📍 Povardarie

Povardarie is a wine region of North Macedonia in the valley of the Vardar river. About 85% of the country's vineyards grow here. It is the main winegrowing region, and in size it far exceeds the country's two other regions.

The valley runs north to south, and the climate is warm, almost Mediterranean: hot summers, mild winters and plenty of sun. Inside Povardarie several sub-districts are distinguished. The best known is Tikveš. Skopje, Veles, Ovče Pole, Štip, Strumica-Radoviš, Gevgelija-Valandovo and Dojran also belong to it.

Among grapes, the red Vranec and Kratošija grow here, the white Smederevka and international varieties like Chardonnay. Stanushina, a local red grape, also grows in the valley. Wine from Povardarie makes up the main part of Macedonian wine. Part of it is sold to neighbouring countries and Europe. The Vardar river has long served as the axis of wine life in this area.