Montenegro is a destination that continues to surprise even the most seasoned travellers. At the forefront of its burgeoning culinary renaissance is Mike Shore, founder of Crush Wine Station, Bucca wine bar, and a suite of renowned restaurants such as Bokka Modern and restaurant ONE in Porto Montenegro. Mike is also the founder and managing director of Berba Distribucija, Montenegro’s leading fine wine import and distribution company. With a WSET wine diploma from London and an unrelenting passion for wine that began during his university days in Canada, Mike has dedicated the past 17 years to transforming Montenegro’s food and wine scene into one of the most exciting in the Balkans.
“I first came to Montenegro to work on the Porto Montenegro superyacht marina,” Mike recalls, “but my love for wine went back much farther. I was eager to discover the fantastic wines being made in the Balkans, and it evolved from there”.
Indeed, his entrepreneurial journey saw him pivot from marina development into wine importation, culminating in the opening of Crush Wine Station in 2013, a stylish wine bar and retail shop that introduced international and regional wines to the marina clientele. In just over a decade, Crush has become a beacon for wine lovers, showcasing rare indigenous varietals alongside celebrated international labels.
“When we first opened, there weren’t many regional wines available. Now, the focus has shifted. Producers are embracing local grape varieties like Vranac and Kratosija, creating wines that are not only unique but also world-class”.
Mike’s restaurants have become a culinary pilgrimage for visitors seeking authentic Balkan flavours with a modern twist. From restaurant ONE, his first venture located on Jetty 1 in Porto Montenegro, to wine bar Bucca, a fine dining destination in Podgorica, and Bokka Modern, his newest restaurant celebrating contemporary Balkan cuisine, each venue embodies his vision to uplift local traditions for a global audience.
“Balkan cuisine is one of Europe’s most underappreciated. Here in Montenegro, we’re at the crossroads of Roman, Ottoman, Venetian, and Hungarian influences, with incredibly fresh seafood, mountain produce, and river fish. Our goal is to showcase just how diverse and extraordinary this cuisine is”.
Signature dishes such as Brodet, a rich Adriatic seafood stew, and Ćevapi, reimagined with premium Black Angus beef, kaymak espuma, and crispy fried onions and leeks, are plated with refined elegance while retaining the comforting heart of their traditions.
His culinary philosophy goes beyond innovation – it is deeply rooted in sustainability and community.
“Wherever possible, we source from local family farms and sustainable producers. It’s important to support the people who grow and catch our food,” Mike emphasises.
However, perhaps his deepest passion remains wine. As Montenegro’s wine industry grows from nascent to renowned, Mike is thrilled by the region’s experimentation and diversity. He highlights wineries such as Temet in Serbia, known for its biodynamic methods and focus on native grapes, and Montenegro’s Radevic Estate and Arhonto Krgovic Winery, which experiment with new clonal selections to unlock the country’s full viticultural potential.
“Montenegrin wines impress international guests with their quality and value. There’s a saying: what grows together goes together. Local reds like Vranac pair beautifully with dishes like Ćevapi, while the region’s new wave of light rosés complement seafood and fresh salads perfectly”.
At Crush Wine Station, guests are guided not just by sommeliers, but by passionate storytellers. “We don’t overwhelm with technicalities. We tell the story behind each bottle so guests can appreciate the effort and heritage it represents.”
For Mike, the pursuit of wine knowledge is endless. “Italy alone has over 600 grape varieties. Croatia has more than 150. You can spend a lifetime learning and still only scratch the surface – and that’s what makes wine so endlessly fascinating.”
Why visit Montenegro now?
For discerning travellers, Montenegro offers more than breathtaking landscapes and sapphire coastlines. It offers an invitation into a world of exceptional wine, innovative regional cuisine, and the warm hospitality of people like Mike Shore, who are passionately crafting a new chapter in Balkan gastronomy.
Crush Wine Station
Vibrant flavors of the Adriatic, where expertly curated wines and elegant ambiance create the perfect coastal retreat.
Villa Teuta, Porto Montenegro, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
https://www.portomontenegro.com/shop-and-dine/crush-wine-station/
Instagram: @crushwinestation
Bokka Modern
Innovative Mediterranean cuisine and stylish waterfront dining at Porto Montenegro’s culinary gem.
Villa Teuta, Porto Montenegro, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
https://www.bokka-modern.com
Instagram: @bokka_modern
ONE Restaurant & Bar
State-of-the-art Mediterranean‑international cuisine with views of the marina and Adriatic Sea.
Villa Teuta, Porto Montenegro, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
https://www.portomontenegro.com/shop-and-dine/one/
Instagram: @one_restautant_portomontenegro
Bucca (wine bar)
Sophisticated and relaxed setting with an exceptional selection of wines and creative local cuisine.
Baku ulica 140, Podgorica 81000, Montenegro
https://www.bucca.me
Instagram: @bucca_wine_bar
Main Wine Companies
Berba Distribucija
Montenegro’s best source for fine wine and spirits, and the Adriatic’s largest yacht provisioning company.
Jadranska magistrala, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
Instagram: @berba_distribucija
Wine Empire
A sophisticated wine & spirits shop offering great value selections from across the region and around the world; two locations in each of Tivat and Podgorica.
Instagram: @wine_empire.me
