The second edition of Vranac Selection by CMB, the international competition dedicated to wines made from the Vranac grape variety, was held from March 4 to 6, 2026, at the Hilton Podgorica, making the Montenegrin capital the new world center for Vranac. Organized by the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles | CMB in partnership with the National Sommelier Association of Montenegro, the event brought together wines from Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia.
This 2026 edition highlighted the exceptional quality of the region’s production, notably through its top honors: the International Revelation was awarded to the Popov Vranec Reserve 2019 from North Macedonia, while the Blend Revelation went to Montenegro’s Dimitrije Reserve 2017 by Rade Rajkovic
A competition dedicated to Vranac and its “noble relatives”
After a successful first edition in 2023 in North Macedonia, the 2026 session confirmed the qualitative potential and diversity of Vranac expressions across the entire Balkan wine peninsula.
“Vranac Selection represents much more than a competition; it is a celebration of the authenticity and terroirs of the Balkans, where tradition and innovation meet,” emphasizes Baudouin Havaux, President of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
Find all the awarded wines here results.vranecselection.com/en/results/2026
2026 Awards:
The 2026 edition highlighted the exceptional level of several Vranacs and Vranac blends, with three major distinctions:
- North Macedonia
In addition to the Grand Gold Medal – International Revelation – awarded to Popov Vranec Reserve 2019 (POPOV Winery), several estates such as Tikveš, Stobi Winery, Château Kamnik, or Brzanov Winery left with Gold and Silver medals.
- Montenegro
The host country stood out with two Grand Gold Medals – Dimitrije Reserve 2017 (Rade Rajkovic, Blend Revelation) and Stari Podrum Cuvee Terroir 2020 (13. jul Plantaže) – as well as a series of gold medals for Kekovic Estate, Vinarija Krgovic, Buk, Zenta, Plantaže, Vida Wines, and other producers.
- Kosovo
Labi Wine’s wines marked the Kosovar presence in the awards, notably with Gold and Silver Medals for cuvées based on Vranac and Vranac Blends.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vinarija Jungic obtained at least one medal for its Vranac Premium, confirming the potential of this country, which is still little known internationally for its Vranac.
- Serbia
Serbia distinguished itself with a silver medal for Pirg Vranac 2022 (Tref Line d.o.o.), which honors the quality of Serbian interpretations of the grape variety.
- Croatia
Croatia also featured in the awards thanks to Plavac Mali cuvées from Dalmatia, showing the close links between Vranac and its “noble relatives” across the Adriatic.
Podgorica, a showcase for Balkan Vranac
Montenegro took advantage of this second edition to assert its role as a historical country for Vranac, alongside North Macedonia, which was particularly well-represented in the awards by the number of medals.
The tastings were complemented by estate visits and meetings with producers, allowing international experts to better understand the diversity of terroirs and winemaking styles.
“We are honored to host this event alongside the CMB; this competition embodies our commitment to authenticity and our belief in the extraordinary potential of Vranac,” emphasizes the National Sommelier Association of Montenegro.
About Vranac Selection by CMB
Created in 2023 by the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Vranac Selection by CMB is part of the family of CMB thematic sessions (Rosé, Sauvignon, etc.) and its mission is to discover and promote the best wines from the Vranac grape variety and its “noble relatives” on international markets.
CMB medals are recognized worldwide as a seal of excellence, valued by producers, sought after by buyers, and reassuring for consumers.
Practical information and full results
The full list of winners, including all Grand Gold, Gold, and Silver medals, as well as Revelations by category, is available on the official website: vranacselection.com.
