Municipality of Negotino
Tikveš gateway producing 20-25 million kg of grapes annually, where three major wineries anchor a region claiming 83% of national wine output.
Negotino exists at the gates of Tikveš, the plain that produces most of North Macedonia's wine. This town of 12,500 residents sits on the Vardar's right bank at 150 meters elevation, surrounded by vineyards that annually yield 20-25 million kilograms of grapes. The variety roster reads like a European wine catalog: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminec, Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Vranec, and Kadarka.
The formation era established Negotino within the Tikveš viticulture tradition dating to 1885 when the eponymous winery—now Southeast Europe's largest—commenced operations. The Povardarie region that includes Negotino, Kavadarci, and surrounding municipalities accounts for 83% of national wine production. Tikveš winery alone processes 55 million kilograms of grapes to produce 35 million liters annually.
Today Negotino operates as the secondary center of the Tikveš wine region, with Kavadarci as primary. Three major wineries—Bovin, Lazar, and Venec—anchor local production. The economy extends beyond viticulture to food and beverage processing, electrical manufacturing, and agricultural services. IPARD and other EU pre-accession funds target agricultural modernization, supporting infrastructure investments that position the region for European market integration. Twenty-eight villages fall within Negotino's gravitational area.
By 2026, Negotino's trajectory follows wine market dynamics and EU accession progress. The Tikveš brand carries recognition across the Balkans; expanding European distribution could significantly increase demand for quality production. The combination of established wineries, trained labor force, and favorable terroir creates competitive positioning within Macedonian agriculture.