English edition of Patuvanja.mk’s report, originally published on 17 October 2026. The visit described below was made by the Patuvanja.mk team.
A few kilometres from Ohrid, in the picturesque village of Openica, Manastir Winery brings together winemaking, traditional Macedonian food and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Set beside a mountain stream, it offers an experience shaped as much by its setting and hospitality as by the wine.
The winery stands at the far end of the village, directly opposite the monastery complex dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian. At the time of the original report, the complex was still under construction: the church had been built and its interior decorated with frescoes, while finishing work continued on the monastery’s residential buildings.
This combination of spiritual heritage, local tradition and nature gives Manastir Winery its distinctive character.
An autumn visit as the new wine takes shape
The Patuvanja.mk team visited during one of the most interesting times of the year: autumn, when a new production cycle begins in the cellars and the latest harvest gradually turns into wine.
The visit offered a close look at production, a tour of the cellar and an opportunity to see how the year’s wine was being stored and matured.
The cellar holds different varietal wines, alongside barrels containing wines from previous years. With time, these develop their characteristic flavours and aromas.
Another highlight was learning about the traditional production of rakija, the grape spirit that is also part of the winery’s activities.
A visit brings the atmosphere of a working wine cellar into focus: behind each wine are labour, patience, experience and dedication.
Gjomleze, komat pies and meat cooked under a sach
Manastir is more than a place where wine is made and stored. In front of the building, a terrace surrounded by greenery and countryside provides a setting for traditional Macedonian food.
A particular attraction is the hearth, where homemade specialities are prepared using traditional methods. These include Ohrid’s well-known gjomleze, komat pies and meat cooked beneath a sach—a domed cooking lid. These dishes have been part of Macedonian food traditions for generations.
The smell of freshly prepared food, the fire, the natural setting and the local wine create an atmosphere that feels far removed from a conventional modern restaurant.
Experiences such as this appeal to visitors who want to discover North Macedonia beyond the usual sightseeing routes, through its food and everyday hospitality.
The countryside around the winery: an autumn postcard
The landscape is a story in its own right. A mountain stream runs immediately beside the winery, while the surrounding countryside creates a sense of calm and distance from city life.
During the team’s autumn visit, the season was gradually changing the scenery. Greens were giving way to golden yellow, orange and red, turning the surroundings into a natural postcard.
The sound of the stream, the fresh air, the autumn colours and the views of the surrounding slopes made time seem to move more slowly.
It is a setting for stepping away from the city’s bustle, enjoying the countryside and encountering the character of a village in the Ohrid region.
Wine and rural tourism: another side of the Ohrid region
Manastir Winery illustrates a part of the region’s tourism potential that deserves more attention. Ohrid is internationally known for its lake, old-town architecture, churches and cultural heritage, but the surrounding countryside offers places that can add another dimension to a stay.
Wine, food and rural tourism give visitors an opportunity to discover that different side of the region. With its cellar, traditional cooking, terrace and natural setting, Manastir brings these elements together in one place.
For people staying in Ohrid, as well as residents of the city and surrounding area, Openica can make an interesting day out—particularly in autumn, when seasonal colours add to the landscape.
Manastir Winery is worth discovering not only for its wine, but for the wider experience of nature, tradition and Macedonian hospitality.
Photo galleries
- View the Instagram photo gallery from Manastir Winery in Openica.
- View the Instagram photo gallery of the Saints Cosmas and Damian monastery in Openica.
Information and contact
Manastir Winery — Openica village, Ohrid region, North Macedonia.
Near the monastery of Saints Cosmas and Damian.
Contact numbers listed in the original report:
Contact the winery for further information and to arrange a visit. Confirm current opening arrangements, food availability and any tasting or group-visit requirements directly before travelling.
Original report and photographs
Translated into English for Travel2Travel from Patuvanja.mk’s original Macedonian report, published 17 October 2026. Photographs and collages: Patuvanja.mk, reproduced at the publisher’s request. The autumn scenery and monastery construction details describe the original visit, not a guarantee of conditions on a future visit.
