Sparkling Wine tour Sheki with All meals included

Few experiences capture the essence of Azerbaijan quite like this two-day Sparkling Wine Tour from Baku to Sheki. Combining the elegance of local sparkling wines with the beauty of Sheki’s historic sites and delicious cuisine, it’s a journey that offers both sophistication and authenticity. Based on traveler reviews and detailed itineraries, we’re here to give you the lowdown so you can decide if this trip is right for you.

What we love about this tour is how it balances wine tasting, cultural exploration, and genuine Azerbaijani hospitality. The guided visits to a modern winery—part of the renowned “Abrau-Durso” family—promise insight into both traditional and contemporary winemaking. The chance to sample Agdam port and other exceptional wines, alongside local dishes and stunning scenery, makes it a well-rounded experience. Plus, the opportunity to visit Sheki Khans Palace adds a touch of history and architectural brilliance.

One thing to consider is the cost—at $587 per person—it’s an investment, but when you factor in all meals, transportation, guides, and entry fees, many find it offers good value for a curated, all-inclusive experience. This tour suits travelers who enjoy exploring through tasting, appreciate cultural sites, and want to see Azerbaijan’s wine scene from a local perspective.

If you’re seeking a luxurious, enriching, and well-organized journey into Azerbaijani wine and culture, this tour deserves serious consideration. It’s perfect for those who value expert guides, authentic local flavors, and a scenic escape from Baku’s city buzz.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Comfort: Everything from transportation and meals to wine tastings and hotel stay is covered.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides like Nasimi enhance the experience with rich insights and local stories.
• Unique Wine Experience: Taste a variety of Azerbaijani sparkling wines, including the legendary Agdam port, crafted using traditional methods.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the stunning Sheki Khans Palace and enjoy authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.
• Scenic Journey: The drive from Baku offers picturesque views and a glimpse of rural Azerbaijan.
• Authentic Hospitality: The tour includes local tea with baklava, a cheese plate, and traditional dinners, emphasizing local flavors and customs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting with a scenic drive from Baku, the tour quickly sets a relaxed, anticipatory tone. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a traditional tea break with baklava—an opportunity to unwind and absorb the countryside ambiance. This simple, sweet introduction hints at the warm hospitality to come.

Once in Sheki, the first highlight is the visit to a modern winery that’s part of the distinguished “Abrau-Durso” family since 2021. Here, the focus is on sparkling wines crafted with both the Méthode Classique and Charmat methods. If you’re unfamiliar, these are techniques for producing sparkling wines: Méthode Classique (used for Champagne) involves secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating fine bubbles, while Charmat is a quicker process where the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in large tanks.

You’ll have a guided tasting of several wines, including Az Abrau blends, local Azerbaijani grape varieties, and the legendary Agdam port, a port-style dessert wine. As one reviewer, Sue, noted, the wine venues were “top notch thanks to Nasimi’s guidance,” and she appreciated how the guide made the tasting fun and educational.

Lunch in Sheki provides a perfect chance to savor local flavors—expect dishes that reflect Azerbaijan’s culinary traditions—before heading to Sheki Khans Palace. This UNESCO-listed site is a true architectural jewel, with its intricate stained glass windows and frescoed ceilings. The palace visit is included in the tour, allowing you to appreciate Sheki’s historical significance and craftsmanship.

Post-palace, check-in at a local hotel offers a comfortable retreat with charming views—many travelers mention the lovely balconies and traditional decor. The dinner that evening, followed by visiting a local wine house, introduces you to more Azerbaijani wines, including those from other producers, showcasing the country’s diverse winemaking scene. The review from Sue highlights her enjoyment of this part, noting the “top-notch” wine tastings and the friendly guide.

On the second day, after breakfast, the tour includes a visit to Sheki’s iconic palace for a final burst of cultural richness. The journey back to Baku features a relaxing lunch, perfect for reflecting on the trip’s highlights.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Winery Visit and Wine Tasting

The visit to a prestigious Azerbaijani winery is the real highlight, especially for wine enthusiasts. The winery’s use of both traditional and modern techniques creates wines that are both familiar and distinctly local. The inclusion of sparkling wines—made with methods comparable to those used in Champagne—adds a touch of elegance many travelers appreciate. The guided tastings are thoughtfully curated, giving insight into each wine’s flavor profile and the winemaking process.

The Agdam port, in particular, draws admiration from visitors. It’s a dessert wine with a rich, sweet character that pairs beautifully with local desserts and is considered a regional treasure.

The Cultural and Architectural Gems

Sheki’s Khans Palace is more than just a sightseeing stop; it’s a window into Azerbaijani craftsmanship. The stained glass windows and ornate decorations are stunning, and the guided tour provides context about the palace’s history and significance. Many reviewers, including Sue, mention how this site wraps up their experience with a sense of awe and appreciation for Azerbaijani artistry.

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Food and Hospitality

Meals are thoughtfully included, and the local lunch and dinner reflect Azerbaijani culinary traditions. The tea break with baklava stands out as a sweet, relaxing moment, and the cheese plate adds a local flavor to the experience. Guests consistently praise the food quality and the welcoming atmosphere, which makes the entire trip feel warm and genuine.

Transportation and Comfort

All transportation is arranged via a minivan, with pickup and drop-off included, making logistics hassle-free. The group size is manageable, allowing for intimate conversations and personalized attention—something Sue appreciated, mentioning her guide Nasimi as “professional and knowledgeable.” The overnight hotel stay in Sheki is described as “lovely,” with a balcony view that many find memorable.

The Value of All-Inclusive Pricing

At $587, the tour covers all meals, entrance fees, guide services, transportation, and wine tastings, making it a comprehensive package. When you consider the quality of the experiences—especially the guided tastings and cultural visits—the price feels justified for many. It’s a good option for travelers wanting a curated, worry-free experience that includes everything.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to explore Azerbaijan’s emerging wine scene, especially those interested in sparkling wines. It also appeals to history and architecture buffs who want to see Sheki’s famous palace and learn about Azerbaijani culture. Foodies will appreciate the authentic meals, local desserts, and the opportunity to try regional flavors. It’s best suited to travelers who enjoy guided tours, value comfort, and are open to a mix of cultural, culinary, and vinous discoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for younger travelers?
No, the tour requires guests to be at least 18 years old because of the wine tasting component.

How long is the drive from Baku to Sheki?
The tour involves a scenic drive from Baku, but the exact duration isn’t specified. Expect a comfortable journey with a stop for tea and sightseeing along the way.

Are all meals included?
Yes, the package includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast, along with snacks and a cheese plate to complement wine tastings.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and perhaps a light jacket if you prefer cooler evenings—most activities are outdoors or involve sightseeing.

Is the wine tasting guided?
Absolutely. A knowledgeable guide, like Nasimi, will lead you through each tasting, explaining the wine-making process and flavor profiles.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
The tour is focused on wine and includes tastings, so it may not be suitable for non-drinkers. However, non-alcoholic options might be available, but that’s best clarified directly with the tour provider.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

How do I book this experience?
Reservations can be made through the provider, with a “reserve & pay later” option allowing you to secure your spot without upfront payment.

Final Thoughts

This Sparkling Wine Tour from Baku to Sheki offers a well-rounded glimpse into Azerbaijan’s vinous delights, cultural treasures, and warm hospitality. The combination of guided wine tastings, visits to historical sites, and authentic Azerbaijani cuisine makes for a memorable escape. Its all-inclusive nature simplifies planning, while the knowledgeable guides and carefully curated experiences ensure quality and authenticity.

If you’re seeking a taste of Azerbaijan’s wine craftsmanship paired with scenic beauty and cultural richness, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy guided insights, premium wines, and local flavors—ready to indulge in a luxurious yet genuine adventure.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a curious traveler eager to explore Azerbaijan’s lesser-known gems, this tour offers a delightful and educational experience wrapped in comfort and authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here: