Bosnia Wine
Explore Bosnia Wine: Wine Regions & Grape Varieties
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a long tradition of wine production, with vineyard cultivation dating back to Roman times. The country’s southern Herzegovina region, in particular, offers ideal growing conditions for native Balkan grape varieties. While small in scale, Bosnia’s wine scene is rooted in tradition and is gaining attention for its quality and authenticity.
Most red wines are made from Blatina, Vranac, and Trnjak grapes, known for their structure and ability to pair with grilled meats and stews. Žilavka is the country’s signature white grape, producing dry wines with fresh acidity—well-suited for pairing with freshwater fish and summer vegetables.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Bosnia. To maximize our enjoyment, we conducted a fair amount of research about Bosnia wine. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying these wines as soon as you arrive!
Wine Regions in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina has two primary winegrowing regions: Herzegovina in the south and a smaller zone in northern Bosnia.
Herzegovina Wine Region
The Herzegovina wine region is the country’s main center of production. Its vineyards are located along limestone hills between the Adriatic coast and the city of Mostar. Wine towns like Čitluk, Međugorje, and Trebinje anchor this region. The karst terrain, dry climate, and rocky soils allow grapes like Žilavka and Blatina to thrive, producing wines with strong character and aging potential.
Northern Bosnia Wine Region
Located in the country’s continental zone, northern Bosnia has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. Although much smaller and less commercially developed than Herzegovina, the region supports limited viticulture using Blatina and Žilavka grapes.
While Herzegovina remains the heart of Bosnia’s wine production, both regions reflect a growing commitment to quality and regional identity.
Grape Varieties in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina primarily cultivates indigenous red and white grape varieties suited to its climate and soil.
Red Wine
Blatina
A female-flowering red grape grown mainly in Herzegovina. Wines are medium- to full-bodied with dark fruit and mild spice. It often requires cross-pollination from companion varieties like Trnjak.
Carska Vina’s Blatina, Premium Edition 2020 vintage was our favorite Bosnian wine. We also tried Brkic’s 2018 Plava Greda Blatina, which was very good.
Vranac
Grown in Herzegovina and other Balkan countries, Vranac produces dark, full-bodied wines with notes of blackberry, plum, and cherry. It is high in tannin and alcohol, making it suitable for aging.
Vranac was always a reliable purchase during our time in Bosnia (and Croatia). It is a budget-friendly varietal and, as a result, we drank more than a couple of glasses.
Trnjak
A companion variety to Blatina and increasingly vinified on its own. Trnjak wines are deep in color with flavors of ripe red fruit and dried herbs.
White Wine
Zilavka
The best-known white grape in Bosnia, Žilavka thrives in Herzegovina’s dry conditions. It produces crisp, citrusy wines with a mineral finish and is often bottled as a varietal.
Bosnian winemakers continue to focus on native varieties, producing small-batch wines that reflect the terroir of the region.
FAQs About Bosnia Wine
Does Bosnia and Herzegovina produce good wine?
Yes. While still relatively under the radar, Bosnia’s wine industry has matured in recent years, especially in Herzegovina. Indigenous grapes like Blatina and Žilavka are increasingly recognized for their quality and uniqueness.
What are some notable wineries in Bosnia?
Well-known producers include Brkić Winery, Vinarija Čitluk, Vinarija Andrija, and the historic Tvrdoš Monastery near Trebinje. Many offer tastings and focus on organic or sustainable production using native grapes.
Does Bosnia produce any fruit wines?
Yes. In addition to grape wine, Bosnia is known for fruit-based wines, especially those made from plums and apricots. These are typically sweet and served as dessert or aperitif wines, reflecting Ottoman-era influences.
Does Bosnia Produce Brandy?
Yes. Loza (grape brandy) and šljivovica (plum brandy) are common in Bosnia and often produced alongside wine. Many wineries and monasteries in Herzegovina distill brandy using traditional methods.
Is alcohol widely available in Bosnia?
Yes. Alcohol is legal and readily available across the country. The legal drinking age is 18. Wine, beer, and spirits are served in restaurants and sold in stores throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.