During this trip, Jean-Marie Aurand was welcomed and accompanied by H.E. Frantisek Lipka, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Montenegro and also President of the OIV Award Jury.
The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, H.E Dr Petar Ivanovic, played host to the Director General of the OIV at his vineyard and they had a meeting together at the Ministry.
The Minister confirmed his country's commitment to the OIV and expressed his desire to strengthen ties with the Organisation through increased participation of the Montenegrin experts in the work carried out within the various commissions. The organisation of a presentation of wines from Montenegro at the OIV Headquarters was also envisaged for 2016.
Jean-Marie Aurand informed the Minister about the work conducted at the OIV within the framework of the Strategic Plan and assured him of his full cooperation.
The Director General also visited the Plantaze estate – the biggest in Europe with over 2300 ha of vineyards and 17 million bottles produced per year. The vast majority of its wines are exported and have enjoyed great success around the world.
In addition, he gave a conference at the private university in Podgorica.
A member of the OIV since 2007, Montenegro produces quality wines, especially from native vine varieties such as Vranac or Krstac, and wishes to make the most of this potential and modernise its vitivinicultural sector in the coming years.
