Another Chapter in the Macedonian Wine Story: The Rise of a Boutique Winery

Small boutique wineries and individual producers of wine and brandy present a new challenge and opportunity for tourism in Macedonia. As travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences, they prefer to stay with hosts who offer a humane connection and a personal touch, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the story behind the products.

This is one of the key reasons why we are motivated to continue sharing the unique stories of local heroes who, through their small but meaningful contributions, are helping shape the future of tourism in Macedonia. Their passion and dedication play a significant role in showcasing the country’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.

Today, we share another wine story about Lazar Pletvarski, a man whose journey in the world of wine production spans across California, New Zealand, and Bulgaria. Today, he runs his own Pletvarski Artisan Distillery in Kavadarci, which he sees as a revival of the brandy-making traditions passed down through previous generations.

The family business began in 2017, driven by the desire to create something unique that was not yet available on the market. Lazar recalls how what started as casual brandy tastings with close friends gradually transformed into a full-fledged family business. The valuable feedback he received from his friends became pivotal moments that inspired him to establish the "Pletvarski Artisan Distillery" and produce brandy in his own distinctive way.

Currently, Lazar is not focused on increasing the quantity of brandy production but is dedicated to improving its quality. His primary goal is to expand the vineyards, particularly by cultivating a larger area of Riesling or Rkatsiteli.

In the Tikves region, it is rare to find a household without its own vineyard, and this tradition runs deep in the Pletvarski family. Lazar’s father tended to a vineyard in his youth, and viticulture, winemaking, barrels, and pots have been integral to the family’s legacy for four generations.

“When people who don’t know me ask how long I’ve been in this business, I tell them I’ve been making wine and brandy since I was a baby. I’m sure some of my uncles or my grandfather secretly smeared my mouth with wine as a child,” says Lazar with a smile. “That’s how I grew up into a winemaker.”

Lazar began his education in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and later earned his master’s degree in Skopje. He continued to enhance his expertise by working at various wineries and distilleries around the world. With experience spanning three continents, Lazar particularly cherishes the harvests he worked on in California, New Zealand, and Bulgaria. His extensive work in the industry has allowed him to contribute to the production of millions of liters of wine and brandy, though he humbly notes that his personal touch has yet to be fully imprinted on the products.

Today, Lazar's artisan distillery produces around 2,500 bottles annually. His friends often suggest that he should consider expanding, given the small scale of his production. However, when it comes to growth, Lazar emphasizes a key rule in building a distillery: during the first ten years, no profit should be expected, as all earnings are reinvested into the business. He views his distillery as well-positioned for gradual, organic growth, preferring to expand at his own pace rather than rush into larger-scale production.

The production of brandy is a challenging craft, one that can only be mastered by those with true passion. Lazar believes that the greatest reward comes from seeing the smile on a customer's face after their first sip of a well-crafted brandy.

He is currently selling a three-year-old brandy, which he describes as an affordable treat for those who appreciate a good sip. Looking ahead, he plans to expand into liqueurs, a product that has already sparked significant interest. The barrels are already aging, and in three years, he will be ready to introduce these liqueurs to the market. He believes they will captivate the senses of those with the highest standards and the most refined tastes.