Nestled in the picturesque Rahovec Valley of Kosovo, Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery stands as a beacon of winemaking excellence. Established in 1953 as a Social Enterprise, this remarkable vineyard and winery has undergone a transformative journey, ultimately flourishing under the stewardship of the Gecaj Family who privatized it in August 2006.

Spanning over 2,200 hectares of agricultural land, with 650 hectares dedicated to active vineyards, Stone Castle Vineyards And Winery is an expansive and lush estate. The winery itself, a historic gem, was constructed in 1952 and has been lovingly managed by the Gecaj Family for nearly two decades.

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One of the key distinctions of Stone Castle is its impressive wine making capacity, boasting the ability to produce between ten to thirteen million liters of wine annually and process approximately 70,000 tons of wine grapes each year. Inside the winery's heart lies a wine cellar with a staggering storage capacity of 50,000 hectoliters in wooden barrels, solidifying its status as one of Europe's largest privately owned wineries.

Stone Castle's influence extends far beyond Kosovo, with a strong presence in the Balkans, Germany, Switzerland, and even the African continent. And now, its wines have made their way to the United States, where enthusiasts can savor the fruits of this exceptional winery.

At Stone Castle, quality is paramount. The vineyard's commitment to excellence is evident in every bottle. They expertly blend the latest technological advances with time-honored winemaking traditions. From the delicate hand picking of grapes that meet stringent quality standards to the meticulous processes of de-stemming, fermentation, aging in oak barrels, bottling, corking, and labeling, Stone Castle takes pride in crafting each wine with utmost care.

 

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Stone Castle Vineyards And Winery is not only a testament to the craftsmanship of winemaking but also an embodiment of responsible land cultivation. The company oversees a vast expanse of 5,552 acres of arable land, with more than 1,500 acres dedicated to active vineyards. These vineyards are strategically located in the gentle slopes of Rahovec municipality, ranging in altitude from 350 to 520 meters above sea level. The sun-drenched hillsides ensure the production of grapes of exceptional quality, cultivated under the watchful eye of experts and employing advanced agro-technical methods.

The annual grape harvest at Stone Castle is a labor of love. Handpicked grapes are meticulously selected for their optimal ripeness under the attentive supervision of staff. The harvest season unfolds from early September, stretching into the latter half of October, ensuring that only the finest grapes make it into the winemaking process.

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When it comes to storage, Stone Castle employs a combination of stainless steel containers and specific environments, with white wines resting in stainless steel tanks and red wines maturing in a blend of stainless steel tanks and wooden barrels. Their immense underground cellar, with a capacity of 5,000,000 liters, provides a consistent temperature year-round, between 55 to 61°F, ensuring ideal conditions for aging.

Stone Castle Vineyards And Winery’ s reach extends globally. Initially focusing on the domestic market, they've rapidly gained a dominant share of over 65% in Kosovo. Now, their vision extends to conquering European and international markets. Thanks to the dedication and investment of Mr. Rrustem Gecaj, Stone Castle has made its mark in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States. Their wines grace tables in Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Albania, Canada, and soon, the United Kingdom, China, and Belgium markets.

Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery is more than a winery; it's a testament to tradition, innovation, and a commitment to producing wines that captivate the senses and transcend borders. With its rich history and boundless ambition, Stone Castle remains a hidden gem in the world of wine, ready to take the global stage.

 

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Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery’s 2021 Pinot Grigio secured the finest score at the 2023 USA Wine Ratings making it White Wine of the Year, Best in Show by Varietal, Brandy of the Year and Gold with a score of 95 points.

Blend of almond skin, lemon rind, and creme fraiche, well balanced and creamy on palate. It features good acidity with a slightly sweeter finish, offering notes of melons, lemons, and lime.