Wines in Kosovo on show in Budapest: a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation
The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Hungary, together with the Kosovo Winemakers’ Association Enologjia and with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MFAD), last week successfully organized a high-level Kosovo Wine Promotion and Professional Networking Event at the Embassy premises in Budapest.
Gathering distinguished guests, wine professionals, distributors, and business representatives from both countries, the event highlighted Kosovo’s rapidly evolving wine sector and provided a dynamic platform for strengthening economic cooperation between Kosovo and Hungary.
Key Messages
- Kosovo’s wine industry is becoming a notable regional player, combining rich tradition with modern techniques.
- Hungary is an important economic and trade partner for Kosovo, especially in agribusiness and food & beverage sectors.
- The event aimed to foster concrete B2B connections, opening new market opportunities for Kosovo wineries.
- Diplomatic and economic institutions in Kosovo are committed to supporting exporters and increasing Kosovo’s presence in European markets.
Opening Remarks & Key Quotes
His Excellency Ambassador Delfin Pllana highlighted the importance of showcasing Kosovo’s potential on the international stage.
“Kosovo’s wine story is one of rebirth, passion, and growing international recognition. Today’s event is a testament to how quality products can create powerful economic and cultural connections. Our winemakers are ambassadors of Kosovo’s tradition, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit. We are proud to present their achievements in Budapest and to strengthen our ties with Hungarian partners.” — Ambassador Delfin Pllana.
Mr. Ruzhdi Haxhijaha, Executive Director of Enologjia and owner of Bodrumi i Vjetër Winery, emphasised the continuous progress of the sector:
“Kosovo’s wine industry has entered a new era—one defined by quality, authenticity, and innovation. Hungarian support and partnership are essential as we expand our reach in Europe.” — Ruzhdi Haxhijaha.
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mr. Driton Blakçori, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Diplomacy, reaffirmed Kosovo’s commitment to promoting its producers abroad.
“Economic diplomacy plays a crucial role in opening markets for Kosovo’s products. Today’s event is an important step toward stronger commercial ties between our two countries.” — Driton Blakçori.
Showcasing Kosovo’s Wineries
The event featured presentations and guided tastings by four Kosovo wineries:
- Bodrumi i Vjetër – one of the oldest and most emblematic cellars, preserving the heritage of Rahovec through traditional methods and distinct red wines.
- Kosova Wine – a major producer combining generations-old knowledge with innovative technology; rapidly expanding its presence in European markets.
- Labi Wine – a boutique, family-run winery known for small-batch craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Dualos – a modern, ambitious winery that reflects the creative energy of Kosovo’s new generation of winemakers.
Participants were introduced to the rich history of Kosovo’s viticulture, its unique terroir, and the growing international relevance of its indigenous grape varieties.
B2B and Networking
The final segment of the event was dedicated to B2B meetings and professional networking, enabling Kosovo wine producers to engage directly with Hungarian distributors, hospitality representatives, and importers.
“Our goal is clear: to create lasting business partnerships that benefit both Kosovo producers and Hungarian market stakeholders.” — Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Hungary
Commitment to Future Cooperation
The Embassy encouraged participants to explore concrete collaboration opportunities, emphasizing its readiness to support ongoing communication and follow-up initiatives. The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Hungary reaffirms its commitment to promoting quality Kosovar products, supporting its wine sector in foreign markets, and advancing economic ties with Hungary across multiple sectors.
Winemaking heritage: Wines in Kosovo
Kosovo’s winemaking heritage stretches back more than two millennia, with archaeological finds around Rahovec pointing to a sophisticated viticultural culture in Illyrian and Roman times. The modern trajectory of the sector, however, has been shaped by rapid transformations. Under the socialist system, Kosovo evolved into a significant industrial wine producer, exporting tens of millions of liters annually and cultivating roughly 9,000 hectares of vineyards at its peak. The conflicts of the 1990s abruptly dismantled this infrastructure, causing production to collapse and large portions of vineyard land to fall out of use. In its place, a new, market-driven wine economy began to emerge—one that now defines the country’s contemporary identity.
Today, Kosovo sustains approximately 3,300 hectares of registered vineyards across 18 municipalities, with the Rahovec region serving as the undisputed center of production. The area benefits from a warm continental climate, Mediterranean airflows, and calcareous soils, creating an advantageous terroir for a diverse range of grape varieties. Red cultivars dominate the landscape, led by the emblematic Vranc, a robust, deeply colored Balkan grape known for producing structured wines with notable aging potential.
Other key red varieties include Prokupac, valued for its bright acidity and regional authenticity, as well as internationally recognized grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Gamay, which enable Kosovar producers to appeal to global palates while maintaining local distinctiveness. White production, though proportionally smaller, relies primarily on well-established international varieties including Chardonnay, Rhine Riesling, and Italian Riesling, allowing wineries to craft both aromatic and mineral-driven styles suited to modern market preferences.
Over the past decade, Kosovo’s wine sector has undergone a strategic shift from volume to value. Privatized former state enterprises—most notably Stone Castle and Bodrumi i Vjetër—have expanded their technical capabilities and export reach, while a new generation of boutique and family-owned wineries has introduced a more terroir-focused, artisanal philosophy. Alongside it, leading names such as Labi Wine, Kosova Wine, Dualos, Haxhijaha Winery, Suhareka Winery, Uka Winery, and Daka Winery have contributed to raising quality standards and diversifying styles. Many of these cellars have embraced modern enology, premium small-batch production, and wine tourism, collectively strengthening Kosovo’s competitive position
The industry’s national development strategies emphasize quality assurance, sustainability, and international brand positioning. Early indications from the 2025 harvest point to a high-quality vintage, with elevated temperatures and abundant sunlight contributing to excellent phenolic ripeness, particularly in red varieties.
Despite challenges such as fragmented plot ownership and limited consolidated statistical reporting, Kosovo’s winemaking sector has entered an era of renewed confidence. Its combination of indigenous Balkan grapes, favorable terroir, modernized production methods, and ambitious private investment is steadily elevating the country’s profile. As global consumers grow increasingly interested in regional authenticity and emerging wine origins, Kosovo appears well-positioned to transform its quiet renaissance into long-term commercial success.
The wine processing and storage capacities in Kosovo are estimated at approximately 37 million liters, a figure that underscores the sector’s growing industrial potential. Although the country is relatively small, its infrastructure for vinification, aging, and storage has expanded significantly in recent years as both legacy wineries and newer boutique producers have invested in modern equipment and upgraded facilities.