Behind Prokupac lie centuries, but behind Prokupac Day only a decade, and what a decade it has been. In just ten years, it has united winemakers and wine lovers alike, and the story is only beginning.
Ten years ago, two brave visionaries, Igor Luković and Tomislav Ivanović, lit a spark. Not with big budgets. Not with institutions. Not with marketing campaigns. They started guerrilla-style and modestly. But they were driven by love. Passion. Faith. They believed in a forgotten grape. They believed in Prokupac. Together, they sparked a remarkable revival.
First came the winemakers. Then restaurateurs. Then wine lovers. Journalists. International wine experts. And a few of us persistent wine enthusiasts who refused to let tradition fade.
Today, Prokupac is no longer a whisper. It’s a statement. It’s identity in a glass.
At the beginning, they were brave and curious. Over the past decade, they have remained persistent. And because of that persistence, Prokupac traveled from the margins to the mainstream. From local obscurity to international recognition. From ‘old-fashioned’ to ‘cutting-edge.’ It is now celebrated globally as Serbia’s most important indigenous red grape variety.
A Decade of Prokupac Day: From Heritage to Celebration
In 2025, we celebrate a milestone: ten years of International Prokupac Day, an entire decade dedicated to reviving and honoring Serbia’s noble native grape.
Mark your calendars for October 14, 2025, at the historic Princess Ljubica’s Konak in Belgrade, where more than 30 winemakers will gather to showcase nearly 70 exceptional Prokupac wines. One great celebration awaits, a moment when tradition, passion, and modernity converge. This is more than an event. This is history in motion.
A Grape Rooted in Centuries
Prokupac has deep roots in Serbian soil, some believe it dates back to the Middle Ages. Monks cultivated it in monastery vineyards, while villagers used it for family feasts, weddings, and celebrations. It survived Ottoman rule. It survived phylloxera. It survived wars, communism, and modern neglect. Why? Because Prokupac is stubborn. Resilient. Authentic. Just like the people who grow it.
I asked Dr. José Vouillamoz, the world’s leading wine geneticist and co-author of Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours (the definitive encyclopedia of the world’s wine grape varieties) with Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding, about the parentage of Prokupac. His answer was simple: ‘We don’t know; it’s too old.’
For centuries, Prokupac was the backbone of Serbian red wine. But for a long time, it was misunderstood, often diluted in blends, seen as rustic, considered simple. It lacked recognition. It lacked care. Then came the modern wave. A new generation of Serbian winemakers refused to let the grape fade. They saw potential, elegance, and terroir expression. They believed Prokupac could be refined, expressive, age-worthy.
And they were right!
The Rebirth: From Survival to Revival
The early 2000s marked the first signs of a Prokupac renaissance. Small, quality-focused wineries began to experiment, old vines were carefully preserved, and new vineyards were planted. Technology improved, knowledge deepened, and a renewed passion for Serbia’s native grape took root. Each bottle became a testament to resilience, tradition, and the possibilities of modern winemaking.
The true turning point came in 2015, with the birth of International Prokupac Day. Suddenly, Prokupac had a stage, a voice, a movement. From that moment, the grape began to shine. Competitions awarded medals, international sommeliers praised its uniqueness, wine critics celebrated its character, and tourists flocked to taste it. Serbia had found its flagship, and Prokupac was ready to claim its place on the world stage.
The Style of Prokupac
What makes Prokupac truly special? It is versatile. Personality-driven. Honest.
- In its youth, it bursts with vibrant red fruit: cherries, raspberries, pomegranate.
- With age, it unfolds complexity: spice, earth, herbs, tobacco.
- It can be light and juicy, or deep, structured, and commanding.
- It reflects terroir like a mirror.
From the volcanic soils of Župa, to the sunny hills of Topola, to the historic vineyards of Šumadija, to the rediscovered slopes of Kosovo and Metohija, Prokupac tells the story of place.
Well-grown Prokupac offers freshness, energy, fine tannins, and a signature identity that cannot be mistaken for any international grape. It is Serbia in liquid form.
Who Made Prokupac Great Again?
Let’s honor the producers who believed before the world did by celebrating today’s champions of Prokupac.
- Vino Budimir - Legendary old vines producing unique, lilac-colored wines with enduring character.
- Ivanović - A true symbol of dedication, combining old methods with contemporary quality standards.
- Aleksandrović - Excellent Prokupac from carefully tended vineyard, highlighting the best of Šumadija’s terroir and heritage.
- Rajković Wine Office Prince Rskavac - The ‘Prince’ of Župa, juicy and expressive, reflecting careful winemaking skills.
- Čokot Radovan - 100% varietal Prokupac reflecting meticulous care and deep respect for the grape.
- Matijašević Čukundeda - Faithful to regional traditions of Šumadija and expressive of heritage vineyards.
- Virtus - Layered, age-worthy styles gently combining tradition with modernity.
- Grabak Prokupac - From mature Vrnjačka Banja vineyards with rich, award-winning profiles.
- Jelić Kameničarka - Demonstrates the aging potential of Prokupac in Serbian oak barrels.
- Monastery Studenica - Exemplifies the finest red wines from native Serbian varieties with a distinct sense of place.
- Despotika Zmajeviti - Among the oldest labels of the new Serbian wine wave, celebrating tradition and soul.
- Arsenijević Starosedelac - A rarified expression showcasing the full potential of Oplenac grapes with exceptional finesse.
- Doja - Modern, precise, powerful, and structured expressions showcasing ultimate elegance and balance.
- Aglaja Prokupac - Versatile wines, ideal for any occasion, nicely exemplifying the terroir of Negotinska Krajina.
- Temet Beli Kamen - From a unique site near Jagodina, unmistakably showcasing distinctive character and elegance.
- Yotta - Produced from very old Župa vines with meticulous care.
Many others are joining the movement. Young winemakers. Boutique producers. Estates investing in old vineyards. Even big wineries now take Prokupac seriously.
Prokupac is no longer the underdog. It is the hero.
Prokupac Beyond Serbia: A Global Identity
International wine experts now speak its name with respect. Master Sommeliers include it in tastings, global wine fairs showcase it, and top restaurants in London, New York, Copenhagen, and Tokyo proudly feature Prokupac on their lists. Why? Because wine lovers crave authenticity, indigenous varieties, and stories, and Prokupac has a story like no other.
When you taste Prokupac, you don’t just taste a wine. You taste survival. You taste creativity. You taste a nation reclaiming its pride through its terroir. Each sip is a journey through history, resilience, and the unmistakable character of Serbia’s noble grape.
The 2025 Celebration: A Decade of Progress
October 14, 2025 is not just an anniversary, it is a statement. We started humble. We grew strong. We became a movement. At Princess Ljubica’s Konak, an iconic symbol of Serbian heritage, more than 30 winemakers will gather to present nearly 70 exceptional wines. This is not merely a tasting; it is a showcase of evolution, from traditional styles to modern interpretations, from light and playful to bold and age-worthy, from entry-level brilliance to world-class bottlings.
Expect history. Expect creativity. Expect emotion. The event will feature masterclasses, panels, tastings, and conversations, drawing press, international guests, and wine lovers from every corner of the globe. This is not just a Serbian celebration; it is rather a global invitation to witness the rise of Prokupac and the enduring spirit of Serbia’s native grape.
Celebrate Prokupac Day with Winera
Aleksandrovic - Premium Food & Wine Pairing (Šumadija, Serbia)
Guests can enjoy a guided tasting at Serbia’s leading winery, featuring 7 glasses of premium wines expertly paired with a 6-course menu of local culinary delights. They will taste exceptional wines from the winery’s own vineyards, including the legendary Trijumf and the distinctive Prokupac, a native Serbian variety.
Visitors can take in stunning vineyard views just an hour from Belgrade, explore the winery’s history and philosophy, and experience the renowned warmth of Serbian hospitality. Featured wines include Sparkling Trijumf Noir, Trijumf Gold, Trijumf Terroir, Prokupac, Rodoslov Grand Reserve, Trijumf Late Harvest, and Trijumf XO Brandy.
Duration: 2h 30m | Languages: English, Serbian | Price: €68
Winery Despotika - Classic Menu (Šumadija, Serbia)
At Despotika Winery in Šumadija, visitors can enjoy a 3-hour engaging experience blending education, taste, and culture. Guests are welcomed by a knowledgeable host and guided through the Museum of Winemaking, where they discover the fascinating technological process of grape fermentation, the barrique hall, and the winery’s historic wine archives.
The experience includes a tasting of 4 wines, featuring local and international varieties from dessert to red, presented in elegant tasting rooms or on the scenic terrace. Guests also enjoy a carefully crafted lunch with four seasonal dishes thoughtfully paired to complement the wines, enhancing the culinary journey.
Duration: 3h | Languages: Serbian, English | Price: €40 | €20 per child
Janko Winery - Tasting with Handcrafted Local Specialties by Winemaker & Chef Janko (Smederevo, Serbia)
Guided personally by the winemaker, the tasting at Janko winery is paired with homemade dishes crafted to complement each wine, creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests are also invited to explore the story of Smederevo, its historic fortress, and the unique microclimate that nurtures the winery’s award-winning varietals.
Participants will taste 6 wines spanning local and international varieties, red, white, and sparkling, including the Serbian treasure Prokupac. Along the way, they will learn about the winery’s time-honored methods and the great care devoted to every vine and grape, that has earned the estate international recognition.
This experience is ideal for corporate clients and groups, offering a memorable setting for team building and special events. What makes it unique is that the winemaker personally prepares the food for guests, creating an authentic, exclusive experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
Duration: 3h | Languages: Serbian, English | Price: €70 | Children: € 20
Kovačević Winery (Fruška Gora, Serbia)
Discover the charm of Vinarija Kovačević through a refined 3-hour tasting experience, where guests sample six exceptional wines in a warm, inviting setting. Among them is Pro & Pro, a masterful blend of Prokupac and Probus, aged 12 months in barrique plus over 6 months in bottle. By nurturing each wine, the winery preserves the traditions of old winegrowing families and continues the legacy of the Irig wine road.
Highlights such as the historic 1930 wine cellar, the barrique hall, and cellar rooms with amphorae and archival wines offer a journey through time. This grandiose setting, originating from the era of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, makes the experience both cultural and memorable.
Wine bar Passage - “Fantastic Four” Experience (Belgrade, Serbia)
Guests can discover the delights of Serbian wine with the “Fantastic Four” tasting experience at Wine Bar Passage. The tasting features four of Serbia’s finest labels, including Prokupac from Aleksandrović Winery, Kovačević Sparkling Wine - Fresco Bianco, Axiom White - Deurić Winery, and Rosé Sec - Zvonko Bogdan Winery, all paired with premium cold cuts.
This 1-hour experience is guided by a wine expert and offers a journey through Serbia’s North to South-Central wine regions. Guests will taste local and international grape varieties, including red, white, sparkling, and rosé wines, in an intimate and welcoming setting.
Duration: 1h | Languages: English, Serbian | Price: €25
Why Prokupac Matters Today
In a world dominated by Cabernet and Merlot, indigenous varieties shine as treasures, offering diversity, personality, and cultural significance. Prokupac is more than a grape, it is identity. It bridges tradition and the future, connecting ancient vines with the vision of young winemakers, carrying within it the very DNA of the land.
And it teaches us a valuable lesson: when you believe in something deeply enough, you can revive it; when a community comes together, miracles happen.
The Future of Prokupac
What comes next?
- More single-vineyard bottlings.
- More old-vine preservation.
- More research and clonal selection.
- More international distribution.
- More premium labels.
- More global awards.
- More pride.
And yes - more Prokupac lovers!
The next decade will be even bigger. Serbia is positioning Prokupac as its calling card in the world of wine. Tourism is growing. Wine routes are expanding. Investments are increasing. The industry is maturing. And Prokupac is leading the way.
A Toast to the Believers
To the winemakers who took risks, to the consumers who championed local, to the journalists who told the story, to the sommeliers who poured the first glasses abroad, to the enthusiasts who showed up year after year, and to Igor Luković and Tomislav Ivanović, who dared to dream, without them, there would be no International Prokupac Day, and the grape might still be forgotten.
Today, Prokupac stands proud on the world stage, a testament to vision, courage, and the power of community.
Raise a Glass to Prokupac
On October 14, 2025, open a bottle, share it with a friend, post it online, and spread the story. This is more than Serbia’s day, it’s a celebration of heritage, skill, persistence, and identity. Behind Prokupac lie centuries; behind Prokupac Day, only a decade. But in that decade, a legacy was built that will last generations. Cheers to the next ten years, to the grape that wouldn’t give up, to Prokupac. Živeli!
With Winera, wine lovers can easily reserve exceptional experiences with just a few clicks, from guided winery tastings to full winery tours, exploring the history, terroir, and unique character of Serbia’s iconic Prokupac.
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