An ancient epic folk song mentions the Tvrdoš Monastery near Trebinje and its legendary cellars, where monastery chambers were filled with wine.
In the difficult times following the fall of the medieval Serb state, Orthodox monks preserved not only the essence of spirituality and culture but also the tradition of Serbian winemaking.
Monks played a key role in passing down knowledge about viticulture and wine production.
Many renowned wineries across France, Italy, Spain, and Germany were founded on monastic estates or continued traditions established by monks. Among them are numerous Orthodox monasteries that have upheld their winemaking reputation to this day, with Tvrdoš Monastery standing out as one of the most distinguished.
The monks of this monastery have taken care of the vineyards in Trebinje Field, where they have restored old Vranac grapevines across 70 hectares and planted a new 60-hectare vineyard in Popovo Polje.
Today, Tvrdoš Monastery has two wine cellars. In the old stone cellar from the 15th century, the recognizable Vranac matures in centuries-old oak barrels, while a new cellar, equipped with state-of-the-art technology yet harmonized with the traditional appearance of the monastery complex, has been built nearby along the Trebišnjica River.
Tvrdoš remains a symbol of tradition, winemaking, and spirituality, preserving the legacy of its ancestors while offering visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy wines crafted in the heart of Serb viticulture.
Source: See Srpska