Herzegovina’s Wine-making Tradition: The Majić Family’s Journey from Heritage to Innovation

The connection between wine and Herzegovina is deeply rooted in the region's tradition, culture, and natural environment. Herzegovina, with its sunny days, dry climate, and rocky soil, has created ideal conditions for cultivating grapevines.

Indigenous grape varieties such as Žilavka and Blatina, which thrive in the specific conditions of the Herzegovinian climate, are renowned for their quality and unique flavors. 

Žilavka, a white grape variety, produces a wine that is light in color, with a fresh and crisp taste, while Blatina, a red variety, yields a wine rich in flavor and deep in color. Viticulture and winemaking in Herzegovina have a long history, with many families passing down this tradition through generations, preserving the knowledge and passion for wine.

The Majić Family Legacy

One such family is the Majić family, whose dedicated winery is nestled in the heart of a small Herzegovinian town, surrounded by vast fields. Although it is the youngest winery in Ljubuški, in just five years, they have created an outstanding wine story, all while staying true to authenticity and sustainability.

Their history dates back to the early 1920s when the great-grandfather decided to plant the first vines, and the family revived this tradition in 2019. 

What makes this winery, found in Cerno, stand out is its modern touch, perfectly blended with tradition. The estate, surrounded by olive trees, is nestled in the rugged karst landscape and verdant greenery, as a tribute to Herzegovina. 

The vineyards are situated nearby, and the winery itself offers a view of the expansive fields. It was conceived not merely as a place, but as a complete experience, with plans to soon include a tasting room and accommodation. Imagine the view we enjoyed at sunset, sipping wine—a flawless perfection that you will soon be able to experience yourself.

Until then, you can visit the winery to enjoy wine tastings or sample delicious Herzegovinian artisanal products. 

Experiencing Majić Wines

The selection of Majic wines, of course, includes indigenous wines from Herzegovinian varieties, but also Pošip, Rose Trnjak, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cuvee White, Cuvee Red, Trnjak, and Chardonnay. These high-quality wines, exceptional in flavor, are accompanied by meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a complete experience. We had the opportunity to try their premium dry white wine and their rose. The Cuvee White, with its slightly acidic aroma that transitions into fruity notes and a golden-yellow color, is a true explosion on the palate. Meanwhile, the pink Rose Kate, with fruity aromas from the Trnjak variety and notes of wild strawberries, is ideal for summer.

Wine - A Symbol of Herzegovinian Hospitality

Our guide through it all was Vjeko Majić, the mastermind behind this story, a man with years of experience in hospitality and gastronomy, which provided him with the perfect background for his endeavors. He has passed on his love for wine to his children, a passion sparked by witnessing his father and grandfather process grapes from a young age.

These days, Vjeko has been especially busy as the traditional grape harvest, eagerly anticipated at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, is in full swing—a time that brings people together in shared effort and celebration.

Wine in Herzegovina is more than just a beverage; it symbolizes hospitality, pride, and community. In many Herzegovinian homes, wine is an integral part of daily life, especially cherished during holidays and celebrations, bringing family and friends together at the table. 

With numerous wineries producing high-quality wines, Herzegovina has gained recognition not only domestically but also on the international market. Although they modestly describe themselves as a "Small winery, great taste," we believe they have the potential to grow into something truly remarkable.