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From time immemorial, the vast vine-growing region of Vršac has been an inspiration to poets, novelists, painters and other artistic souls, but also to ordinary people who, upon visiting once, keep returning. Once is enough to walk among the grapevines and feast on the scents, silence and beauty that leaves no one indifferent. It is especially soothing to modern man who is always rushing to and fro. Here, he simply must stop and take a look around.
Over 1,750 hectares of grape plantations, an ideal latitude (45°) and the largest wine cellar in Central Europe recommend this region as an exceptional winegrowing area. As many as 37 Vršac winegrowers with 227 products appeared at the large wine exhibition in Vienna in 1873.
Here, everyone has their own vineyards, their own cellars that each house a unique treasure trove – wine; and each wine is branded in its own right and each host has a story to tell his guests. One does not merely drop in here, but comes to enjoy oneself, relax and, above all, to have fun. All one need do is place oneself in the hands of a hospitable host who will see to it that every moment is entertaining and unforgettable. Listen to the host’s advice and refrain from hurrying, because you have much going for you in the here and now. At Gudurica, you might find yourself in a restaurant shaped like a wine barrel, or at a table of the same shape, and sit on a chair that is in fact a cask, sample the wine along with pieces of kačkavalj (usually applies to hard or semi-hard cheese) and bread; or, at Veliko Središte’s Krstov wine cellar, you may sample bits of meat of mangulica (the only surviving Serbian breed of domesticated pig that is again being bred) and to compete for the title of knight or lady of the wine, and so forth. You needn’t worry about getting drunk after all the wine sampling – you won’t, but you will experience divine enjoyment.
The Vršac region’s history of wine production is truly impressive; the region’s first vineyards were mentioned as far back as the middle of the first century AD. At the royal court of King Vladislas II, who ruled Hungary and Bohemia at the time, one akov (equals approximately 56.6 liters) of wine from the Vršac winegrowing region in 1494 went for 10.5 gold forints. In his 1660 and 1664 travelogues, Turkish travel writer Evliya Çelebi offers a description of Vršac and the vineyards on the hill that bear red, tasty and sweet grapes.
Another bit of information warrants attention: the first wine exhibition in Vršac was held in 1857 in the coffeehouse called Kod Dva Ključa (At Two Keys). This was also a qualifier for an exhibition in Vienna later that same year. That was the first time that Vršac region wines were put on display and, not surprisingly, immediately won a silver medal.
Today, the Vršac Grape Harvest is the oldest such event in Serbia. It has a very long tradition because grapevines were grown here from the time of the Romans and Dacians to the present day. In the meantime, Vršac grape picking adjusted to the time and new social trends, and many new things have been introduced, such as preserving the noble tradition in many segments of the event’s elaborate program. Thus, the color poster for the event is reprinted each year: It shows the central section of a 100-year-old triptych called The Harvest by Serbia’s most famous realist painter Paja Jovanović. There is also the event’s mascot: Vinko Lozić (an appropriately wine-inspired word play for name and surname) created by one of Serbia’s great playwrights Jovan Sterija Popović, who, so they say, is a direct descendant of the God Bacchus. And so, Vinko Lozić is the primary figure and in charge of the three-day parade and festivities because the mayor hands over the city keys for the occasion.
The event’s standing programme include a game of chance called Grapes from the Airplane, a wine and fruit exhibition, a cycling caravan called Visiting the Vineyards, a review of fiacres, a masked ball for the children and a very diverse cultural, artistic and entertainment programme as well as a series of accompanying sports events. For the occasion, street traffic, deliveries and other accompanying activities are fully synchronised with guests’ needs and wishes. Vršac has long since undergone gasification so that each year large gas-run barbecues are used to grill meat, especially sausages, and come Sunday, an ox on the spit as well.
Invariably, famous entertainers take part in the opening ceremony and a beauty pageant is held on a regular basis. The main attraction includes beautiful girls crushing grapes with their feet and children with slobbery mouths from eating the sweet fruit. The atmosphere is joyous, relaxed, interesting and entertaining; there is something for everyone. The Harvest is a standing feature of the city of Vršac. This is no wonder because after working very hard for a number of seasons and feeling anxiety as to whether one’s efforts would bear fruit – the crown of all efforts –grape picking time is here at long last. This ebullience-radiating atmosphere is reflected all around and passed on to the numerous visiting guests.
During this period, Vršac has other things to show its guests - from the beautiful city and its landmarks to the cultural heritage, top quality hotel service and hospitality of its hosts. The best thing to do is to come to Vršac for at least a whole weekend. Lodgings should pose no problem – whether a five-star hotel or private accommodation. Morning coffee should be taken at one of the many cafes on the main city square, while the afternoon should be set aside for walks in the City Park or watching a game event at the Millennium Sports Hall. For a good dinner, try one of the specialties offered by the "M" Restaurant or at the Šampion beer hall. For pure mountain air, find a place on the Crveni Krst Restaurant terrace on the Vršac hill. The Banat region’s top chefs will prepare their specialties at Salaš Restaurant. At the Masters Pizzeria, you can make your own pizza or watch it being made for you according to your own wishes or recipe. At the Ikar Restaurant, you have an excellent chance to dine with air pilots and later take off with them on panoramic flights to get an air view of the city. And, Vršac looks wonderful from the air. If you have a fear of flying, going out on the Vila Breg Hotel terrace should cater to your enjoyment of a full and clear view of Vršac. Do not forget to pay a visit to the Slatka Kuća pastry shop on the city’s main square nor to pay a visit to Vršac and the Vršac Grape Harvest. | 
