If you enjoy wine, beautiful nature, and small towns, this road trip is perfect for you. Sremski Karlovci is a town in northern Serbia. It is famous for its long wine history. Many people come here to visit the wineries and try local wines made from grapes grown in the nearby hills.
The town is easy to reach by car. Renting a car in Serbia allows you to travel at your own pace. You can stop at small vineyards, explore old cellars, and enjoy the fresh air outside the city. Most wineries offer tastings and short tours, so you will enjoy the visit even if you are not a wine expert. Let’s look at what makes this wine town special and how you can plan your trip to the best wineries in Sremski Karlovci.
If you plan a road trip to Sremski Karlovci, you are in for something special. This small Serbian town is an hour away from Belgrade. Beautiful vineyards surround it, the green hills of Fruska Gora, and the Danube River. The peaceful setting makes it a favorite stop for wine lovers. The best part is how easy it is to walk around. Almost every house has a wine cellar, and you can go from one tasting to another.
You can rent a car in Belgrade to make your trip easier. Most rental agencies ask for a valid driver’s license, passport, and a credit card. If your license is not in Latin script, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP). A compact car or sedan is enough for this route, as the roads are in good condition
Sremski Karlovci has a long wine history. From Roman times to modern Serbian research, wine has always been central to this town’s identity. Long ago, a Roman emperor named Probus planted the first grapevines on the hills of Fruska Gora. He saw that the land was perfect for making wine. Over time, people built vineyards across the region. By the 1500s, visitors from Europe were already writing about the high-quality wines from here. Wines from Karlovci were sent to Poland and the Czech Republic and praised for their flavor.
In the 18th century, Karlovci wine was famous. People said it was as good as wines from Italy or Greece. The 19th century brought more money and attention. But by the end of that century, a vine disease called phylloxera destroyed many vineyards. Though farmers rebuilt them before World War II, they never returned to their original size.
In the 1970s, Institute of Fruit Growing and Viticulture experts worked hard to protect local grapes. They made new varieties like Neoplanta, Sirmium, and Župljanka. Later, red varieties like Probus and Rumenka were created. Thanks to their work, the wine tradition in Sremski Karlovci is strong again and ready for the future.
To understand the taste of wines from Sremski Karlovci, you need to look at the land. The mix of soil, climate, and location helps the grapes grow well. That’s what gives these wines their bold and balanced taste. This is also why vineyard visits in Sremski Karlovci feel so rewarding.
The area sits between the Fruska Gora hills and the Danube River. Long ago, this land was under the Pannonian Sea. Over time, it changed into a rich place for farming. The topsoil is made of loess, which is light and full of air. This allows roots to grow deep. Below is limestone, filled with nutrients that help vines strengthen with age.
The river and hills cool the air but not too cold, helping grapes ripen slowly and evenly, which means they develop better flavor and structure. Local winemakers say that older vines can find water and food deeper underground, making the wine taste even better.
White wines, especially Italian Riesling, Traminac, and Chardonnay, are still popular. But red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Frankovka are growing in importance. The soil and weather here help all these wines get a full and complex flavor.
If you come to Sremski Karlovci and don’t try Bermet, your trip is not complete. This strong and sweet wine is one of the town’s most famous products. It is served at the end of a meal or with dessert. Bermet is a dessert wine with 15% to 18% alcohol. It tastes like herbs, spices, and dried fruit. Each family has its own secret recipe, which it does not share with other winemakers. This keeps the tradition unique and interesting.
Bermet was once sent to royal families in Europe. It was a luxury wine, served at special events. It was even found on the Titanic, showing how important it was. Today, it is still made in small amounts, with care and pride. When you drink Bermet, you will notice it tastes sweet but also complex. It feels thick in the mouth and leaves a long aftertaste. Most wine tasting in Sremski Karlovci starts with a small glass of Bermet. It’s a great way to begin your journey.
One of the best things about this town is that there are many places to taste wine. Many wineries are right in the town center.
Dulka Winery is one of the oldest wine producers in Sremski Karlovci. The family has been making wine since 1920, first as part of a local wine co-op and later as their own modern family business. The vineyard covers over 10 acres near the town and grows many grape types like Italian Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. You’ll get to try strong reds, smooth whites, and some famous dessert wines like Bermet, White Bermet, and Ausbruch. These wines are known for their rich flavor, strong aroma, and high quality.
Kis Winery is one of the most respected family wineries in Sremski Karlovci. Their wine story goes back to 1801, when the family signed a vineyard deal with Matija Murat. The winery grows grapes in the Matej area, and the vineyard includes Grašac Beli, Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Tamjanika, and more. You can try a wide range of wines here—dry, semi-dry, red, white, rosé, and even special Bermet wines. The wines are made only from grapes grown in their own vineyard.
Veritas Winery is a small, family-owned spot located just outside the center of Sremski Karlovci, near Stražilovo. As you leave the Court gardens and walk past the Ešikovac stream, this peaceful winery sits among vineyards and green hills. The winery started in 2010 with the Bošković family and later grew under Jelena Ćuković, who now runs it with support from expert winemaker Tanja Đuričić. Inspired by French wine traditions, the winery mixes modern equipment with a deep respect for quality and beauty.
The winery grows grapes like Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Italian Riesling, Cabernet, and Merlot, using land in Doka, Banstol, and areas right next to the winery. The wines are made in small batches with close attention to detail. If you’re looking for quiet vineyard visits in Sremski Karlovci, this is one of the best places to visit.
Probus Winery is a family-run cellar near the center of Sremski Karlovci. It is located on the sunny slopes of Banstol, with peaceful views of the Fruska Gora hills and the Danube River. This winery is a great place to relax in the afternoon and enjoy rich red wines made from grapes grown on-site.
The Svinjarević family has been connected to wine since the 1600s, and today the cellar is run by Vera and her son Darko Metzing. Their vineyard grows Italian Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Neoplanta, and Frankovka, a local grape used to make red and rosé wines. You’ll find bottles with creative names like Aurora, Venus, Fortuna, Empire, and their famous Bermet wines—Avantura (red) and Zanos (white). These wines are known for their strong taste, deep color, and local character.
Tastings take place inside a 250-year-old house that still holds the charm of past centuries. The cellar stays at 13 to 14ºC all year. Inside, you’ll hear stories about ancient cellar builders, local wine customs, and Roman emperor Probus, who once helped legalize grape growing in the region.
Zivanović Winery offers more than wine. It is also home to the Museum of Beekeeping, making it one of the most unique places in Sremski Karlovci. You’ll taste wines, learn how honey is made, and see how local traditions have been passed down through the Živanović family for generations. The family’s wine story began in 1770 with Teodor Živanović and continued through many generations. Today, the winery is run by Žarko and Borko Živanović, who use modern wine techniques.
The estate includes a beekeeping museum with rare items like old and modern bee hives, honey jars, and even a tiny beehive church from 1875. You’ll also find a 300-year-old wine cellar, where wines are aged in the cool, stable air. The winery grows grapes like Chardonnay, Probus, Tamjanika, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. You can try many types of wine here, including their famous Bermet (white, red, and rosé), Rose Živanović, and Privilegija, a blend of Merlot and Probus.
If you’ve never tried a guided wine tasting, Sremski Karlovci is the perfect place to begin. These tours are calm and welcoming. The hosts are kind and know a lot about winemaking. Before the tasting begins, most wineries will take you into their wine cellar. Some of these cellars are old, with wooden barrels stacked along stone walls. During the tour, you’ll hear how the grapes are picked, pressed, and aged. The owners often guide the tour, sharing family stories and local history.
The tasting usually starts with white wines, then moves on to red, and finishes with a sweet wine like Bermet. Each wine comes with a short explanation—what grape it’s made from, how it tastes, and how long it aged. Some places will offer local snacks or cheeses to enjoy with your wine. Don’t be shy about asking questions.
Wine tasting is simple, but knowing a few basic rules can improve the experience. Start by using all your senses. Look at the wine's color and clarity. Swirl the glass gently, then bring it to your nose to smell the aroma. Take a small sip and let the wine sit on your tongue. Try to notice if the flavor is fruity, spicy, or earthy. A good wine will stay in your mouth for a moment and leave a pleasant taste.
It’s also important to taste in the right order. Begin with lighter white wines, then move to stronger reds, and finish with sweet ones like Bermet. Between each wine, drink a little water to clean your mouth. This keeps your taste sharp so you can enjoy each glass fully. During the visit, remember to show good manners. Always hold your glass by the stem to keep the wine cool. Avoid wearing strong perfume or smoking, as these can affect the smell and taste of the wine. Listen to the guide, ask polite questions, and if you don’t want to swallow the wine, it’s okay to use the spittoon.
You can plan your road trip to Sremski Karlovci at any time of year, but some seasons bring more excitement. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking through town and visiting the vineyards. In February, Sremski Karlovci celebrates the Spring Wine Festival, which honors St. Trifun, the patron saint of vineyards and winemakers. This event marks the start of the wine season and brings locals and visitors together to taste new wines, enjoy music, and join in blessing the vineyards.
In late September and early October, Sremski Karlovci celebrates the Karlovci Grape Harvest Days, a festival that honors its long winemaking tradition. Many wine cellars in the town date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and about twenty are still active today. This event marks the start of the grape harvest and encourages winemakers to keep producing their famous wines. During the festival, you can taste Bermet and Ausbruch, two wine stles that are unique to Sremski Karlovci. Along with wine and grape tastings, there are booths with local souvenirs and handcrafted goods. The town also hosts cultural events like plays, live concerts, and performances by traditional folk groups.
If you enjoy wine, quiet landscapes, and charming towns, a road trip to Sremski Karlovci is a must. This gem in northern Serbia is full of old wine cellars, friendly winemakers, and a deep connection to grape growing traditions. You’ll taste famous wines like Bermet, visit local festivals in spring and autumn, and walk through vineyards with views of the Fruska Gora hills. The town is easy to explore, and most tastings are relaxed and welcoming.
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