Savina Winery — Attraction in Herceg Novi

My husband and I had a lovely dinner for our wedding anniversary in Herceg Novi during which we tried a Savina Chardonnay for the first time and really enjoyed it. The next day we decided to head over to the winery with our 7 month old baby in a buggy to buy more of their wines. Getting there is a mission with a buggy. There’s a sign at the bottom of the hill which also says “by reservation only”. We did not have a reservation but thought we would try our luck or at the very least buy a few bottles to take back with us. So we trekked up the hill and through a building site along with our baby. It wasn’t easy to find and it was a really hot day. Once we finally got to the cellar door, which has a stunning view, we were told it’s unlikely we could do a wine tasting but we could purchase some wine and the kind gentleman offered us some water. Then presumably the person in charge of customer service (ironically) arrived and was quite aggressive and rude to us - “didn’t you see the sign that this is by reservation only”. We explained we had but thought would try anyway and at the very least buy some wine. She seemed quite astounded at our apparent stupidity and again said “well it’s by reservation only”. I was a bit taken aback, expecting her to be more hospitable seeing as we had trekked up there on a hot day with a baby and were potential customers of the winery. She could have offered us to buy some wine or to come back another day at the very least. So with that, we decided not to buy any wine, finished our water and left. We then went back to the same wonderful restaurant (Konoba Skver) and had a fabulous Chardonnay also from Montengro - Arhontro. Needless to say, we will not buy wine from this winery, come back for a tasting another day or recommend this winery to anyone else...

Our visit to Savina Winery was nothing short of enchanting. Nestled in a picturesque location, the experience began on their stunning terrace, offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. The serene backdrop set the perfect scene for our wine tasting adventure.

We started with a delightful tapas platter, showcasing an array of homemade and locally sourced delicacies. Each bite was a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage, perfectly complementing the trio of wines we sampled. The rosé was fresh and vibrant, the white crisp and aromatic, and the red bold and full-bodied, each capturing the essence of their unique terroir.

Following our tasting, we were treated to an insightful tour of the vineyards. Walking through the rows of ripening grapes, we gained a deeper appreciation for the meticulous care and passion that go into each bottle. The tour continued with a behind-the-scenes look at their production process, highlighting the blend of traditional methods and modern techniques that define Savina Winery.

As a small, family-run operation, Savina Winery exudes warmth and authenticity. The personal touch is evident in every aspect, from the lovingly prepared tapas to the knowledgeable and passionate staff. This winery is not just a place to taste excellent wine; it's an experience that immerses you in the heart of winemaking.

Savina Winery is an absolute must-visit. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable journey through the...

Savina Winery, Herceg Novi, Montenegro: This was our only vineyard visit on our epic Turkey-Montenegro-Croatia-Albania-Macedonia trip, a stark contrast to our usual repertoire of multi-vineyard stops. Award-winning Savina Castel label is family-owned and pedigree too – no exports, only domestic market consumption. So if you love this and don’t live here, you’re screwed. The winery was the golden highlight of our Montenegrin chapter. Giving the tour a miss (we’ve done plenty), we just wanted to sit, stare out into the impossible blue of the sea and take in the astounding panorama. We had the bubbly and talented Paula serving us and engaging us in interesting chats and delivering superb service. There were 3 serves for the basic tier, plus a platter of sorts. While most vineyards work you from crap to premium wine, all 3 were solid. Bottle labels are basic too but the tastes punch quite a shocking palatable punch – chadonnay and cab sauv are not your old-world types. It clearly snubs traditions and carves out a modern note – about time vineyards adapt and evolve, given the downward drinking trend driven by Gen Z in search of experiences. The surrounds are incredible, olive trees abound, and the rattan stylish furnishings and elegant touches create a summer exquisite experience. I’ve never been on such an elevated plane for wine tasting, greeting the expanse of tantalizing blue sea. While vineyard visits converge in offerings, Savina stands out and ticks all the right boxes....