Manitasevic Winery Velika Hoca Kosovo and Metohija
The Manitašević Winery in Velika Hoča village, some 20 km west of Prizren is small family winery of diligent family which is entirely dedicated to quality of wines and rakijas – brandies and other products created by long-term endurance, kindness and constant inspirational and initiating energy. Commitment for survival and connection with heritage and shrines of Velika Hoca are reason that some 500 Serbs did not leave their highly fertile Metohija land, in spite of numerous killings, kidnapping, attacks, intimidation…. The village of Velika Hoča in Kosovo and Metohija features mild continental climate of Mediterranean and mountainous influences and year temperature ranging from -20 to 40C. This fertile area of Metohija is highly suitable for grape growing, featuring warm air flows in the valley of the Beli Drim River which also largely contribute to the successful agriculture.
After he finished the Economic Faculty and temporary work engagement in Norway, the oldest sun of the hard-working Manitasevic family from Velika Hoca, Miroslav decided to renew the family tradition of grape growing and production of high quality wines “with history” from grapes cultivated in the God’ s wine region. Given that the family vineyard was taken for more than a decade during and after the Kosovo war and ongoing conflict, Miroslav and his brothers regained the family wine production from grapes grown on a lovely slope above the Velika Hoca village, fully exposed to the sun. Vineyards of the Manitašević family in Velika Hoča today provides some 10000 liters of wine and some 3000 liters of grape brandy and delicious liquors of nuts and cherry from grape varieties of Merlot, Vranac, Pinot Noir and Smederevka that in the market by quality proudly represent the famous Orahovac wine region.
The Manitašević Winery in Velika Hoča produces several sorts of wines and rakijas – brandies in the stone wine cellar in the family house in the center of the village of Velika Hoča. Grandfather Djeka constructed the house with the wine cellar for his family and for keeping wine, which is part of the highly respected rich inheritance of this famous wine region. The wine cellar of the Manitašević Winery in Velika Hoca features massive wooden door and stone walls that is nicely appointed place to welcome wine lovers and offer tasting of fantastic wines and food. The young or matured red wine of “Hočanski rubin” of the Manitašević Winery has recognizable ruby color, aroma and flavor of healthy grapes of Metohija. This wine is bottled with labels representing stylized Church of Saint Stephen which is located in the center of Velika Hoca village. The “Hočanska kap” grape brandy of the Manitašević Winery also features recognizable label, after it matures in the oak barrique barrows. The luxury wood-carved packing of this brandy is also available and makes extraordinary souvenir or gift. Wines and brandies of the Manitašević Winery in Velika Hoca excite random visitors of Velika Hoca by its flavors and smells, likewise all who order those God’s drinks for special occasions and celebrations of the Slava feast or other festivities. Such delivery is true challenge for Miroslav and his team due to high difficulties and risks to bring the stuff to central Serbia. The Manitasevic Winery in Velika Hoca village also welcomes guests who want to stay overnight here, providing simple and comfortable accommodation in two authentic rooms within their winery.
Special enjoyment of visitors of the Manitašević Winery in Velika Hoča is uniquely tasty homemade food prepared from own production or locally grown ingredients by mother Vesna Manitasevic who runs the local Women Association of Jefimija. Here are served delicious traditional dishes of Kosovo and Metohija as ayvar, ljutenica, stuffed peppers, sarma of wine leaves or cabbage, gibanica, zeljanica, beans, rice dish, various pickled salads /of pickled cauliflower, gherkins, tomato, carrot, peppers…. Homemade bread, roasted meat, baklava, grape jelly and other traditional food of Metohija. Besides preparation of delicious food, Vesna often runs culinary workshops and presentation of lifestyle to foreign visitors who come to visit Velika Hoca village who are excited to learn on the willingness and committment of the locals to endure and overcome every challenge in order to remain in their homes….
Rich meal in Velika Hoča and unique experience of visitors of the Manitašević Winery is completed with selling exhibition of handwork manufactured by diligent members of the Jefimija Women Association in Velika Hoča. By its artistic values, workmanship and originality those hand manufactured works widely spread rich tradition and heritage of Velika Hoca and Metohija area – jelek, anterija embroidered with golden threads, Prizren linen, mintans, embroidered dresses and shirs, belts, woollen socks, woven items, shawls, scarves, boots and slippers with artistic decorative details, authentic jewelry…. Wines and brandies of the Manitašević Winery and handwork of the Jefimija Women Association from Velika Hoča can be ordered online by “Prodaja sa Kosmeta” portal or through our travel agency.
