Wine road Knjazevac
Natural conditions of Knjazevac and its enviroment made it perfect for vineyards since the ancient times. Viticulture and wine production in Knjazevac date back to Roman times, of which there are data from archaeological site Timacum Minus, not far from Knjazevac. From that site the statue of Dionysus, Roman god of wine, was dug. Data show that the Roman legions refreshed themselves with quality wines from this area before their departure to military campaigns. The records of ancient writers from the third and fourth centuries described Knjazevac as wine land. Dzervin Knjazevac hill above the site is the oldest vineyard in this area. These vineyards were planted with plovdin, prokupac, and a little bit of varietal grape species.
Wine history
Wine agricultural cooperative was established in Knjazevac in 1927, and it was the third of its kind in Serbia, built in wine cellar with capacity of 10 wagons. After the Second World War it was extended to 350 wagons. In 1960 cooperatives became the Basement Dzervin, the backbone of development of viticulture in Knjazevac.
Vineyards and enology today
Knjazevac is area of outstanding beauty where ethnic motifs and tradition intertwined with late roman excavations and monuments. Today, the wine in Knjazevac is inseparable from the history and traditions of this area.
Knjazevac vineyards belong to Timok region. It is located in the basin of Timok River and its tributaries. Climate of this region is suitable for grapewine. It is temperate continental, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In this region there are predominantly three main types of soil: alluvial deposits, lake sediments and soil that has been developed on igneous rocks and limestone.
The vineyards of Knjazevac are represented by black variety of red burgundy, and prokupac and plovdina, as well as by white smederevka and italian riesling. Today, in vineyards of Knjazevac indigenous and old varieties of prokupac, cormorant and plovdina are grown, as well as numerous excellent varieties for which climate and soil are favorable.
What to eat?
With a strong type of heavy appetizers, one should try Knjazevac’s Vranac, and with ham Muscat slightly pink goes well, which agrees best with smoked meat products.Young light pink wines agree well with baked beans and Potrkaljski Chardonnay is good for lamb of Stara Planina.
What to see?
Knjazevac is located in eastern Serbia, surrounded by mountain ranges. Rich cultural heritage features are preserved in a number of examples of popular architecture.
Artifacts of the old Roman town Timacum Minus is located in Knjazevac, and the nearby village of Ravna has ethno-archaeological park with numerous monuments and epitaphs from the Roman era in which grapes are carved. There is also a museum of viticulture and enology.
In the Regional Museum, which one should definitely visit, is formed a unique museum found nowhere in world - Museum of socks with a collection of about 1,000 pairs of unique hand-knitted woolen socks from Timocka Krajina. Some specimens are old for more than 200 years. You should see the church of the Holy Virgin from the XIV century in the village of Gornja Kamenica.
The highest peak of Serbia-Midzor of Stara Planina is situated near Knjazevac, which contains attractive location Babin zub. The traditional Ethno Fest Molitva is held every May at the foot of Midzor. This is a unique event with competitions in making of cheese, setting the perfect antique Serbian table, and various shepherder games.