The History of Viticulture in Macedonia
The amphorae unearthed in the archeological site of Stobi, in the Tikvesh region, testify to the tradition of grape growing and wine production in as early as classical times. In the 5-7 th century the Slavs arrived to this territory and embraced this tradition. When the Ottomans took over this region, grape growing continued in the monasteries. Viticulture saw an upward trend in the 20 th century, when 8,455 hectares of land were under vineyards, and already in 1982 vineyards covered 38,759 ha. Today grapevines are grown on 29,000–30,000 ha.
Geographic and Climatic Factors for Viticulture Development
Grapevines are grown in three regions, which determine the grape varieties: Pelagonia-Polog, Vardar Valley and Pchinja-Osogovo regions. The geographic position, fertile soil and favorable climatic conditions benefit the growth of grapes and the formation of tastes in the specific grape varieties. Along the Vardar River, a Mediterranean climate brings a higher level of humidity to the vineyards around Gevgelija, Valandovo, Demir Kapija, and slightly lower humidity to Negotino. On the other side, the mountain ranges of Kozhuf and Nidzhe prevent penetration of warm air masses from the south and Shara Mountain cold air mass from the north. As a result, a part of the grape plantations enjoy a continental climate. The many sunny days and the soil rich in minerals play an important part in the development of the taste of the varietals produced.
Wine Production Sector Today – The Macedonian Wine Cluster
Keeping abreast with the world trends, Macedonian grape growers and wine producers joined in the Macedonian Wine Cluster to approach together domestic and foreign markets. In this cluster, all participants in the wine production industry more closely work together to produce higher quality wines. The cluster formed three working groups to better deal with the strategic challenges.
The first working group focuses on research into domestic and foreign markets through an approach characterized by cooperation and innovation. The aim is to increase exports to neighboring and EU countries by means of developing, promotion and marketing of a Macedonian brand, as well as through establishment of contacts with potential wine distributors.
The second working group works on quality improvement of wine grapes and reviews the application of wine quality standards. This group also develops and maintains improved cooperation between the grape growers and wine producers.
The third working group works on the plan for human resources development in the cluster. It identifies the specific training needs of the enologists and will be organizing foreign experts’ visits to assist in the improvement of grape growing and processing technologies in Macedonia. The foreign experts will start working with the cluster to develop recommendations regarding the wine production technologies and to demonstrate the importance of learning about the markets in determining potential markets and products.
Wineries and varietals
Some 25 wineries operate in Macedonia now, and a growing tendency towards establishing new ones exists. The capacity of most of the private wineries is between 2000 and 8000 hectoliters, and they produce primarily bottled varietals. The big wineries capacity is up to 239 million liters.
Wine Cluster Members
The members of the wine cluster are wineries, grape growers’ associations, research institutes, wine production equipment suppliers and donor organizations, and the idea is to expand the basis of cluster members.
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