Our Family Winery Makes Pepelishte a Must-Visit

The Kajak.mk team admires small family wineries that put a lot of effort and love into their work. We have always said that small wineries have a soul, and the people behind them are approachable to every guest and visitor who wants to hear the story of the winery and learn about the winemaking process.

Today, we take you to the village of Pepelishte, located in the municipality of Negotino, just 3 kilometers from the Skopje-Athens highway. You can reach the village quickly and easily. At the very entrance to the village, you'll find signs pointing to 'Winery Maximilian.'

This small family winery is the result of a long winemaking tradition spanning three generations. It officially gained recognition in 2019, following amendments to the wine law that allowed the registration of small family wineries, granting it its official signature.

The Kajak.mk team spoke with Ivica, the man who continues the tradition of his great-grandfather. Today, his family winery, 'Maximilian,' boasts a beautiful, spacious yard and well-designed facilities right next to his home, enabling him to closely monitor the wine at all times.

Ivica says they have their own vineyards spanning 1.5 hectares, located in a pristine ecological environment on the left side of the Vardar River. The vineyard is home to varieties such as Rhine Riesling, White Smederevka, Vranec, and Cabernet Franc among the red grape varieties.

Today, the family winery is part of the 'Tikvesh Family Wineries' association and produces six types of wine: Vranec 'Icon' and Cabernet Franc 'Maximilian' among the red wines, while the white wines include Temjanika 'Nest,' Sauvignon Blanc 'Bela,' Chardonnay 'Pepelishte,' and Rhine Riesling 'Ada.

Currently, the winery has a capacity of 5,000 liters, or 6,500 bottles of wine each year. Ivica says that his family is particularly proud of the barrel-aged line of Chardonnay and Vranec, which have matured in American and Hungarian oak barrels, and their full potential is expected to be realized in 2023.

All the wine is produced with modern equipment from Italy, and the highest quality grapes are used, with only the juice being extracted from the clusters into the fermenter, or as it's commonly known, 'free-run juice,' from which only the finest must is pressed.

Ivica is not alone in the production. The entire family, from grandfather to grandson, helps with the harvest and processing, each having their own task. Also present is the expert enologist, who conducts regular checks throughout the month to ensure the production of high-quality wine.

Wine from the 'Maximilian' winery can be found in several restaurants in Negotino and Demir Kapija, as well as in wine cellars in Kavadarci and Negotino, which specialize in wines from family wineries. Ivica hopes that soon he will be able to offer his wine throughout Macedonia.

As for visitors and guests at the winery, groups of foreign tourists are often seen here, most of whom enjoy the Vranec. They claim that this variety is very complex when processed into wine, and its strength is what attracts them. So far, everyone who has visited the winery has left without leaving without buying a bottle of Vranec.

The winery is also proud of the Cabernet Franc 'Maximilian,' which received recognition at the Balkan competition BIFC. It is quite elegant and easy to drink, appealing to both men and women.

The winery has a tasting room where up to 10 people can comfortably attend. It is designed in a rustic style, providing privacy and an excellent atmosphere for groups to enjoy.

If you wish to get in touch with Ivica and view the exact location of the winery, click HERE.