Vineyards and Wines Sector

26.5%

Table Grape Cultivations

73.5%

Wine Grape Cultivations

ABOUT VINEYARDS AND WINES

Kosova has gained recognition as an excellent producer of various grape varieties. In 2021, vineyard areas expanded modestly by 1% (34 ha), with table grape areas growing by 2.9% and wine grape areas by 0.3%, totaling 3,471 ha. Notable grape varieties cultivated in Kosovo include Muscat Hamburg, Viktoria, Demir Kapi, seedless grapes, and Regina.
The region’s continental climate and elevation of 300-400 meters above sea level offer optimal conditions for vineyard development and wine grape growth. Despite favorable conditions, wine production decreased by 17% in 2021 compared to 2020, with total production decreasing from 9,429 thousand liters to 7,785 liters. While white wine experienced a 7% decrease, red wine saw a 30% decrease, and rosé wine recorded a 14% increase compared to the previous year.
Following a noteworthy production increase in 2020, there was a slight reversal in 2021, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sector. Despite these variations, Kosova’s vineyards demonstrate resilience, emphasizing their capacity for growth and positive contributions to the country’s thriving viticulture industry.

See part of the reason why Kosova’s vineyards have gained recognition

OPPORTUNITIES

Despite annual variations influenced by climatic conditions, Kosova’s wine production displays robustness, ranging from 9.1 million to 11.8 million liters in years without diseases or vineyard damage from natural disasters. With a changing wine consumption pattern averaging 0.8 liters per capita in 2022, driven by events and anticipated situations in the country, the total consumption reached 1,355 thousand liters.
Currently, Kosova boasts 35 licensed companies specializing in wine production and grape products, with three of them contributing approximately 70% to the total wine production. The country’s favorable agro-climatic conditions, characterized by a mild continental climate influenced by Mediterranean climate, provide ample support for vineyard cultivation, particularly for early varieties.
With 276 sunny days annually, Kosova’s vineyards benefit from ample sunlight, aiding in grape ripening, especially in regions renowned for wine production. The conducive agro-climatic conditions, combined with ample sunlight, create a promising environment for vineyard development and wine production, offering profitable investment opportunities in the thriving wine industry.

2465 ha

Rahovec

575 ha

Suhareka

198 ha

Prizren

77 ha

Gjakova

65 ha

Malisheva

CULTIVATING GROWTH

Positioned in hilly areas exposed to ample sunlight, Kosova’s vineyards thrive in favorable soil conditions. Abundant sunlight, average annual temperatures, and sufficient rainfall in autumn, winter, and spring ensure ample water reserves in the soil, aiding grape ripening from mid-July to mid-October, accompanied by high consumption levels.
The soil analysis conducted in Rahovec Municipality’s vineyard zone reveals diverse soil textures and shapes, predominantly consisting of loamy soil types with some variations, including red soil types. The gently undulating relief of the vineyard area, with altitudes mostly between 300 to 600 meters, offers unique climatic conditions. These characteristics, combined with the region’s expansive geography, subtly suggest favorable conditions for investment in vineyards and wine production.
With favorable agro-climatic conditions and specific terrain features, Kosova’s vineyard sector presents promising investment opportunities. The conducive environment, combined with ongoing research and development efforts, encourages growth and innovation in vineyard cultivation and wine production, positioning Kosova as a burgeoning destination for wine enthusiasts and investors alike.