Terraced vineyards, a visit to Vinarija Janković and a marked route through Drušići give the area several distinct points of interest. Wine enthusiasts can explore the vineyard and production; the seasonal grape harvest is another reason to plan a trip. Historical references also tell of monastic viticulture, notable lives and the development of Karuč. This gives you the choice of focusing mainly on wine and the rural landscape, or including cultural history as well.

Wine Growing and Rural Character

Drušići has traditionally been shaped by wine growing. Vines grow on terraced retaining walls, and grapes were also used to make rakija. Stone walls, paths to homesteads and houses are part of the rural settlement landscape. Together, wine growing and the built environment form part of the area’s rural character.

At Vinarija Janković, visitors can tour the vineyard and production facilities. Tastings include red, white and rosé wine, rakija and traditional snacks; wine and rakija are made there according to traditional recipes. Between August and September, guests can take part in the grape harvest. As this is a seasonal activity, it is best to confirm dates before travelling.

Route and Getting There

The marked 9.5-kilometre Rijeka Crnojevića–Karuč route passes through Drušići, which is listed as a stop along the way. This makes Drušići part of a clearly defined route, while wine growing offers a different way to explore the area.

To get there from Podgorica, follow the road towards Cetinje, turn towards Skadar Lake National Park, then continue along the old road to Rijeka Crnojevića. Check current road conditions before setting out.

Historical Traces in Drušići

As early as 1523, the Cetinje Monastery owned an abandoned vineyard in Drušići. Along with the terraced vines and the traditional use of grapes to make rakija, this historical reference connects wine growing with different periods in the area’s past.

Metropolitan Danilo Dajković was born in Drušići in 1895. Milo Ilijin Dragojević was also closely connected with the area: he was born, lived and was buried here. These biographies add the stories of people connected with Drušići to the history of agriculture.

The history of Karuč is also connected to residents of Drušići and Rvaši. They built storage huts on the edge of Skadar Lake; Karuč later developed from their foundations. This connection broadens the picture beyond wine growing and biographies to include life on the lakeshore in the past.

Cetinje as the Broader Cultural Context

The broader destination of Cetinje has its own urban cultural context. Cetinje’s historic centre is a cultural heritage ensemble of exceptional significance, with individually protected monuments, parks and a regular urban layout. The city is also known as the “City of Books”: for centuries, books were written, printed, read and preserved there.

The Oktoih, the first printed book of the South Slavs, was printed in Cetinje in 1494. These cultural references belong to Cetinje and complement the picture of Drušići without conflating the histories of the two places.

Go to the broader travel overview: Cetinje.