Marija Miletić from the village of Oparić near Rekovac, with her family, successfully continues the multigenerational family business of growing vineyards and producing wine. After graduating from university in Belgrade, she returned to the family estate in Levč, which was founded by her great-grandfather, and continued the tradition that has been going on for more than 130 years. In the last two decades, Marija has increased wine production, the vineyards cover 12 hectares, and the annual production is from 30 to 50 thousand liters, while the capacity of the cellar is 70,000 liters.
Although international varieties have traditionally been grown in Levački Vinogorje, in recent years there has been an increasing return to autochthonous varieties such as prokupac and tamjanika. Prokupac was the dominant variety in this region, but it disappeared during the 1980s due to land compaction.
Today, however, Marija and her team are replanting autochthonous varieties, making wines that are authentic and appreciated. Levač is recognizable for its specific climate, cold nights that enable an ideal balance between acids and sugars in the grapes, which is important for the quality of the wine. Marija points out that the goal is to revive the old glory of the vineyards, develop wine tourism and expand production. There are currently six wineries in this region, and several more farms are in the process of registration.
Quality wines from the time of Obrenović
Marija is proud of the family tradition that dates back to 1885. Back then, her grandfather planted the first vineyard near the Kalenić and Preradovac monasteries, after he finished the agricultural school in Ćuprija. Generations have continued to grow vines and make wine, each building on the previous one in line with new technologies and trends. In 2006, Marija took over the management of the family estate. She was only one of two women in Serbia who headed the winery. Although the beginning was challenging, she managed to increase production and achieve success in the market. Today, her business is growing, and she exports part of her wine to Japan.
Marija believes that the key to success is dedication, knowledge and respect for tradition, and she points out that as a woman in winemaking, she was always respected for her knowledge and seriousness in her work.
Source: Good morning
Source: boljazemlja.com
