The oldest winery in the Balkans is located in Demir Kapija

The season of wine and autumn harmony is approaching. As the autumn chill begins to set in, travelers often seek unique destinations that embody the spirit of the season. One such suggestion from the tourist server Kayak.mk is the Royal Winery Queen in Demir Kapija, which is the oldest winery in the Balkans. This is an ideal option for a weekend trip.

Founded in 1928 by King Alexander Karađorđević on the advice of leading French oenologists, the winery was established in the Tikveš region, specifically in Demir Kapija. After a devastating earthquake affected the region, Queen Maria provided assistance in 1934, helping to revitalize the winery.

Originally, there was no plan for a family villa on the estate. However, at Queen Maria's insistence, construction of the villa began in 1931. As a gift for the villa, a ceramic workshop from Vršac, Serbia, donated two impressive caryatids, each 2.80 meters tall. These caryatids were buried by the property manager in 1941 to protect them from devastation and theft, only to be uncovered during deep plowing in the 1960s and subsequently placed in front of the villa's entrance. The royal estate was officially put into use in 1931 when the foundations of the Church of St. Bogorodica were laid, which included a wine cellar with accompanying facilities and a Lipizzaner horse stable built 2 kilometers away.

In 2001, based on a proposal by Mr. Zvonimir Budimirović, advisor to the mayor for culture and cultural heritage, the municipal council decided to protect the property under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Macedonia. Today, it stands out as one of the most attractive wine tourism destinations in the municipality of Demir Kapija and throughout Macedonia.

This region is particularly significant for Macedonia due to its extensive grape production and processing capabilities.

Today, the Royal Winery Queen is recognized as one of the best wineries in the country. In addition to offering high-quality wine tastings, it also provides guests with the opportunity to stay overnight in an exquisite royal ambience.