only about 60

are left in this unusual village where wine was themost important inhabitant.


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Viticulture and Winemaking TodayThe Negotin Krajina winegrowing region lies inthe valley surrounded by Mt Miro, Mt. Crni Vrhand Mt. Deli Jovan on the one side, and the

Danube and the river Timok on the other. Suchgeography induces a specific climate -distinctly continental, with very warmsummers and cold winters.Three types of soil are predominant in thezones were grapes is grown: alluvial deposits,lake sediments, eruptive rocks and limestone.According to the latest surveys there are some1,000 hectares of vineyards in Negotin.

The region's traditional native grapevinevarieties include Bagrina, Zainak, Prokupac,Vranac and Smederevka. Bagrina yields a

gold-colored white wine with a distinctivebouquet. This ancient variety is gradually beingreplaced by Italian Riesling, Sauvignon andSmillon.

Zainak, however, serves as a blending andcoloring grape.With their rich winemaking heritage and the

unique pimnice, the neighboring villages ofRajac, Rogljevo and Smedovac, constitute aspecial part of the Negotin Krajina viticultureregion. These villages take pride in theirfragrant red wines, produced in a fortunatemixture of high-quality soil and abundantsunshine at an altitude of 150-250 meters.Renowned Negotin Krajina red wines areprimarily based on Prokupac, red Burgundyand Gamay. Wines made from these varietieshave an intense red color, pleasant taste andappealing bouquet.

Well-known white wines include Bagrina,Semillon, Italian Riesling, Sauvignon andSmederevka.


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Wine RouteVino GradeVillage of RogljevoPhone: (+381) 019/541120

Produces Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon, RhineRiesling, and Chardonnay. In the ancient recon-structed pimnica in Rogljevo, wine-sampling canbe organized for groups of up to 100 visitors.www.vinarija.co.rs/vino-grade; [email protected]

Ivanovi CellarSmedovac, RogljevoPhone: (+381) 019/532728Produces the "Bahus" (coupage of Gamay,Burgundy and Zainak); Red Burgundy andSmillon. Accommodates groups of up to 20 winesamplers.

Vukainovi WineryVillage of RajacPhone: (+381) 013/345381, 063/283128

Produces Gamay blended with Vranac, SauvignonBlanc, and Chardonnay.The pimnica includes a nicely decorated hall thatcan accommodate up to 15 [email protected]

Bogdanovi CellarVillage of Rajac,Phone: (+381) 019/422867 and 019/ 531724The cellar is located in a pimnica and oers apleasant environment for up to 40 visitors.

Pimnice are no longer built, but manyhave beenrefurbished and turned into modern multi-functional spaces without jeopardizing theuniqueness of the traditional environment.Tourists are now oered a possibility of tastingand purchasing wine in the pimnice. Onerefurbished pimnice houses the Restaurant Sveti

Trifun. It is uniquely decorated and cultivatesthe traditions and customs of Serbian hospitality.The restaurant serves superb traditional Serbiandishes and Rajac wines.



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Places to Eat

Restaurants

Restaurant GeraStojanke Radosavljevi 17, NegotinPhone: (+381) 019/542731National cuisine

Restoran 202Ljube Neia 10, NegotinPhone: (+381) 065/9999202Oers national cuisine and premium Negotinwines

Restaurant Zlatno BurenceObilieva 5, Negotin

Phone: (+381) 019/545412National cuisine

Hajduk Veljkov RajRadeta Nedeljkovia 2, NegotinPhone: (+381) 019/545600National cuisine

Sveti TrifunVillage of RajacPhone: (+381) 064/2162500Traditional dishes in a pleasant environment

SidroKarapandina 1, NegotinPhone: (+381) 064/9638942National cuisine specialities

Bela LaaKusjak, Negotin, Phone: (+381) 063/7500110Restaurant on a ship anchored on the Danube

Restaurant FormaHajduk Veljkova 79, NegotinPhone: (+381) 064/1937019National and international cuisine

Restaurant Obiliora Stanojevia 21, NegotinPhone: (+381) 019/543845National cuisine

Tasty grilled pljeskavice (burgers), evapii (burger rolls) and other grilled meats go best withstrong dry red wines such as Gamay or Burgundy. Gamay also goes well with potato moussaka,

while Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon go well with farm-style meat dishes.


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Sightseeing

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Negotin is a town of history and viticulture. It wasalso home to Serbia's first agricultural school.The oldest cultural monument is the Church of

Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God, built in1803. "Baba Finka" an 18th century Turkishfortification which includes the famous HajdukVeljko's armory is also interesting.The 19th century Knez Todorce's Konak is also wellworth visiting. It includes the memorial home ofthe famed Serbian composer Stevan Mokranjac.A visit to Negotins old town is a special treat. Fora lesson in history, the visitors should go to theKrajina Museum in Negotin, which includes theArchaeological Museum. The 19th century Bukovoand 9th century Vratna monasteries are truearcheological pearls.

arkamen, a site built around the 3rd century, issituated 13 km from Negotin.Unique natural monuments sof astounding

beauty are additional tourist attractions of thisregion. Particularly impressive are the VratnaGates, located in ahunting reservation in theimmediate vicinity of the Vratna monastery. Wealso recommend the nearby Mokranj Rocks andthe Sikolska River waterfalls on the outskirts ofthe vineyards area.

The Vratna and Alija hunting grounds in thevicinity of Negotin cover about 300 hectares each,while the Deli Jovan hunting reservation hassome500 hectares. These are breeding grounds offallow deer, mouflon, and wild boar.

Tourist information: Tourist Organization of Negotin Vojvode Miia 25Phone: (+381) 019/547555www.toon.org.rs; [email protected]


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Negotin is some 300 km from Belgrade along theinternational route E75 via Parain and Zajear.

The distance via Smederevo, Poarevac andMajdanpek is 290 km, while along the Danuberoute via Donji Milanovac, the distance is 250 km.

Negotin is 150 km from Ni via Knjaevac, 55 kmfrom Kladovo, 57 km from Zajear, and 55 km from

Vidin, the nearest Bulgarian town.

The distance from the nearest Romanian town,Turnu Severin, is 80 km.

Accommodation

Vila TeaStanka Paunovia 13, Negotin

Phone: (+381) 064/1896647Oers 14 rooms with 25 beds.

Vila DeluksNaselje Gradite bb, NegotinPhone: (+381) 019/548885Oers 7 rooms with 16 beds

Ineks Krajina HotelSave Dragojlovia 21, NegotinPhone: (+381) 019/542853

The hotel has 190 beds and six restaurants

Sveti TrifunRajac PimnicePhone: (+381) 064/2162500Wine tasting room, a restaurant and fourcomfortable double rooms.


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Roman treasureKnjaevac Wine Route


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Viticulture and winemaking in Serbia's Knjaevacregion dates back to Roman times. A Romanarchaeological site, Timacum Minus, located near

the town, stands today as a witness from thatera.Not surprisingly, the archaeological findingsincluded a statue of Dionysus, the Roman god ofwine.Roman writers from the Third and FourthA.D.wrote that vineyards were planted inKnjaevac. These writers also wrote that Romanlegions used wines from this region to prepare fortheir military campaigns.The oldest vineyards are located on Dervin Hill,which towers over Knjaevac.

The Plovdina and Prokupac grape varieties weregrown in this area, as well as other grape varietiesto a lesser extent.

The Knjaevac winemaking cooperative wasestablished in 1927. It wasthe third of its kind inSerbia. The accompanying wine cellar initially hada capacity of 100-tons, which was expanded to3,500 tons after World War Two. In 1960, thecooperative was transformed into the DervinWinery, prompting an intense development ofwine making in the Knjaevac region.The natural assets of Knjaevac and the regionhave greatly favored the development of thissector.


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The Knjaevac region is an area of captivatingbeauty, blending a medley of ethnic heritage andtradition with late Roman archaeological sitesand monuments.Today, wine has become inseparable from thehistory and the traditions of thisregion.Knjaevacs vineyards spread along the basin ofthe winding Timok River and its tributaries.Blessed with a moderate continental climate,with warm summers ,cold winters and over 300sunny days a year, the area is ideal for vineyards.

The three dominant soil types include alluvialdeposits, lake sediments and soils that developedon volcanic rocks and limestone.Redgrape varieties grown in the Knjaevacvineyards include Red Burgundy, Prokupac andPlovdina. The white varieties include Smederevkaand Italian Riesling.

Traditional varieties like Prokupac, Vranac andPlovdina are still cultivated as well as other topvarieties that adapted successfully to the local soiland climate.The Knjaevac Association of Viticulturists andVintners is very active., It hosts the annualSmoked Ham, Wine and Cheese Fair, which hasbecome a true tradition. The Association includeswine cellar keepers and natural wine producers.Its aim is to improve production ,promoteeducation, joint marketing and productplacement for its membership.

The Association also created a WinemakingMuseum, which is part of an Ethno Park in thevillage of Ravna. Together with the old villageschool, a traditional house and a Romanlapidarium, the Museum is a unique exhibition oftradition, winemaking and Roman heritage.


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Wine Route

Jovi WineryVillage of Potrkanje, near KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/730337

The winery produces award-winning Vranac,Ros, Chardonnay and Rhine Riesling. Frenchsommeliers and local enologists rated the 2003Vranac "Wine of the Year" in the category of redwines made from autochthonous grapevarieties. The Ros stands out with its particularfreshness and clarity and a slight aroma ofmuscat.The winery oers its guests four double roomsfor overnight stays.www.vinarijajovic.rs; [email protected]

Cellar IsakovMarka Kraljevia 10, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/731105

Produces Gurgusovac Red and GurgusovacWhite, natural medicinal wines blended withherbal plant extracts.

Additional information about Knjaevac winecellars can be obtained in "Restaurant JB"(Knjaza Miloa 170, Knjaevac), which has asampling hall for all the locally produced wines.Phone: (+381) 019/732540


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Places to Eat

RestaurantsRestaurant Isakov

Knjaza Miloa 170, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/732540Specializes in national cuisine

Restaurant Miloev Konak

Njegoeva 4, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/732103Accommodates up to 40 guests and specializes innational cuisine

Restaurant Pariz

Branka Radievia 6/2, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/734633

Restaurant Barka

Kadijski Krst bb, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/731222Accommodates up to 400 guests

Tresibaba

Knjaza Miloa 67, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/732240Around 65 places

Villa Katarina

Karaoreva bb, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/733379Accomodates up to 200 guests

Mali Predah

Mile Julin 4, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/739100Accomodates up to 600 guests

Knjaevacs Vranac red wine goes well with spicypies as an entre, while muscadine Ros goes wellwith ham and smoked meats. Light young roswines also go well with Serbian baked beancasserole (prebranac)., You may also want to tryPotrkanj Chardonnay with roast mountain lambfrom Mt. Stara Planina.


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Sightseeing

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Knjaevac lies in Eastern Serbia surrounded byhigh mountains. Its rich cultural heritage includesa significant number of well-preserved traditionalbuildings. An abundance of forests, meadows,streams ,rivers, unspoiled nature, a moderateclimate, numerous cultural monuments, thermalsprings with medicinal properties, andtraditional, home-made food all add up to aunique touristexperience.

The ruins of the ancient Roman town of TimacumMinus lie in the vicinity of the town of Knjaevac.An archaeological-ethno park with numerousRoman monuments and grape-decoratedepitaphs, is located in the nearby village of Ravna.The Museum of Viticulture and Winemaking is also

located in this village.

The Regional Museum (Zaviajni Muzej) definitelyshould not be missed. It boasts a unique collectionof some 1,000 hand-knit woolen socks from theTimok Krajina region. Some of these socks are upto 200 years old. Other exhibits are evenolder.Another must-see is the 14th century HolyMother of God church in the nearby village ofGornja Kamenica.

Midor Peak - Serbia's highest - is also in thevicinity of Knjaevac. It stands on Mt. StaraPlanina, alongside the equally attractive site ofBabin Zub. Every spring in the month of May,Knjaevac hosts the traditional ethnic festivalcalled "Prayer Under the Midor". It includes aunique contest in which contestants prepare

traditional Serbian meals and a shepherd gamescompetition.

Knjaevac Tourist Organization Miloa Obilia 1, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/735230www.knjaevac.co.rs; [email protected]


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Getting There and AccommodationSituated 300 km from Belgrade, Knjaevac hasseveral direct bus lines to the capital.

If traveling by car from Belgrade, takeinternational route E75 to Ni, then turn onto the

regional road via Svrljig, via Zajear or via SokoBanja.

Accommodation

Motel BarkaKadijski Krst bb, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/731222The motel has 38 rooms with 80 beds and oers avery pleasant environment.

Villa Katarina

Karaoreva bb, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/733379The villa has 7 rooms with 16 beds and caters toselective guests.

Boarding house Mali PredahMile Julin 4, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/739100The boarding house has 28 rooms with 60 beds.

Ethno House Torlaci

Beljii, KnjaevacPhone: (+381) 019/769470.Located in a beautiful traditional setting just 15kmfrom Knjaevac. Oers 15 rooms with 30 beds andoutstanding cuisine.


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GrapevineCapitalupa Wine Route


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Historical and archaeological sources trace upa'swine heritage as far back as 3,000 years ago. Thisregion has a very special place in the centuries-long

Serbian winemaking tradition . The first writtenrecord of upa and its viticulture can be found inthe 1196 Studenica Charter, in which Serbia's GrandDuke Stefan Nemanja assigned upas winegrow-ing villages to the Studenica monastery. Serbia'sthree largest monasteries and cultural centers -Hilandar, Studenica and ia - all had theirvineyards and wine cellars in upa during theMiddle Ages. The famous Serbian Duke Lazarowned wine cellars around Kruevica.The upa wine making region, called the "SerbianChampagne" by the French consul Deco in 1904,lies in a valley surrounded by Mt. Kopaonik, Mt.

Zeljina, Mt. Go and Mt. Jastrebac.

The climate in the area is said to be very similar tothe one in Bordeaux France. The intense develop-ment of the wine industry in this region in the

1960's started with the establishment of the Rubinwinery in Kruevac in 1955. This was followed bythe founding of the Vino upa company in 1956 inAleksandrovac. , This company was formed by themerger of 9 farming cooperatives.

Wine in upa was a symbol of the rich and thepowerful in upa for centuries, but it was alsoalways a means of survival for the locals.upa wines were consumed by Celtic warriors,Roman legionaires, Byzantine generals, Serbianmonarchs and bishops and Turkish beys.


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upa is famous for its vineyards and diligentwinemakers that maintain the regions reputation.Its geographic, climatic and pedological factors

make it one of the best wine growing areas inSerbia.With its geographical position, Aleksandrovacdominates the hilly landscape with a view of theupa vineyards and the slopes of Mt. Kopaonik.upas vineyards are located in western Serbia, inthe basin of the West Morava river and its tributar-ies. The vineyards coversome 2,500 hectares ofrolling hills, including 50 hectares planted in thelast two years.

Tamjanika and Prokupac -he oldest native Serbiangrape varieties- are grown in Aleksandrovac.

Prokupac, also known as Rskavac, is a thousand-year-old variety, while Tamjanika, a muscateloriginating from France, has been grown here for

over 500 years. Other varieties include upskiBojadiser, Smederevka, Sauvignon, Smillon,upljanka, Neoplanta, Chardonnay and ItalianRiesling.

upa is a well-known winemaking area in Serbia,with softly rollinghills facing south and southeast.These are ideal for vineyards.

The dominant local soil types are very favorable forgrowing grapevines. They include carbonate soils,chernozem, smonitza (vertisol), and eutriccambisol.


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Wine Routeupa, the winemaking capital of, embodies theSerbian tradition of producing wine. upa is aprime example of good stewardship.

upa's winemaking tradition has been revitalizedby a group of some four dozen producers thatpresent their wines at the annual grape harvest

festival. During the three days of festivities,young wine from upas cellars flows fromthetown square fountain. In the nearby

Ljubostinja Monastery, visitors can enjoy thespecial experience of tasting wines made bymonks.

Winery Ivanovi, 10. avgusta 18, AleksandrovacPhone: (+381) 037/755033. Produces Riesling,Tamjanika, Rose', Prokupac and Rhine RieslingLate Harvest. The rustic wine-sampling hall canaccommodate up to 30 visitors.www.ivanovicvino.com;[email protected]

Wine House Mini, village of Trac, near Aleksan-drovac. Phone: (+381) 037/751612Produces Tamnjanika, Dorotej, TamnjanikaBarrique, Tamnjanika Late Harvest and Rose'.Three wine sampling halls can accommodate up to150 persons. The oer includes 8 rustic double-bedapartments made from large wine casks.www.vinskakucaminica.com; [email protected]

Radenkovi Cellar, village of Trnavci, nearAleksandrovac. Phone: (+381) 011/2620090ProducesChardonnay. Rhine Riesling, SauvignonBlanc, Rose', "Carigrad" and "Carigrad Barrique".

The wine tasting hall can accommodate up to 60persons. www.wineco.co.rs; [email protected]

Rajkovi Bros. Cellar, village of Gornje Zleginje,near Aleksandrovac. Phone: (+381) 037/764453Produces: "Princ" and "Dina". The wine samplinghall can accommodate up to 30 people.www.vinarijabracarajkovic.com

Kosta Botunjac Cellar, village of Donje Zleginje,near Aleksandrovac. Phone: (+381) 037/764391Produces Red Burgundy and "Rasplet".

Stemina, Pana ukia 2, Trstenik. Phone: (+381)037/711694. Produces "Panta Rei" (Chardonnay),"Mina" (Rose'), "Stefanos" (Cabernet Sauvignonand Merlot) and "Stefanos Barrique". Accommo-dates up to 30 visitors for [email protected]

Vila Vinum, village of Buje, near PoekovinaPhone: (+381) 037/733169. Produces Shiraz,Cabernet Sauvignon and Cuvee' (Riesling,Sauvignon Blanc and Tamnjanika). Accommodates

up to 20 visitors. www.vilavinum.rs;[email protected]



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Places to EatRestaurantsRestaurant Zlatna KuglaVillage of Boturii near AleksandrovacPhone: (+381) 037/820206

Restaurant KumoviKruevaka 95, AleksandrovacPhone: (+381) 037/751907

Restaurant Slona BraaKruevaka 72, AleksandrovacPhone: (+381) 037/751020

Restaurant BoemKruevaka 3, Aleksandrovac

Phone: (+381) 037/552510

Restaurant upska Kraljica29. novembra, AleksandrovacPhone: (+381) 037/554490

All restaurants serve national dishes and famousupa wines.The typical local wine upljanka goes well withkajmak unripened white cheese and gibanicacheese strudel pie.With roast lamb (the regions must-have dish), youmay want to try more full-bodied white wines, or

strong types of red wines such as Prokupac andVranac.These wines, as well as Italian Riesling ,go wellwith sarma - stued cabage rolls.

The areas traditional wine Tamnjanika goes wellwith potato moussaka.


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Sightseeing

i

Aleksandrovac situated some 230 km southeast ofBelgrade, includes a number of touristoptions. It isless than 50km from Mt. Kopaonik and Vrnjacka

Banja spa, both well-known Serbian tourist centers.

The medieval town of Koznik and the remains of themedieval Drena (14th century) and RudenicaMonasteries (15th century) are only a dozen kilome-ters from Aleksandrovac. These are interestingadditional destinations along this wine route.

The famous upa Harvest Festival, Serbia's oldestwine festival, is a showcase for the region's bestwines. upas vintners covet the awards that aregiven out at this festival.

Custom-built for the festival, the Aleksandrovac'Wine Street has a wine-flowing fountain.,Youngwine is served free for three days from this fountain.

The people of upa jokethat it is fortunate that theWine Street happens only once a year. Otherwise itwould be hard to keep the streetsclear.

"Poljane",seasonal vineyard settlements, are anothertourist attraction. These are seasonal settlementsthat vintners from mountain villages used to usewhen tending their vineyards in the upa valley.

Tourist information: Tourist Organization of Aleksandrovac29. Novembra bb, Aleksandrovac, Phone: (+381) 037/554404www.aleksandrovac.co.rs; [email protected]


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Aleksandrovac is situated 225 km southeast of Belgrade and has regular bus lines to most of the largestcities in Serbia Belgrade, Novi Sad, Ni and Kragujevac.If traveling by car from Belgrade to Aleksandrovac, take the international route E75, make an exit at

Pojate, and proceed via Kruevac.

Accommodation

Grozd Hotel29. novembra bb, AleksandrovacPhone: (+381) 037/751144The downtown hotel has 60 beds, a summergarden, a restaurant and a parking lot.

Braa Miljkovi Motel

Village of Vitkovo, near AleksandrovacPhone: (+381) 037/759104The motel is just 4km outside the town andincludes a restaurant and a supermarket.

Ethno Village of LatkovacAleksandrovacPhone: (+381) 037/554410, 063/768 9975Oers 12 rooms with a total of 34 beds, and atraditional Serbian restaurant.


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CIP - ,

338.48(497.11)(036)634.8 (497.11)(036)663.2-051(497.11)(058)

VLASTELICA, Radomir, 1952 -Serbian Wine Routes / [writer Radomir

Vlastelica ; assistant writer AleksandraVujaevi ; photos Nikola Konstandinovi ...et al. ] . - Belgrade : Tourism Organizationof Serbia, 2009 (Belgrade : Slubeni glasnik).- 64 str. : ilustr. ; 24 cm

Izv. stv. nasl. : . - Kor.nasl. - Podatak o autoru preuzet iz kolofona.

ISBN 978-86-6005-076-4

a) - - b) - - c) - -

COBBISS.SR-ID 172087308

Publisher:TOURISM ORGANIZATION OF SERBIAika Ljubina 8, BelgradePhone: (+381 11) 6557117,Fax: (+381 11) 2626 767e-mail: [email protected] the publisher:Gordana Plamenac, DirectorEditor:Radomir VlastelicaWriter:Radomir VlastelicaAssistant Writer:Aleksandra VujaeviPhotos:Nikola Konstandinovi, Martin Candir, Dragan Bosni, Mihajlo Nikiti, DragoljubZamurovi from the monograph Serbia, Milan Simi, Ilija Dimitrijevi, ivota iri,Tourists Organization Aleksandrovac, Tourists Organization Vrac, Tourists OrganizationSmederevo, Tourists Organization Topola, Tourists Organization Knjaevac, Municipalityof NegotinPublished in: 2009Layout: Coba&associatesPrinting house: Slubeni Glasnik, BelgradePrinted in copies: 5000


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Serbian Wine Routes 2009

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