Macedonian wine will receive a geographical indication as a symbol of tradition, authenticity and quality

“Our country has one of the oldest traditions of wine production in Europe, with vine cultivation dating back more than 2,000 years. From ancient times until today, wine has always been a symbol of culture, pride and identity for our people,” says Aleksandra Ristova, head of the vineyard management department at Tikveš Winery.

In the last two decades, Macedonian quality wine has begun to fight for the recognition it deserves. In 2005, 92 % of exported wine was bulk; today roughly a third of the wine sold in foreign markets and restaurants is bottled. This means a better image, more revenue and building a successful and positive brand story. But a new chapter is being written now, which will make the wine even more competitive and equal to wines from world-renowned regions: the introduction of a geographical indication system for wine.

What does a geographical indication on wine mean and why is it important?

A geographical indication is a symbol placed on every bottle of wine that has a specific geographical origin and a level of quality and reputation derived from that origin. To reach the point where that small symbol appears on the labels of some Macedonian wines, a comprehensive and robust process must be carried out to create a Geographical Indication (GI) system.

Introducing GI standards covers several key aspects. It requires clear delineation of where the vines are grown based on natural factors such as soil, climate and altitude. There are detailed rules on grape varieties, maximum yields and winemaking techniques. Scientific analyses must be introduced to prove the wine’s quality and typicity, and verification by an independent certified body is required. The process concludes with placing a protective mark on the wine labels.

“Implementing the standards to establish a geographical indication system in North Macedonia is not just a technical necessity but a strategic vision for the future of our wine industry. It guarantees that we will protect our heritage, strengthen our competitiveness and share our authentic identity with the world,” says Ristova.

Elena Mladenovska‑Jelenkovic, executive director of “Wines of Macedonia,” explains that the geographical indication system is not just a technical procedure but a vision. The idea has existed for a long time, but only in recent years—through joint work by wineries and the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH —has the process taken concrete form.

“Only if we have a geographical indications system established according to European Union standards can we consider ourselves a true wine country. This is not just a guarantee of quality but also a way to build Macedonia’s image as a wine destination,” Mladenovska‑Jelenkovic says.

In the past two and a half years there has been intensive work on establishing the GI system. In April 2024 the necessary amendments to the Wine Law were adopted, and training sessions were held for grape growers and wineries.

“The support from the German government, through GIZ, in this process has been of enormous significance—especially in transferring the EU perspective through expert assistance, the transfer of best practices and strengthening the capacities of wineries and growers for sustainable grape and wine production,” emphasizes Mladenovska‑Jelenkovic.

“We carried out a series of activities primarily aimed at sustainable grape and wine production. We organized trainings on digitization, organic viticulture and winemaking and market development for wine, with more than 900 participants. Additionally, more than 60 representatives from Macedonian wineries had the opportunity to gain significant knowledge and experience through study visits to the wine regions of Tuscany and Barolo in Italy,” says Irena Djimrevska, an advisor at GIZ.

Introducing this system is not significant only for large wine producers; it will bring numerous benefits to small wineries and grape growers as well.

“The process we began after long delays primarily involves introducing standards for grape production, identifying the resulting wine from standardized grapes with a precisely defined production area where terroir characteristics come to the fore. For small wineries it certainly means added value for their product, protection of quality and the possibility of increased sales,” says Ilija Janchev, owner of the small winery Venec, who also grows grapes.

Vardar Valley – the first geographical indication

North Macedonia’s territory is divided into three wine regions and sixteen wine areas. The largest is the Povardarie wine region, which contains 87 % of the vineyards and 90 % of the wineries. Therefore, Vardar Valley will be the first geographical indication to appear on Macedonian wine labels.

The process is coordinated by the newly formed organization “Povardarski VRV,” which is soon to be recognized as an authorized GI body to provide the institutional framework for managing and implementing the system.

“The next steps include adopting rules and protocols for grape and wine production, accrediting a control body for independent certification, submitting applications for registration of individual geographical indications of wines, and promoting and protecting the indications at national and international levels. All of this will establish a functional and sustainable GI system, which will contribute to increased competitiveness, quality and recognition of Macedonian wines on the market,” explains Milica Pletvarska, executive director of Povardarski VRV.

One of the first geographical indication systems for wine was introduced in France at the beginning of the 20th century. More than 100 years later, North Macedonia is on the brink of joining the ranks of globally recognized wine producers with a distinct geographical identity.

“A geographical indication is not just a label. It is a stamp of authenticity and proof that the wine you drink has a soul, origin and story,” Ristova concludes.

That very story—the blend of tradition and science, the labor and passion of the vine growers, and the land that produces wine with heart—is what can and should make North Macedonia a new bright spot on the world wine map.