International Prokupac Day Date in the current year: October 14, 2024

The history of wine-making in Serbia dates back all the way to ancient Rome. Yugoslavia, which Serbia was a part of from 1945 to 1992, was among the world’s top ten wine-producing countries. However, mass-produced Yugoslavian wines couldn’t boast of high quality.

The dissolution of Yugoslavia was a heavy blow for the Serbian wine and viticulture industry. Serbian wine-making began to recover in the 2000s, with small and medium privately-owned wineries replacing state enterprises. The majority of Serbian wines are produced by local wineries that put quality over quantity.

Major red wine grape varieties grown in Serbia include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Prokupac, Tamjanika, and Vranac. Prokupac is considered Serbia’s signature red wine grape variety. It is an indigenous Serbian grape that is used to produce rosé and red varietal wines, blends, and Vinjak (Serbian grape brandy). Prokupac is considered to be the oldest native Serbian grape variety; its first mentions date back to the Middle Ages.

Procupac is widely grown in Serbia because it is resistant to low temperatures, does not require much care, produces a good harvest even when grown in skeletal soil, and has a high sugar content (and therefore high potential alcohol levels). Outside of Serbia, this grape variety is grown in North Macedonia and the partially recognized Republic of Kosovo.

Prokupac is most commonly used to produce rosé wines. Due to the high anthocyanin content of the grapes, Prokupac rosés are much darker than traditional pink or blush rosés; they acquire a deep ruby color even after a short skin contact (12–24 hours). An increasing number of producers have been experimenting with red Prokupac wines. When used to produce blended wines, Prokupac is usually blended with international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

Unsurprisingly, International Prokupac Day was created in Serbia in order to promote one of the country’s signature indigenous grape varieties and raise awareness of Serbian wines. On and around October 14, wineries, wine shops, bars, and restaurants in Serbia and other countries organize wine tastings, workshops, and other events for wine lovers.

The main celebration of International Prokupac Day takes place in the Serbian capital of Belgrade. It is a professional conference where selected wineries from all over the country get to showcase their Prokupac wines, as well as exchange knowledge and experience in order to develop the country’s wine and viticulture industry together.

You can celebrate International Prokupac Day even if there are no events near you. Buy a bottle of Prokupac wine to share with a friend and don’t forget to raise awareness of the holiday on social media with the hashtags #InternationalProkupacDay and #ProkupacDay.