Podgorica: Panoramic Wine Tasting & Snack

A quiet creekside wine stop awaits.

Just 12 kilometers from Podgorica, Purple Eye Estate Camp & Winery offers a pleasant change from city sightseeing: local wine, homemade snacks, family stories, and open countryside around the Matica Creek and Purple Eye Lake. I like the setting most of all, along with the chance to taste wines made from Montenegro’s native Vranac and Kratošija grapes rather than bottles chosen for a tourist shop shelf.

I also like that the $23 price includes more than a few small pours. You get red and white wine, schnapps, honey, and a generous plate of cheese, salami, prosciutto, and olives, plus access to the campsite facilities. The main consideration is timing. Two hours is enough for a tasting and short walk, but you may want extra time if you plan to enjoy the sports areas, children’s park, lake, and outdoor setting at an unhurried pace.

Key points before you book

• Family wine tradition: The Sekulić family has made wine, schnapps, and other products for more than four generations.
• Native grapes: Tastings feature Montenegro’s Vranac and Kratošija, grapes with a stronger sense of place than standard international varieties.
• Creek and lake setting: The estate sits beside the Matica Creek and small Purple Eye Lake, giving you room to walk after the tasting.
• Food is included: Homemade cheese, three types of salami and prosciutto, and olives accompany the wine.
• More than a winery: You can use the campsite facilities, including walking areas, table tennis, basketball, football, volleyball, and a children’s park.
• Easy from Podgorica: Pickup is available from the main shopping center, bus station, or airport, and a local bus also runs toward Danilovgrad and Bandići.

A small Montenegrin winery outside Podgorica

Purple Eye Estate is in Bandići, between Danilovgrad and Podgorica. The drive from the capital is short, so this works well when you want a countryside experience without giving up most of your day.

The estate combines a working winery with a campsite and open-air recreation area. That mix gives the place a relaxed, informal character. You are not simply seated in a tasting room and sent away after the final glass. You can walk around, look at the grounds, sit outdoors, and see how the winery fits into a wider family-run property.

The Sekulić family has more than 2,300 grapevines, using the local Vranac and Kratošija varieties. That matters because wine tasting here is tied to Montenegro’s own agricultural traditions. Vranac is especially associated with the country and the wider Balkans, while Kratošija is an older regional grape with a less familiar name to many international visitors.

The estate’s guiding idea is simple: this is wine with a story, not just wine from a store. That story comes from the family’s four generations of production, the local grapes, and the setting where the drinks are made and served.

Getting there from Podgorica

Pickup can be arranged from Big Fashion Shopping Centre, Podgorica Bus Station, or the airport. Extra charges apply for pickup, so check the total cost before booking if you want door-to-door transport.

You also have a lower-cost public transport option. A local bus runs every half hour from the Main Bus Station toward Danilovgrad and Bandići. The fare is listed as €1.50 per person to the Station roundabout in Bandići.

The bus option can save money, but pickup is simpler if you are carrying bags, visiting with children, or want to avoid finding the correct stop. Since the activity is offered as a private group, direct transport may also help keep the visit easy and personal.

The property is described as wheelchair accessible. Still, the experience includes an outdoor walk and open grounds, so it is sensible to confirm the exact route and surfaces before you go if mobility is a concern.

The first hour: a family story with a glass in hand

The guided portion lasts about one hour. This is where the estate’s family background gives the tasting its shape.

You can expect an introduction to the winery, its production, and the Sekulić family’s long connection with wine and schnapps. The guide can speak English, German, Greek, Italian, or Serbo-Croatian, which makes the visit useful for people who want more than a silent pour and a quick explanation.

The most appealing part is the focus on local products. The tasting includes red wine, white wine, schnapps or grappa, and honey. The schnapps adds a distinctly Balkan note to the experience, and it is worth treating it as a strong spirit rather than a casual extra sample.

I would ask about the differences between Vranac and Kratošija, how the family uses each grape, and which drink is best suited to the food on the table. The information provided does not give a fixed tasting menu or exact wine labels, so the selection may vary by visit.

The open setting also changes the pace. Instead of sitting in a formal indoor room, the tasting takes place in an outdoor area, including a rooftop with views. That should appeal to you if fresh air and scenery matter as much as technical wine talk.

What arrives on the tasting plate

The included food is a real part of the value. You receive homemade cheese, three types of salami and prosciutto, and olives. This is enough to make the tasting feel like a light meal rather than a token snack with two crackers.

The cheeses and cured meats also give you a practical way to compare the wines. Try the white wine with the cheese first, then taste the red with the salami and prosciutto. The olives add salt and contrast, which can change how you notice the wine.

One useful detail comes from a visit where a vegetarian plate was prepared after the request came late. That suggests the family can be flexible with food, but you should still state dietary needs when booking. Do not rely on a last-minute adjustment if you have a serious allergy or strict dietary requirement.

A separate dinner may be available after the tasting, but it is not part of the $23 package as described. A particularly appealing option mentioned by a visitor was grilled fish and barbecue, served with fresh seasoning. Treat that as an optional choice, not a guaranteed part of the standard experience, and ask about availability and price before ordering.

A walk beside Matica Creek and Purple Eye Lake

The walk lasts about 15 minutes, though you may have more free time to explore afterward. The route takes you through the estate’s green outdoor areas, along the Matica Creek, and toward the small Purple Eye Lake.

This is a useful pause between tasting and departure. Wine tasting can become repetitive when every stop has the same table, same room, and same short speech. Here, you can stretch your legs, take photographs, and see the natural setting that gives the estate its name.

The lake is small, but that is part of the appeal. You are not coming for a grand waterfront view. You are coming for a peaceful corner of the countryside, with water, meadow, and a slower rhythm than Podgorica’s streets.

Weather will affect this part of the visit. In rain, the outdoor areas may be less comfortable, although one wet-day visit was still described as enjoyable. On a sunny day, the rooftop and grounds should be the strongest part of the stop.

Wear shoes suitable for a short walk outdoors. The supplied details do not specify the trail surface, so practical footwear is a safer choice than dress shoes.

Campsite activities and time to wander

All campsite facilities are included. The property offers table tennis, basketball, football, volleyball, a children’s park with a kids swimming pool, and a small pitch-and-putt golf area available on demand.

This makes the estate more useful for families and private groups than for people who only want a formal wine lesson. Children may have room to play while adults finish a drink, though the children’s pool and activities should be checked for seasonal operation and availability.

The sports facilities also make the visit suitable for team-building days, birthdays, weddings, and group outings. The private-group format means you are not necessarily sharing the tasting with a large mixed crowd. That can be valuable if your group wants a quieter pace or has young children.

There is a tradeoff. If you are looking for a polished, highly structured wine education session, the campsite setting may feel casual. If you prefer an open-air visit with food, conversation, and room to move, the informal setup is a strong advantage.

You can also take a self-guided look around the estate. The open access lets you spend more time in the places that interest you, rather than being moved along on a strict schedule.

What $23 gets you

At $23 per person, this is good value if you use the full package. The price covers the guided wine tasting, red and white wine, schnapps, honey, a substantial local food plate, and access to the campsite facilities.

The value is strongest for anyone who wants both food and setting. A simple city wine tasting might cost less, but it would not necessarily include a creekside walk, lake views, sports areas, and a family winery visit. On the other hand, this is not a full winery tour with a long cellar visit, detailed vineyard production lesson, or large meal included.

You should also factor in transport. Pickup from Podgorica may carry an extra charge, while the local bus costs €1.50 each way according to the information provided. If you choose an optional dinner, that will add to the total.

I would consider the price fair for a two-hour private experience, particularly for couples, families, and small groups that value personal attention. Solo visitors should think about the transport cost and whether they want a private wine stop rather than a larger shared excursion.

Who will enjoy Purple Eye Estate most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a relaxed taste of rural Montenegro close to the capital. It is especially well suited to:

• Couples who want wine, snacks, and a quiet outdoor setting.
• Families who need space and activities beyond the tasting table.
• Small private groups celebrating a birthday or gathering.
• Wine drinkers interested in Vranac and Kratošija.
• Campers looking for a winery where they can stay on site.
• Visitors with an extra afternoon in Podgorica.

It may be less suitable if you want a major historic sight, a long formal vineyard tour, or a strict schedule filled with multiple wineries. This is one estate, and its appeal comes from slowing down rather than collecting tasting rooms.

The experience is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes outdoor settings or cannot tolerate strong spirits. Schnapps is included, but you do not have to treat it as the main event. You can focus on the wine, honey, and food instead.

Booking details worth checking

The activity lasts two hours, with starting times depending on availability. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Podgorica plans are still shifting.

The experience is private, and a separate entrance is available for skipping the line. Since the estate is outdoor-focused, ask about weather arrangements if rain is forecast. The tasting can still be worthwhile in poor weather, but your time beside the creek and lake will be less pleasant.

If you plan to camp, confirm the arrangements directly. Camping is available at the winery, but the provided information does not specify pitch prices, facilities, or booking terms.

Also ask about dinner, vegetarian food, children’s pool access, and pitch-and-putt golf if those details matter to your group. The property offers these features, but not every activity is stated as part of the basic two-hour package.

Should you book this wine tasting?

Book it if you want local wine with a family story, a generous snack plate, and a peaceful outdoor setting near Podgorica. The combination of Vranac, Kratošija, homemade food, Matica Creek, Purple Eye Lake, and campsite activities gives the visit more character than a standard tasting bar.

I would be more cautious if you have only a short stop in Montenegro and need a tightly timed city activity. Transport, weather, and optional food can affect the pace. For everyone else, especially couples, families, and small private groups, this is a friendly way to spend two hours outside the capital without traveling far.

FAQ

Where is Purple Eye Estate Camp & Winery located?

It is in the village of Bandići, in Podgorica Municipality, between Danilovgrad and Podgorica. The estate is about 12 kilometers from Podgorica.

How much does the wine tasting cost?

The experience costs $23 per person. Pickup from listed locations may involve an extra charge.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is two hours. This includes the guided tour, walk, tasting, snacks, sightseeing, and free time.

What drinks are included?

The tasting includes red wine, white wine, schnapps or grappa, and honey. The wines are made from the local Vranac and Kratošija grape varieties.

What food is included?

You receive homemade cheese, three types of salami and prosciutto, and olives. Vegetarian adjustments may be possible, but dietary needs should be given when booking.

Can I get picked up in Podgorica?

Pickup is available from Big Fashion Shopping Centre, Podgorica Bus Station, and Podgorica Airport. Extra charges apply.

Can I reach Bandići by public bus?

Yes. A local bus runs every half hour from the Main Bus Station toward Danilovgrad and Bandići. The listed fare is €1.50 per person to the Station roundabout in Bandići.

Is the experience private?

Yes. It is offered as a private group experience.

Is the estate wheelchair accessible?

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Because part of the visit includes outdoor areas and a walk, you may want to confirm the exact route before booking.