Ancient Greeks or Romans, Slavs, or perhaps the people who had lived here since the beginning and mixed with our Slavic ancestors in the sea of time? We may never discover the truth, and it may not be so important, because for thousands of years the vine has grown here and produced wine that tells the story of its homeland: “This is Montenegro. The Land of Wine!” For centuries has wine been the essential part of Montenegrin religion, culture and customs. Vineyards around Lake Skadar have been famous since the Roman period, and stories and legends about the grapes and wine from Crmnica originated very long time ago.
Montenegro is the birthplace of Vranac, black like the black horse of the same name – the metaphor of a strong, noble wine. Here is where Vranac started its long journey.In the mid–19th century, young Montenegrin prince, Nikola Petrović, raised and educated in Paris, the man ahead of his time, realized the enormous potential of this climate and the strength of local wine… and declared his royal wish: “Each soldier from the place where vine grows must plant 200 vines plants!” This was the beginning of new era for Montenegrin wine. And, as soon as 1907, Montenegrin Vranac won the first prize at the London Wine Fair