Double Dose of Kosovo Wine: From Daka Wines to Vinica Petrović in Velika Hoča
As part of our coach trip through the Balkans, our tour leader told us we were going to a wine tasting, and honestly, we didn’t expect to discover such a rich wine culture in Kosovo. What a pleasant surprise!
Our day began at Daka Wines in Rahovec, where we started with crisp, refreshing whites, a smooth Chardonnay, a zesty Sauvignon Blanc, and a bright, lively Riesling, gently waking up our palates for the reds to come. The robust Vranac, elegant Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and a luscious dry red rounded out the lineup, showcasing Kosovo’s diverse red offerings. Then came the perfect send-off, a smooth, potent rakia, a fiery farewell in a glass.
Later, we journeyed to Vinica Petrović & Accommodation in Velika Hoča, a small Serbian enclave in Kosovo with deep-rooted winemaking traditions. The tasting unfolded in a picturesque courtyard with rustic wooden tables, benches, and hammocks swaying lazily in the breeze, the perfect setting to soak it all in. The wines came paired with a delicious charcuterie board of local meats and cheeses, elevating the experience to full indulgence.
At Vinica Petrović, our host showed us a replica of a certificate proving the winery’s long history in the region, a tangible reminder of their deep roots and tradition that have survived through the centuries. It’s this blend of heritage and passion that truly flavors every sip.
Our tasting followed the classic sequence again, starting with a soft, creamy Chardonnay, moving to the bold, spicy Vranac, then the rich and sweet Metohijsko Crveno, steeped in history and tradition. The grand finale was the iconic Plum Rakia (Šljivovica), a fiery spirit capturing the heart and soul of Kosovo’s winemaking heritage.
At one point, I joked if they could just leave the carafe of luscious Metohijsko Crveno behind. While they didn’t hand it over, we definitely made sure it didn’t leave the table unfinished. Cheers to that!
After the tasting, our host noticed our interest in the nearby church and kindly went out of his way to open it for us. We were able to explore St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church, a serene and beautiful spot that added a meaningful cultural touch to our visit.
Discovering Kosovo’s wines on this coach trip was one of those unexpected highlights that reminded us why travel is all about embracing surprises. The downside? These delicious finds haven’t made their way to UK shelves yet, so for now, we’ll just savor the memory and keep dreaming of our next sip.
