Experiencing Krnjevo as Our Ancestors Once Glorified It

In a rustic, homely atmosphere, surrounded by vast vineyards and with a glass of Traikovsky Wines & Spirits in hand, the Kajak.mk team began their conversation with Biljana Trajkovska, who, together with her family, is crafting a unique story that makes Macedonia a destination worth visiting.

For us, there is nothing more delightful than travelling to the Barovo region, situated at 700 meters above sea level, and savouring the rich flavours of the high-quality Barovo grapes. We are certain that after reading this, your appetite to visit this Tikveš mountain region will grow, allowing you to experience firsthand the excellence of our "distillery ambassadors."

This article will help you decide where to organize your next family event or one-day team-building, because, as we say at Kajak.mk: Barovo is our Tuscany, with its best days still ahead.

Among the Barovo distilleries and wineries lies the small family-owned distillery and winery, Trajkovski Wines & Spirits. Trajkovski is the newest must-visit gastro destination, now part of the Kajak.mk world. Biljana Trajkovska shared with us the story of its beginnings and growth.

Trajkovska proudly states that their legacy as producers stems from a great-grandfather’s tradition dating back to 1922! The high-quality recipes secretly passed down through generations, earned an official seal in 2008, paving the way for entry into global markets. By 2010, this tradition had evolved into a global brand, promoting Macedonia across the European Union, the USA, and Australia.

The Trajkovski Winery and Distillery is located in one of the most beautiful regions of Macedonia, a place that, according to Biljana, was once used by their ancestors. Their intention is to remain here, preserving and continuing the old philosophies, methodologies, and practices that have defined their craft for generations.

Located in the village of Krnjevo, this small family distillery still operates by traditional principles, using copper stills and recipes dating back to 1922, which require double and triple distillation. They continue to use the same grape varieties as their ancestors, believing that the best rakija and wines have always been made from these vineyards, growing on the plateaus of Mount Kožuf at an altitude of up to 700 meters.

Today, the signature product of Traikovsky Wines & Spirits is their distillates, recognized as the best in Macedonia, which are exported abroad. Within the country, they are available exclusively in specialized alcohol stores and online through the distillery's website.

Biljana adds that they are particularly proud of their Traikovsky rakija, which has a unique "whisky" taste. This distinctive flavor results from a blend of six grape varieties, and the rakija is aged for three years in barrels made from Blagun oak.

This also includes Traikovsky VS, a brandy made from a blend of 12 grape varieties, aged for three years in French oak barrels. Biljana adds that this brandy is a counterpart to French cognacs and often surpasses even the finest French four-star brandies in blind tastings. As for the wines, they are characterized by rich aromas and freshness.

On the market, they offer "Tribute Temjanika", which is a distinctly different style of Temjanika from what most consumers are accustomed to. It is persistently aromatic on the nose, yet gentle on the palate, offering a true refreshment from the Temjanika variety. It is characterized by incredibly attractive aromas of elderflower, honey, and tropical fruits, says Biljana.

Also worth mentioning is the "Tribute Rosé", a wine with a beautiful character—powerful and bold, made from Cabernet Sauvignon. It captivates and hypnotizes with its unforgettable aromas and flavors of overripe strawberry jam, Marasca cherry, and orange sorbet.

The next wine that Biljana announces is Vranec, which will be available for sale starting next year. It is produced from the grapes of their late father, the Master Distiller and Chief Winemaker.

To truly experience the story "on your own skin," enjoy hearing the details, and savor the 1922 recipe, the Kajak.mk team informs you that Traikovsky Wines & Spirits offers a beautiful space for unique sit-downs and tastings, as well as tastings with a picnic or traditional lunch in a rural, homely atmosphere. All of this takes place in the yard, right in front of the winery/distillery, under pergolas and the shade of old walnut and fruit trees. The tasting can be combined with a lunch featuring homemade food from local cellars, prepared in an oven right in the yard. These visits are not open to the public but are exclusively for groups with prior notice and reservations, with a selection of the offered menu.

The Kajak.mk team advises you to choose Berovo for your next team-building, which would be ideal to organize during the spring or summer when Barovo reveals its most beautiful side.

If you need full organization for your team-building, including organized transportation, a visit to Traikovsky Wines & Spirits, and walks around Barovo, feel free to send us a request by filling out the form you can find HERE.