Travel Guide to Northern Bosnia Wine Region

More than 25 years ago there was a horrific war underway in Bosnia – Herzegovina. This was the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II and after that, the country had to take many measures in its recovery. Towards the end of the 19^th century, viticulture in Bosnia – Herzegovina started to grow. Today, the Northern Bosnia wine region grows 50% white grapes and 45% red grapes.

Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Northern Bosnia wine region to enjoy if you visit the region.

Continue reading to discover more about:

Wines of the Northern Bosnia Wine Region

Places to visit the Northern Bosnia Wine Region

Food to try in the Northern Bosnia Wine Region

About Northern Bosnia Wine Region    

As the name states, the Northern Bosnia wine region is located in the north of Bosnia – Herzegovina. This is unusual as most of the country’s vines are located in the south. Most of the wine of the Northern Bosnia wine region is provided in the lower-lying regions near the Adriatic Coast and Mostar.

The climate of the Northern Bosnia wine region is temperate continental with hot summers and cold, dry winters. The soil is extremely dry which can make viticulture extremely challenging.

In the Northern Bosnia wine region, the most commonly grown grapes are the white Zilkava and the red Blatina, which cover 95% of the growing area.

The wines of the Northern Bosnia Wine Region

Wine production in the Northern Bosnia wine region is largely focused on only high-quality wines and the best-quality grapes. For this Herzegovina region, the winemakers of the region are constantly striving to improve their quality by working closely with local and international grape and wine experts.

Read more about Wineries in the Northern Bosnia wine region to visit.

What to see in Northern Bosnia Wine Region

Una National Park - Nacionalni Park Una

The Una National Park is located in the Northern Bosnia wine region along the Croatian border. The park was opened in 2008 in order to protect the Krka, Unac and Una Rivers and their associated flora, fauna, waterfalls and archaeological sites. This natural park is one of the most biodiverse regions of the Balkans.

Banja Luka - The world of colour

When entering Banja Luka it feels like walking into an Instagram post filled with colour. Above the streets of Banja Luke are endless rows of suspended colourful umbrellas. Alongside the umbrella, the street meanders the beautiful river and the façade of the grand Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. For picture-perfect moments, Banja Luka is the perfect place to go.

Tuzla - The third largest city in Bosnia-Herzegovina        

Tuzla is the third largest city in Bosnian-Herzegovina. This city was far less influenced by the war in the country and tourism has been a major industry here for most of the 21^st century. The most popular attractions in Tuzla are the Tuzla Massacre Memorial and the Pannonica Lakes.

Northern Bosnia Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Northern Bosnia Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

The beautiful nature of Northern Bosnia      

The most striking feature of the landscape of the Northern Bosnia wine region are the valleys and mountains that are dotted across the region. This Herzegovina region is extremely mountainous and also includes a small section of the Dinaric Alps. The mountains and the lower reaches of the region that stretch to the Adriatic Sea make it one of the world’s most picturesque wine regions.

Vrbas River - The main river of Banja Luka 

The Vrbas River is the main river of Banja Luka. The river has a wonderful blue-green colour and creates wonderful landscapes as it meanders from the Zec Mountain to the Sava River. Vrbas is by far one of the most beautiful rivers in the Northern Bosnia wine region and has many rapids, waterfalls, cascades, beaches and rock formations for visitors to explore.

Strbacki Buk - The terraced waterfall         

The Strbacki Buk is a terraced waterfall located in the Una National Park. The water of the magnificent waterfalls falls from over 25 meters high. There are numerous viewing platforms where visitors can witness the crystal-clear water cascading into the pools below.

Krupa Waterfalls - The waterfalls of Banja Luka

The Krupa Waterfalls are located in Banja Luka and are the perfect place to experience untouched nature at its best. The landscape of the waterfalls and their crystal-clear water make this the perfect location for hiking and cooling off for a dip with family and friends. Climbing to the top of the waterfall is an easy climb and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

The tastes of the Northern Bosnia Wine Region

The cuisine of the Northern Bosnia wine region is dominated by a range of wonderful meats. Although vegetables are readily available, they are considered a side dish rather than the main event. The influences of various cultures on the local cuisine of the region are evident in most of the delicious Northern Bosnian dishes. This provides for a wonderful taste experience.

Tufahija - Traditional apple dessert

Tufahija is a local dessert in the Northern Bosnia wine region made with apples that are stewed in water and sugar and then stuffed with almond or walnut cream. The stuffed apples are shortly baked and dressed in sugar syrup. Tufahija is served chilled in a large glass with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Japrak - A staple in Northern Bosnian Cuisine

Japrak is a local dish of the Northern Bosnia wine region that is made with minced meat wrapped in blanched local cabbage leaves. The minced meat filling is made with beef, rice, salt and pepper. This is then rolled in cabbage leaves and slowly cooked for hours. Japrak is best enjoyed with mashed potatoes or sour cream.

Sac

The staple food preparation method of the Northern Bosnia wine region

Sac is a method of preparing food that is very common across the Northern Bosnia wine region. This method of preparation involves cooking food inside a bell-shaped pot. Foods that are most commonly prepared this way are meat, vegetables and seafood that are seasoned and cooked with olive oil and wine.

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