The Wine Museum in Velika Hoča — a place where tradition lives on

The Wine Museum in Velika Hoča — Where Tradition Lives and the Taste of the Past Is Preserved in Every Glass!

Milan Petrović, one of the initiators of the project and a member of the Pearl of Metohija Association, shared with us how the idea of the Wine Museum came to life.

What Does the Wine Museum in Velika Hoča Hide?

The Wine Museum in Velika Hoča was created through the initiative of the Pearl of Metohija Association and our local winemakers. We first launched a campaign to save an abandoned building that was in very poor condition, on the verge of collapsing.

Within our means, we took the first steps to prevent further damage. Thanks to our partners from Italy, we found wonderful people who recognized the importance of this project and offered financial support. Backing came from the Government of the Piedmont region in Turin, through the NGO Cherry Blossoms, in cooperation with our association.

Winemakers of Hoča United for the Wine Museum

Through joint efforts, we not only managed to save the building from ruin but also to transform it into a functional and sustainable space dedicated to wine.

At the very start, we also received support from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia. In 2023, we were granted funds to prepare the technical and conservation documentation — a crucial step for attracting donors and successfully completing the entire project.

Museum opening

Today, 10 Local Wineries Thrive in Hoča

Currently, about ten wineries are active in Velika Hoča. Since most tourists only stay briefly, this museum offers them a chance to experience the diversity of local wines in one place.

In the cellar, visitors can explore original tools, barrels, and machines once used in winemaking. Among the most valuable exhibits is a giant 6,000-liter wooden vat — one of the last of its kind in Velika Hoča. There’s also a distilling cauldron and many other tools now preserved only here.

The upper floor is planned as an archival space displaying important documents on the history of viticulture, especially in Hoča and its surroundings. The third section of the museum will host a wine bar and shop, where all local winemakers can showcase their wines.

Basement

A Place Where Past and Present Meet

The opening of the Wine Museum — housed in a restored old winery — is just the beginning. Much work still lies ahead, but the most important thing is that the museum is open to visitors.

As Milena Petrović, also from Pearl of Metohija, says:
“The museum is a place where past and present meet. A place that inspires us to preserve everything dear and truly ours. It’s not just about restoring a building or saving old objects — it’s about keeping the spirit of our land alive, raising awareness of cultural heritage, and passing it on to younger generations.”

Hope for Preserving Viticulture in Hoča

“Preserving the history of our land is something sacred. It’s not only a duty but a deep need to safeguard our roots, stories, and identity. The Wine Museum in Velika Hoča is more than a museum — it’s a living story of our people, traditions, and spirit. When I enter, I feel like I touch the past — I see the tools of our ancestors, the wooden vats, and the machines that shaped their daily lives. This space speaks of value, effort, and love for the land.”

Hochanka in costume

The plan is for the museum to become a hub for all things related to wine, viticulture, and winemaking. Organizing fairs and professional events here will be of great importance for local winemakers and grape growers.

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