Montenegro’s wine industry recorded one of its most visible international successes after domestic producers won the highest distinctions at the “Vranac Selection by CMB” international wine competition, held in Podgorica from 4 to 6 March 2026. The event was organised by the National Sommelier Association of Montenegro in cooperation with the globally recognised wine authority Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB).
The competition, dedicated primarily to wines produced from the Vranac grape variety, attracted producers from across the region and beyond, positioning Montenegro as a key reference point for this traditional Balkan red wine.
Grand Gold and “World Revelation” for Montenegrin wines
The most prestigious award of the competition went to Dimitrije Reserve 2017, produced by the winery Rade Rajković, which received a Grand Gold Medal and was declared the global “Blend Revelation” of the competition.
Another Grand Gold Medal was awarded to “Stari Podrum Cuvee Terroir 2020”, produced by the major Montenegrin winery 13. jul – Plantaže, one of the largest wine producers in the Balkans and owner of a vineyard exceeding 2,000 hectares at Ćemovsko Polje near Podgorica.
These awards represent the highest distinctions within the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles judging system and are reserved for wines that receive the top evaluation scores from international tasting panels.
Broad recognition across the Montenegrin wine sector
Beyond the top prizes, a number of Montenegrin wineries also secured gold medals, confirming the growing competitiveness of the country’s wine industry on the international stage.
Gold medals were awarded to wines produced by:
- Keković Estate
- Vinarija Krgović
- Vinarija Buk
- Vinarija Zenta
- Vida Wines
In addition, 13. jul – Plantaže won several gold medals for its premium labels presented at the competition.
The results underline the increasing diversity of Montenegro’s wine scene, where smaller boutique wineries now compete alongside established producers.
Podgorica positioned as a global centre of the Vranac variety
Hosting the competition has reinforced Montenegro’s position as the historical heartland of the Vranac grape, a variety widely cultivated across Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia and parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Vranac Selection by CMB competition was created specifically to promote wines made from this grape, which is considered one of the most distinctive red varieties of Southeast Europe.
By bringing international judges, sommeliers and producers to Podgorica, the event aims to strengthen global recognition of the variety and support the export ambitions of regional wineries.
Growing international recognition for Montenegro’s wine industry
Montenegro’s wine sector has been expanding steadily over the past decade, combining large-scale producers with a growing number of boutique wineries focusing on premium labels and terroir-driven production.
The success at the Podgorica competition highlights a broader trend in the region: local grape varieties such as Vranac and Kratošija are increasingly attracting attention from international wine critics and distributors seeking distinctive wines outside traditional European regions.
For Montenegro, the international recognition of its wineries is also tied to tourism development. Wine tourism, vineyard visits and gastronomic experiences have become an important component of the country’s tourism offer, particularly around the Skadar Lake region and the vineyards south of Podgorica.
The results of the 2026 Vranac Selection competition therefore represent more than a set of awards. They signal the rising global visibility of Montenegro’s wine industry and reinforce the country’s ambition to position its indigenous grape varieties among Europe’s recognised wine identities.
