Why Trebinje is Herzegovina’s Undiscovered Wine Capital

Tucked into the sunny southern edge of Bosnia and Herzegovina, just 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, Trebinje is quietly making a name for itself—not just for its history and charm, but for its wine.

While most travelers head to nearby coastal hotspots, wine lovers and curious foodies are starting to turn inland toward Herzegovina’s most underrated wine destination. With ancient winemaking roots, indigenous grape varieties, and family-run vineyards, Trebinje is fast becoming the heart of the region’s wine revival—without the crowds or high price tags.

A Long Tradition of Winemaking

Wine has been produced in this region for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Illyrians and Romans. But it was the Orthodox monks of Tvrdoš Monastery, just outside Trebinje, who kept the tradition alive through the centuries.

Today, that same monastery still produces wine in cellars built into the stone in the 15th century—making it one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the Balkans. Visitors can tour the monastery, taste its wines (including the famous Žilavka and Vranac), and soak in the peaceful setting that hasn’t changed much in hundreds of years.

A Perfect Climate for the Vine

Trebinje’s Mediterranean microclimate—with hot, dry summers and mild winters—makes it ideal for viticulture. Combine that with limestone-rich soils and more than 260 sunny days a year, and you’ve got the perfect conditions for bold reds and crisp whites with real character.

Herzegovina’s signature white grape, Žilavka, thrives here. It produces fresh, mineral-driven wines that pair perfectly with local cheeses and seafood. The red Vranac is equally popular—full-bodied, fruity, and perfect for aging.

Where to Taste: Wineries to Visit

Trebinje is home to a growing number of modern, high-quality wineries, many of them family-run and open to visitors.

Tvrdoš Monastery Winery

A must-visit. Not only for its spiritual and historic value, but for its wine tasting rooms set inside ancient stone cellars. Try their barrel-aged Žilavka and premium red blends.

Vukoje Winery

One of the most renowned wineries in the region, offering spectacular views from its hilltop estate. The Vukoje family has perfected both tradition and innovation, with a wine list that includes award-winning Žilavka, Vranac, and Cabernet-based blends. Don’t miss the rooftop wine bar and restaurant.

Anđelić Winery

A smaller, family-operated estate with a rustic charm and a personal touch. They specialize in traditional methods and warmly welcome visitors to taste and tour.

Many of these wineries offer tastings paired with local prosciutto, goat cheese, olives, and honey—turning a casual sip into a full cultural experience.

Wine Meets Local Flavor

What makes Trebinje’s wine scene truly special is how it blends seamlessly with local food culture. Markets sell fresh goat cheese, dried figs, handmade honey, and herbal liqueurs—all perfect companions to a glass of Žilavka on a warm afternoon.

Sit down at a riverside restaurant or rural konoba (tavern), and you’re likely to be offered a bottle of local wine that was made just a few kilometers away—often by someone the server knows personally.

A Wine Destination Without the Crowds

Trebinje isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have wine buses or luxury tasting tours (yet). But that’s what makes it special. You can walk into a vineyard and talk directly to the people who grow the grapes and bottle the wine.

You’ll taste wine that reflects the soil, the sun, and the hands that made it. And you’ll do it all in a laid-back, unspoiled setting where authenticity comes naturally.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a wine lover looking for somewhere fresh, affordable, and full of character, Trebinje should be on your radar. With its ancient vineyards, sunny climate, and growing reputation, this city is quietly becoming Herzegovina’s undiscovered wine capital.

So skip the crowds. Come for the wine. Stay for the view. And toast to a place that’s just beginning to tell its story.

Quick Tips:

• Best time to visit: May to October

• What to try: Žilavka (white), Vranac (red), local rosé

• Don’t miss: Wine tasting at Tvrdoš and dinner at Vukoje’s rooftop

• Pairs well with: Local cheeses, prosciutto, river views, and slow sunsets