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The 12 Best Wine Tours in Tirana
Tirana, the lively capital of Albania, offers more than just vibrant cafes and colorful streets. Thanks to its rich tradition of winemaking—some of it dating back thousands of years—this city is a fantastic base for exploring Albania’s wine culture. Whether you’re after a full-day countryside adventure or a cozy tasting in town, the options here are surprisingly diverse.
One of our favorites? The From Tirana: Berat Day Tour, Belshi Lake, and Wine Tasting [] combines history, scenic views, and a local winery all in one day. If you want to learn how to cook Albanian dishes with wine and raki, the Tirana: Traditional Cooking Class with Wine & Raki Tasting [] offers a tasty, cultural experience right in Tirana. For those interested in exploring the countryside, the Countryside Vineyards Wine & Food Tasting Tour from Durres/Tirana [] provides a scenic journey through Albanian vineyards.
No matter your style or budget, these wine tours give a real taste of Albania’s winemaking heritage, scenic landscapes, and local flavors. Let’s dive into each option to help you find the perfect fit.
1. From Tirana: Berat Day Tour, Belshi Lake, and Wine Tasting
This tour starts with a morning visit to Belshi Lake, where you can enjoy a coffee and the peaceful scenery. From there, you’re off to Berat’s UNESCO-listed old town and castle, a highlight for history buffs. You’ll stroll through narrow streets and historic neighborhoods like Gorica and Mangalem, soaking in the charm of this well-preserved Ottoman city. The day wraps up with a visit to Alpeta Winery for a tasting session that includes local wines and a hearty Albanian lunch.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of cultural exploration, beautiful scenery, and authentic wine tasting. Reviews praise its affordable price ($19) and 10-hour duration, making it an excellent value. The guide ensures you get a comprehensive experience of Berat’s history and wine scene.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full-day mix of sightseeing, local flavors, and a scenic, relaxed pace.
2. Tirana: Traditional Cooking Class with Wine & Raki Tasting
If you’re curious about Albanian cuisine and its pairing with local wines, this hands-on cooking class is a perfect choice. Hosted in Tirana, it’s a family-run experience where you’ll prepare authentic dishes like Tave Kosi (lamb and rice), while enjoying homemade wine and raki. The guide provides all ingredients and equipment, so you simply arrive eager to learn and taste.
The reviews emphasize Sindi’s warm hospitality and the delicious recipes, making it a fun, cultural activity that combines culinary skill with wine tasting. It’s a shorter, 4-hour experience, great for those who want to connect with Albanian food culture without leaving the city.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers or anyone eager to get a taste of local traditions in a cozy setting.
3. From Durres: Countryside Vineyards Wine & Food Tasting Tour
A scenic 4-hour trip that takes you through Durres’s lush vineyards. You’ll visit a local wine cellar, learn about Albania’s 2,000-year-old wine tradition, and sample premium wines including merlot, tempranillo, and cabernet sauvignon. Along the way, you’ll enjoy cheese, olive oils, and other local treats.
The highlight? The insightful guide and the chance to see authentic Albanian winemaking firsthand. Reviewers mention how Erisa’s friendly approach made the experience memorable and appreciate the beautiful vineyard views.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, educational day in the countryside with authentic wine and food.
4. Vineyards, Albanian Wine Food Tasting Tour from Durres/Tirana
This 5-6 hour tour offers an intimate, in-depth look at Albanian winemaking. You’ll visit small family-run wineries producing merlot, tempranillo, and cabernet sauvignon, and learn about the country’s viticultural history from Bronze Age origins through communism. The tour includes tastings of locally made wine and raki, paired with regional snacks.
Guests love the personalized experience and the stunning views of lakes and vineyards. For $64, it offers excellent value considering the depth of the experience and the chance to learn about Albania’s wine heritage.
Bottom Line: Best suited for serious wine enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look in a small group setting.
5. From Tirana: Daily Tour to Berat | UNESCO & Belsh (Winery)
This full-day tour combines cultural highlights with a winery visit. You’ll explore Berat’s unique Ottoman architecture, walk through historic neighborhoods, and visit Berat Castle. The tour includes wine tasting at a local winery and a chance to sample traditional Albanian cuisine.
Rated highly for its comprehensive itinerary, the tour offers a blend of sightseeing and wine experience in around 7 hours. Reviewers appreciate the professional guide and the opportunity to see Berat’s UNESCO site alongside local wine production.
Bottom Line: Excellent for history and culture buffs who also want to experience authentic Albanian wine.
6. Art & Wine in Tirana – Create Your Souvenir With Us
For a creative twist, this 2.5-hour activity pairs painting with local wine. You can choose to paint on canvases, tote bags, or glass, creating a personal souvenir of your trip while sipping Albanian wine. Albana, the host, is praised for her friendly personality and making the session fun and relaxed.
Ideal for travelers wanting a lighter, artistic experience rather than a traditional tasting, this activity offers a different perspective on local culture. It’s a great option for small groups or couples wanting something memorable.
Bottom Line: A fun, artistic break perfect for creative travelers or those wanting a unique keepsake.
7. Durres & Wine Tasting Tour
This 7-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Durres, including its ancient ruins, city walls, and street art. The highlight is a visit to Duka Winery on Lalzi Bay, where you’ll tour the wine production facilities and enjoy a guided wine tasting paired with local appetizers.
Guests rave about Mimi’s friendly and knowledgeable guiding style, and the chance to upgrade to a 3-course lunch adds extra value. The mix of history, culture, and wine makes this a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a full-day, diverse tour combining culture and wine.
8. From Tirana: Daily Tour to Berat | UNESCO & Belsh (Winery)
Similar to tour #5 but with a slightly different focus, this 7-hour trip emphasizes Berat’s cultural heritage along with wine tasting at a local winery. The UNESCO World Heritage site includes a guided castle visit and neighborhood walks.
Reviewers mention Erald’s professionalism and the pleasure of exploring Berat’s old town alongside sampling traditional wines. It’s especially suitable for culture-oriented travelers who want a taste of authentic Albanian wine.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a culture with wine as a bonus.
9. Cape of Rodon, Hiking to Castle, Beach, Wine Testing Tour!
For active travelers, this 8.5-hour adventure combines hiking, beach time, and wine tasting. You’ll visit Rodoni Castle, hike along the coast, and enjoy swimming, all topped off with local wines and raki.
Guests highlight Gjenc’s friendly expertise and say the trip is well-organized. It’s suitable for those who want to combine outdoor activity with culinary delights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for energetic travelers wanting a full day of adventure and local flavors.
10. Tirana: Beer, Wine and Raki Tour with Snack and Food
If you prefer a more relaxed, social experience, this 4.5-hour tour takes you through Tirana’s bars and local eateries. You’ll sample traditional Albanian beer, raki, and regional snacks and dishes. The itinerary includes visits to local bars and a dinner with wine and regional foods.
Reviews praise the friendly atmosphere and the variety of drinks and snacks. It’s a good choice for travelers looking for a casual, fun evening with a taste of Tirana’s nightlife.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an easygoing, social introduction to Albanian drinks and bites.
11. Lundër: Lundra Winery Guided Tour with Wine Tasting
A small, intimate experience, this 1.5-hour guided tour focuses on Lundra Winery’s family-operated wines. You’ll visit the vineyard and cellar, taste a white, a rosé, and a red, and enjoy local snacks.
The guides emphasize personalized service and passion for winemaking. Reviewers love Tony’s friendly approach and the beautiful landscape that offers perfect photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine lovers who want a relaxed, personal experience in a family winery.
12. Wine Tasting & Vineyards Escape near Tirana
This 3-hour escape takes you beyond Tirana to a family-owned vineyard. You’ll tour the cellar, learn about Albania’s viticulture, and enjoy wine tastings with stunning countryside views.
Guests appreciated the beautiful landscape and the local family’s warmth, though some found the wine tasting portion slightly smaller than expected. It’s a good option for short, scenic trips that combine wine and nature.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a short, scenic, and authentic wine experience outside the city.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Tirana
When deciding, consider your budget, interest level, and whether you prefer full-day adventures or shorter, more intimate experiences. For example, if you want an immersive cultural journey combined with wine, the Berat Day Tour offers a lot for just $19. If you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast, Vineyards, Albanian Wine Food Tasting Tour provides a deep dive into local wine production.
For those seeking local culinary skills, the Cooking Class pairs food with wine in Tirana itself. Active travelers will enjoy the Cape of Rodon hiking and beach tour, while art lovers can create their own souvenirs with Art & Wine in Tirana.
Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability, and consider the time of year—the best wine season is late summer and early fall when grapes are harvested.
Final Thoughts
Tirana offers a surprising variety of wine experiences—from full-day countryside tours and historic city explorations to creative workshops and short tastings. If you’re into history and scenery, Berat’s UNESCO site with its winery is a top choice. For a relaxed, private tasting, Lundra Winery provides personal service, while active travelers might prefer the hiking and beach combo at Cape of Rodon.
No matter what style suits you, these wine tours showcase Albania’s long-standing winemaking traditions and its warm, welcoming culture. Be sure to book early and pick the experience that matches your interests—these will add a memorable flavor to your trip to Tirana.