The tradition of viticulture in Herzegovina is over two thousand years old.The Illyrian tribe of the Daorsi, who formerly inhabitated these regions, cultivated grapevines even before the Romans began to rule the territory which is now Herzegovina in approximately 150 B.C.
Decorations found in the excavated Roman camp of Mogorjelo near Čapljina frequently feature motifs of grapevines and grapes. The period from the Slavic migrations (6th and 7th centuries) to the Turkish conquest of Herzegovina (15th century) also has abundant evidence of viticulture and wine manufacture.There was a specific reference to Herzegovian wine during the middle ages in a charter issued by the Bosnian king Tvrtko in 1353 or 1354.
The fall of Herzegovina under Turkish rule did not interrupt the long tradition of grape growing and wine production, although during the long Turkish occupation, wine production was primarily limited to the Christian population.
In 1663, the Turkish travel writer Evlija Čelebi wrote of the thousands of heavenly vineyards in Mostar.The arrival of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1878 provided new impetus for the development of viticulture in Herzegovina, with particular attention to the autochthonous sorts of Žilavka and Blatina. Wine exhibitions were organized in Mostar in 1907, 1908, 1909 and 1911.
With the advent of Peronospora and Phylloxera in the early 20th century, European vineyards were devastated. In 1941, Herzegovina had approximately 3,500 hectares of vineyards but there was much damage during World War II. After the war, viticulture was renewed.
Wine production is higher and the Herzegovian autochthonous sorts of Žilavka and Blatina are increasingly receiving deserved attention. Žilavka is an autotochthonous Herzegovian sort that grows luxuriantly and matures in late September. Žilavka wine is of high quality, harmonious and smooth, with a clear yellowish green color. Blatina is an autochthonous sort, dark red in color, with a dark violet shadow on its surface. Blatina has a very specific flavor, very dry but mild, aromatic and pleasant.
