Introduction

By Paul Caputo

Bitola is one of the most beautiful towns in Macedonia. Charming and classy it is surrounded by the Baba and Nidze Mountains and as such experiences a microclimate unlike like the rest of the Pelagonija Valley. Being about 150km from the Adriatic and about 130 km from the Aegean, a Mediterranean influenced climate should prevail; instead mountain peaks that range between 550 and nearly 800 meters above sea level ensure a warm, continental area dominates. Dry and very warm summers are felt while cold and rainy winters are common. Bitola has in fact the highest average altitude of all the wine districts in Macedonia. There are only a couple of wineries in this district.