RENEWING THE VINEYARDS

In the thirties of the last century, just before the Second World War, the slopes of Oplenac had over 37ha of vine. The vines from this land were going all over Serbia to set up new vineyards to resemble those on Oplenac hill. This was the idea of King Peter I.

Mostly white vines were grown and white wines produced. The most popular wine was “Triumph”.

After the Second World War, Oplenac vineyards were neglected and some parcels weren’t cultivated at all. However, an interesting fact is that one white burgundy and one hamburg - still grow.

Many years of neglecting made once the most beautiful wine area in Serbia into weed, so the Foundation of King Petar I decided to prevent its further decay. Therefore, King’s vineyards were renewed recently, in 2002.

What was happening in Oplenac vineyards for the past few years?

Since 2002 King’s vineyards are being renewed continually. The first vines, breed sauvignon blanc were planted in 2004, on the parcel of 3,7ha in the same way Kings Petar and Aleksandar used to do it. Producer of non-viral, most qualitative vines is from Italy – Vivai cooperativi Rausedo. The concern for, bringing up and supervising the vineyards is under the professional care of professors from Agricultural Faculty, University of Belgrade.

In 2006, these vines gave the first, quite satisfactory results. First vines from the renewed vineyards could be tasted from the spring 2007.

The Foundation of King Petar I will start with wine production along with the vintage 2008. It is expected that the Royal wine foundation will be fully recovered and up-to-date equipped.

It is also expected that the entire Royal wine foundation area will be fully revitalized and that it will gain its appearance from the previous century – the way Kings Petar and Aleksandar organized it in the past.

The park and the vineyards will represent one whole. There will be tourist paths with places for rest and vacation, vineyards surrounded with roses and wine cellars will produce the most qualitative Serbian wines. Bottles will look exactly like those from 1931 when the Royal wine cellar was opened.

Municipality of Topola

Tourism Organization of Topola