Wine growing and oenology in Srem dates back to 276 BC and is tied to Probus, emperor of Rome. He ordered the plantation of the first grape vines on the sunny slopes of Fruška Gora.

 

 

Many things have changed since then, but this region has remained one of the most beautiful and most famous wine producing regions in Vojvodina throughout centuries. Currently over sixty wineries are operational here. Visitors who want to take a look inside will surely not be disappointed! However, we can offer you a little guide if you don’t want to leave it all to chance.

Fist, you should note that if you’re at Fruška Gora, you have to try bermet! While roaming about in this region, you certainly must indulge in this world-famous local specialty, which was also enjoyed back in the day by passengers of the Titanic. This special dessert wine is based on a unique recipe containing over 20 aromatic herbs and spices. Naturally every winery has their own secret mixture, but no matter which one you choose, you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

The Tomcat’s Wine Cellar and Winery (Vinarija Mačkov Podrum) – Irig

This curiously named winery is owned by the Jojić family who have been involved with wine production since the 1800s. This craft has been passed on generation to generation and descendants are happy to carry on the knowledge of their ancestors. They offer a variety of wines including portugieser, merlot, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and of course bermet, which is named Diškrecija. Prices are quite affordable, ranging between 4-8€. There are many other sights in a 10 km radius around Irig. The monasteries of Grgeteg, Krušedol, and Novo Hopovo are also worth visiting, as well as the village of Vrdnik and the Termal spa with its six different pools.

 

Vinat Wine (Vino Vinat) – Erdevik

The Vinat Wine winery was established in 2006; however, the people have been involved with viticulture since 1985. Their wines include olaszrizling (Welschriesling), chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, tramini, kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), black muscat, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and gamay. If you’re in Erdevik, you should also visit the Moharač lake. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation, hiking, and you can also go fishing at the peaceful lake.

 

Kiš Winery (Vinarija Kiš) – Sremski Karlovci

The Kiš Winery has a long history and has been involved with viticulture since the early 19th century. Visitors have a variety of choices when tasting wines, the price of packages ranges between 3-8€. Sweet and salty snacks are also available to accompany the drinks, and the hosts also offer some insight into the history of the Kiš family and the Fruška Gora region’s wine production. Their wines include chardonnay, merlot, portugieser, as well as white and red bermet. The price of a bottle ranges from 6 to 10 €. After tasting wines, you should go for a refreshing walk through the romantic little streets of Sremski Karlovci, visit the Peace Chapel and the Gymnasium of Karlovci, the Four Lions fountain and the town’s other sights.

 

Kovačević Wine Cellar (Vinarija Kovačević) – Irig

This wine cellar was established in 1895 by the Kovačević family. The tradition of oenology and viticulture has since been passed from father to son. Due to the development of tourism related to this craft and the emergence of Fruška Gora wine tours, the winery was expanded with the addition of a wine house in 2010. The building is located in a pleasant environment serving as a restaurant and also offers accommodation for visitors. The winery offers a diverse selection of drinks including riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cuvée, and of course white and red bermet. The cheapest wines are around 20 €, while the most expensive ones cost about 85 €. If you’re in the area, you should visit the Novo Hopovo monastery, which was built in the 13th century and is located a mere 1,4 km from here.

 

Šijački Winery (Vinarija Šijački) – Banoštor

The Šijački family’s wine cellar is located on the northern slopes of the Fruška Gora mountains, in the town of Banoštor. Tasting delicious wines in the winery’s yard by the Danube river, silently watching the setting Sun’s rays hit the water is truly an experience to remember. The winery offers olaszrizling, riesling,  chardonnay, black muscat, kékfrankos, and merlot, among others. An interesting detail you might notice is that faces of the family members are featured on the bottle labels. If you’re here in September, you can also visit the Banoštor grape days festival, where every winery in town is present, showcasing their products.

 

To the End of the World Winery (Do kraja sveta) – Kovilj

The “To the End of the World” winery is relatively new, since it was established in 2006, although it has already managed to gain a noteworthy reputation. Their wines include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and a selection of wines they named themselves, such as Aura, Šansa, and Mlad Mesec They are open from 8 to 16 o’clock every day. Visitors can choose from a number of different wine tours according to their linking. If you’ve reached the End of the World, you should go a bit further and spend a day at the Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh special nature reservation, which is a wonderful home to a number of fascinating animal and plant species. A little extra information: all the wineries discussed above are mentioned in the Serbian Wine Passport, so if you have this document, you can enjoy various discounts! http://www.vinskipasossrbije.rs/

Before you start your journey, remember the adage: “Life is too short to drink bad wine!”