Hedonistic experience in a unique wine cellar of Europe

The “Plantaže” company staged an event at which the guests from tourism sector, media, Ministry of tourism, diplomatic corps and many others were introduced to its new oeno-gastro programme which the Company will be offering to the visitors desirous of experiencing the best of Montenegro in this special place. The programme organized jointly by the “13. Jul - Plantaže” and the “Concierge Team D.O.O.”, conceived for the next tourist season, bears the title “Hedonistic experience in a unique wine cellar of Europe”.

Ćemovsko plain has always been dear to the sun, with the greatest number of sunny days in a year. There is rarely a day without the sunlight in the vineyards of the “Plantaže”. It is a privilege, luxury and advantage of this, the biggest single-complex vineyard of Europe.

Although rain had been forecast for 13th October, golden rays of sunlight generously illuminated the plateau in front of Šipčanik wine cellar, where the visitors were received in an elegant setting with tables covered in white tablecloths, floral arrangements and scents of homemade bread, fritters and “kroštule”. It was a carefully conceived scenery – every detail evoked the spirit of Montenegrin tradition, but in a modern, sophisticated setting.

The authors of this gastronomic concept, Nikola Merdović and Tomislav Andrović, together with with the team of the Wine

Tourism Service of Plantaže company, “13. Jul – Plantaže”, presented a new programme “Experience Montenegro” – two-hour oeno-gastro experience which includes a tour of the cellar accompanied by the sommelier and the host, tasting of exquisite wines produced by the “Plantaže” and brunch with authentic Montenegrin dishes, prepared before the visitors, including veal and potatoes roasted “under the bell”, “japraci” (collard green rolls), pies and local delicacies.

Gastro and oeno experience on the plateau

The plateau in front of the Šipčanik wine cellar turned into a real gastronomic exhibition, a true feast for the visitors. On the table along the plateau there were the best things Montenegro can offer – authentic homemade bread, fritters, “kruštule”, olives, prosciutto, cheeses, snacks, pickles, sweets etc., with exquisite wines produced by the “Plantaže” accompanying every bite.

Chefs were preparing dishes before the very eyes of the visitors – veal and potato roasted under the bell, “japraci”, pies and other authentic delicacies – with the possibility of finding out more about the victuals, preparation methods and regional custom. Every bite was a small journey through the wealth of Montenegrin cuisine, from the south to the north.

Nikola Merdović stressed:

“The programme links the gastro offer of the entire Montenegro to the wines produced by the “Plantaže” and provides unique experience for the tourists.”

The atmosphere was warm and sophisticated, while the scents, colours and texture of the dishes created a real hedonistic experience. Wine and food were telling a story about the tradition and climate of Montenegro, coupled perfectly in this new programme. The "Plantaže” will be offering this unique experience to everyone desirous of visiting this place. This offer does not only enrich numerous programmes of visits and events organized by the “Plantaže”, but also provides an excellent tourist product that can be offered by local tourist organizations and agencies all over Montenegro to the visitors who come to Montenegro and who wish to have a thorough experience of the entire destination.

Tour of Šipčanik wine cellar

The visitors, accompanied by the sommelier and host, stepped into the underground tunnels of Šipčanik wine cellar. The cellar ranks among the largest and most special wine cellars of Europe, known for its impressive architecture and the capacity of hosting events, wine tasting and tours.

Long tunnel and monumental oak barrels create a unique atmosphere, where wine smells and the setting tell a story of the tradition and climate of Montenegro. Sommelier Bojan Bracanović provided detailed explanations about the wine production process, about the features of the indigenous grape varieties and the specificity of viticulture in Montenegro, making the tour both educational and authentic.

The visitors could feel the uniqueness of this European wine jewel, while the wine and food served on the plateau provided a perfect oeno-gastro combination, creating an unforgettable experience.