Host 2026: Podgorica
The Cradle of Vranac
Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Vranac Selection by CMB, the international competition dedicated exclusively to wines made from the Vranac grape variety. We invite producers from all Vranac-producing regions and beyond to join us in Podgorica, Montenegro, a cradle of this distinguished variety, from 4 to 6 March 2026.
4-6 March 2026 | Hotel Hilton, Podgorica, Montenegro
Montenegro, the birthplace of Vranac
Montenegro is celebrated as the birthplace of Vranac, a grape that embodies the warmth of the Mediterranean and the strength of its mountain soils. From these sun-kissed valleys and river-carved slopes, Vranac set out on its journey across neighboring lands: North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania, leaving its bold signature on every terroir it touched.
Its noble relatives, Kratoshia (also known as Tribidrag or Crljenak Kaštelanski) and Plavac Mali, share the same ancient lineage and timeless spirit. Together they tell a story of authenticity, endurance, and identity, wines deeply rooted in tradition, yet expressive on the world stage.
Vranac and its kin stand out for:
• An exceptional expression of terroir
• A captivating diversity of wine styles
• Graceful evolution and depth with age
• Harmony in both traditional and modern blends
• A generosity that allows the world to share in their character
About the Host Region: The Balkan Peninsula – The Wine Peninsula
In the wine world, this southeastern corner of Europe is often called the Wine Peninsula, or sometimes the New Old World, poetic names for a land where Europe’s oldest vines meet a new wave of creativity and ambition.
Between the rugged, karst-carved peaks of the Dinaric Mountains and the deep blue of the Adriatic Sea stretches a landscape of authenticity, villages where the scent of fermenting grapes mingles with sea breezes and mountain air. It is here that Vranac, Kratošija, and Plavac Mali find their truest voice: grapes that speak of stone and sun, of family heritage and enduring passion.
Every vineyard in this region tells a story of resilience, renewal, and a return to the very roots of European wine culture
.
Montenegro – Land Between Mountains and the Sea
Montenegro is a country of dramatic contrasts — where steep limestone mountains plunge into the Adriatic and quiet valleys cradle ancient vineyards along the rivers Moracha and Crmnica. Though small in size, it offers a remarkable diversity of terroirs shaped by Mediterranean sunshine, mountain breezes, and mineral-rich soils. The country’s long viticultural tradition is woven into its culture: wine is poured not merely to celebrate, but to connect generations, families, and stories.
Here, Vranac thrives as nowhere else — deeply rooted in the soils of Lake Skadar and the sunlit terraces of the southern vineyards. Its wines mirror the landscape itself: bold yet elegant, powerful yet graceful, full of the energy that defines this mountainous land. Montenegro’s modern winemakers, blending centuries-old wisdom with contemporary craftsmanship, are now writing a new chapter in the story of the Wine Peninsula.
Podgorica – The Beating Heart of Montenegrin Wine
At the crossroads of rivers and mountains, Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, stands as the vibrant center of the nation’s wine life. The city lies close to the country’s finest vineyards — from the legendary Crmnica Valley near Lake Skadar to the rolling hills of Ćemovsko Polje, home to one of Europe’s largest single vineyard estates.
Podgorica’s modern spirit blends effortlessly with its ancient roots, a place where tradition meets innovation, and where wine culture pulses through daily life. It is here that Vranec Selection by CMB 2026 will find its perfect stage: surrounded by vineyards, embraced by hospitality, and fueled by the same passion that made Vranac a symbol of Montenegro’s identity and pride.
The Host Organization
Behind this gathering of excellence stands the National Sommelier Association of Montenegro, a dynamic force dedicated to elevating the country’s wine culture and professional standards. Through education, competitions, and collaboration with wineries and international institutions, the Association has become a cornerstone of Montenegro’s modern wine identity.
Their passion for Vranac and commitment to authenticity make them the ideal hosts of the Vranec Selection by CMB 2026 — an event that unites tradition and innovation, local pride and global recognition. Guided by their vision, Montenegro opens its doors to the world of wine, ready to share its terroirs, its stories, and the spirit that flows in every glass.
Join the competition
Registering online is the easiest way to enter your wines. Our team will guide you through the registration process.