A short drive south from the capital, not more than 50 km, the Veles district is one of the most exciting wine regions in the [Republic of Macedonia](/country/north-macedonia). Historically it has always been an important cultural center, situated as it is on the road to the Aegean Sea. Here a continental climate meets what is known as a sub Mediterranean climate, so although winters are not excessively harsh, hot temperatures with over 40°C in July and August are not uncommon. One of the biggest viticultural challenges in the Veles district is the lack of wind or obvious ventilation. In wetter years rot can be a problem while in the very hot years the lack of breeze can deny the grapes the opportunity to cool down. There is a very small amount of rainfall and the intense drought periods last during the summer months. Hotter and flatter than [Skopje](/district/skopje) for example but not as hot as Gevgelija to the south, climatically Veles offers tremendous potential for quality grape growing. Red varieties by implication will do well here. [Cabernet Sauvignon](/cabernet-sauvignon) in particular has demonstrated an ability to ripen evenly and [Merlot](/merlot) also accumulates enough even ripening to produce full bodied, well rounded wines full of dark, velvety fruit such damson, plum and prune. Notes of chocolate and balsam are typical for [Merlot](/merlot) produced in the centre of [Macedonia](/country/north-macedonia). White varieties are planted here also, mainly [Riesling](/riesling), [Sauvignon Blanc](/sauvignon-blanc) and [Chardonnay](/chardonnay). The potential is high; start up wine making projects are attempting to harness the intricacies of local terroir with new plantings. Their aim is produce organic wines from [Vranec](/vranec) and [Cabernet](/cabernet-sauvignon). Soils vary throughout the district and have a big impact on the aromatic profiles.