📍 Šumadija

Šumadija is a hilly area in the centre of Serbia, its historic heartland. The name comes from the word šuma, meaning forest: the land was once covered with woods. Today it is a landscape of hills where vineyards alternate with fields and orchards.

Šumadija is part of Serbian winemaking and has a national geographical indication. It includes the wine districts of Oplenac (the town of Topola), Smederevo and Venčac. Oplenac is known for the nearby mausoleum of the Karađorđević dynasty, and vines have long been grown around it. Smederevo lies on the Danube and is famous for its old winemaking traditions.

Grapes include the local red Prokupac, the white Dimyat and the international Cabernet Sauvignon. Prokupac is considered one of the oldest Serbian red varieties and is fashionable again today.

The climate is temperate continental, with cold winters and warm summers. Šumadija's wines, both red and white, are usually light and fresh. The wines go well with roast meat and Serbian cheeses, and they are easy to discover on a trip around the historic sites of the area. The name Šumadija on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.