North Macedonian wine regions

North Macedonia is divided into three large wine regions that are divided into 16 districts. But everything revolves around the Povardarie region that stretches from Skopje along the Vardar River like a vertical strip across the country. The vineyards are up to 600 meters above sea level.

Povardarie Wine Region

This central wine region produces about 85% of North Macedonia's wine. The vineyards are located in the wide, rolling valley along the Vardar River. Winters are mild. In summer, temperatures can rise above 40°C. Thanks to the cool wind that blows through the valley from north to south at night, the slopes are nevertheless excellent for wine growing.

Important wine towns in the region are Kavadarci, Gradsko and Negotino. There are a large number of grape varieties planted in Povardarie, both international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, but also indigenous Balkan grapes such as Vranec, Prokupec, Zilavka, Smederevka, Kratošija and Stanušina.

The wine regions of Pelagonija-Polog and Pčinja-Osogovo

Pelagonija-Polog is the western part of North Macedonia. Pčina-Osogovo is in the east. Both regions are higher than the Povardarie valley, at about 400 to 900 meters. Wonderful for a nice holiday, but less interesting if you are looking for good wines. Wine growing here is limited and often small-scale. Private individuals grow their own grapes for the annual private supply. Enthusiasts should keep their sights on Povardarie.