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The 13 Best Wine Tours in Durres
Durres isn’t just Albania’s oldest city—it’s also a surprisingly good place to explore local wines. Its proximity to vineyards, combined with a lively atmosphere and stunning coastal views, makes Durres a perfect hub for wine lovers. Whether you’re interested in tasting Albanian varieties like Kallmet and Shesh i Zi in cozy bars, or combining wine with coastal adventures and historical sights, this list has something for you. Among the standouts, we love the Durrës & Wine Tasting Tour for its balance of city charm and vineyard visits, and the Sunset Vineyard Tour for a relaxing evening in the countryside. If you’re craving a full day of history and wine, the Durres & Wine Tasting Tour offers a comprehensive look at Albania’s ancient roots along with tastings of fine wines.
Durres’s wine scene is about more than just tasting. It’s about experiencing authentic Albanian winemaking traditions, exploring historic sites, and enjoying seaside scenery. If you’ve ever wanted to sip local wine in a relaxed, friendly setting, or combine wine with some sightseeing, this list will help you find the perfect match.
Quick Overview
The tours listed here cover a variety of experiences—from short tastings in cozy bars to full-day cultural trips that include historical walks, coastal scenery, and vineyard visits. Some are ideal for a quick cultural fix with wine, like the Wine Tasting in Durrës, which is perfect if you only have an hour. Others, like the From Tirana: Cape of Rodon & Wine Tasting Tour, combine scenic drives and historical sites with wine tasting. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Experience Albanian Wine daily tours offers a deep dive into Albanian wine culture with visits to vineyards and countryside scenery. Many tours include food pairings, scenic walks, and opportunities for swimming or relaxing in nature.
Below, we explore each tour in detail to help you decide which fits your preferences and schedule.
1. Albanian Wine Tasting at Durres City
For those who prefer a quick, cozy experience, this wine tasting in Durres is perfect. It’s a 2 to 2.5-hour session at a local wine bar where you’ll sample premium Albanian wines, including Kallmet and Shesh i Zi. The guide shares insights into Albania’s wine traditions, making it both educational and enjoyable. The tasting is paired with cheeses and cured meats, providing a well-rounded flavor experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate setting—a cozy wine bar where you can relax and learn about Albanian wine terroirs and methods in a friendly atmosphere. With a 5-star rating from 7 reviews and a price of only $41, it offers excellent value for those short on time but eager to taste authentic Albanian wines.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a relaxed, intimate introduction to Albanian wines without leaving Durres city.
2. From Tirana/Durres/Golem: Cape of Rodon & Wine Tasting Tour
This full-day tour combines scenic coastal drives, stunning views, and a visit to Cape of Rodon, plus a wine tasting at Duka Winery. The itinerary includes walking to Skanderbeg Castle and visiting St. Anthony Church, making it a rich blend of history and nature. The highlight is the spectacular coastline, with options for swimming at a public beach.
The wine tasting at Duka Winery is a key feature, offering a chance to savor local Albanian wines amidst breathtaking scenery. The tour lasts about 7.5 hours and includes multiple pickup points from Tirana, Durres, and Golem, making it flexible for travelers staying in different areas. Reviewers praise the tour for its informative guide and scenic adventure, with a 4.7/5 rating from 15 reviews.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a scenic coastal trip combined with wine tasting and historical sightseeing.
3. Durres & Wine Tasting Tour
This 10-hour tour offers an in-depth exploration of Durres itself, including city sights and a visit to Abaia Winery. You’ll walk through Durres’s ancient streets, visit the Amphitheater, and then enjoy a wine tasting in a picturesque vineyard setting. This tour is ideal for history buffs who also want to indulge in local wines.
Guests highlight the charming guide and the magnificent winery setup, with reviews mentioning how much they learned about Albania’s wine culture. It’s a full-day experience suited for those comfortable with walking and wanting to combine cultural discovery with wine tasting.
Bottom Line: A top pick for travelers interested in Durres’s history and a relaxed but thorough wine experience.
4. Experience Albanian Wine, Daily Tours from Durres
For an intimate, full-day immersion into Albanian wine culture, this tour at Vinum Wine Bar & Restaurant offers a guided tour and several hours of tasting. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to discover Albanian varieties in a relaxed setting. The tour includes a 40-minute guided walk through vineyards and a tasting session lasting over 2 hours.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, it’s a small-group experience that emphasizes quality over quantity. The focus on local wine culture and the countryside landscape makes this ideal for those looking to deepen their appreciation of Albania’s wine scene.
Bottom Line: Excellent for dedicated wine lovers wanting a relaxed, comprehensive experience in Durres.
5. From Durres Golem: Cape of Rodon Castle & Wine Tasting Tour
Similar to the other Rodon trips, this 7-hour excursion from Durres includes visits to Cape of Rodon, Skanderbeg Castle, and St. Anthony Church, capped with a wine tasting at a local vineyard. It’s ideal if you want scenic coastal views combined with cultural exploration and wine.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, it offers a balanced day for those who enjoy historical sites and seaside scenery, with the bonus of a delightful wine experience. The tour provides pick-up and drop-off from Durres Golem, making it convenient.
Bottom Line: A scenic, culturally rich day with the reward of local wines at day’s end.
6. Durrës: Sunset Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting
This 5-hour experience is perfect if you want to combine wine tasting with relaxing sunset views. Starting from the Hotel Continental, the tour takes you through scenic vineyards in the late afternoon, where you’ll learn about traditional wine-making methods and sample local wines.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, it’s an intimate experience that’s best for those seeking a peaceful evening amid nature. The setting allows for plenty of photo opportunities and a calm atmosphere to savor your wines.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a laid-back, scenic evening in Durres’s countryside with wine and sunset views.
7. From Durrës/Golem: Vineyards, Wine Food Tasting & Boat Tour
This 5-hour tour weaves vineyards, lakes, and boat rides into one package. You’ll visit local vineyards producing Albanian wines, enjoy wine and flavored brandy, and then take a boat cruise on nearby lakes, all while surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Rated 4.6/5 from 5 reviews, it’s perfect for travelers who love combining nature, wine, and a touch of adventure. The itinerary includes a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities for photos and local flavor.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded outing for those who want more than just wine—think lakes, boats, and vineyards.
8. Durrës: Traditional Albanian Cooking Class with Lunch & Wine
While not a typical wine tour, this 2-hour cooking class offers a delicious twist. Located in Durres, it teaches you how to prepare byrek, tave kosi, and fresh salads, then enjoy your homemade meal with local wine or raki.
Guests rave about the authentic experience and the friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for food and wine lovers wanting a hands-on cultural experience. Full recipes are emailed afterward, so you can recreate the dishes at home.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive way to learn about Albanian cuisine and wine pairing.
9. Durres: Where History Meets Wine
This 5-hour tour combines Durres’s ancient Roman and Byzantine sites with winery visits. You’ll walk through Roman ruins, visit the Arapaj Vineyard, and enjoy tastings of Albanian wines in a historic setting.
Rated 4.5/5, it’s ideal for history buffs who want to combine cultural sights with wine tasting. The tour includes a guided walk and several stops for tastings, making it a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: For travelers drawn to history and wine, this tour offers a balanced and insightful day.
10. From Tirana: Cape of Rodon Castle, Beach & Wine Tasting Tour
Similar to other Rodon trips, this 7-hour excursion from Tirana features coastal views, a walk along the cape, swimming, and a visit to Skanderbeg Castle. It concludes with a wine tasting at a local vineyard.
Rated 4.4/5, it’s perfect for travelers who want a blend of beach, history, and wine. Its comprehensive itinerary makes it suitable for those with limited time but big interests.
Bottom Line: A scenic, cultural, and wine-rich day trip from Tirana.
11. From Tirana: Durrës and Cassar Cantina Wine Tasting Day Tour
This 8-hour guided tour explores Durrës’s ancient sites like the Amphitheater and Venetian Tower, then ends with a wine tasting at Cassar Cantina. It’s perfect for history lovers who also want to sample local wines paired with cheeses and olives.
Rated 4.4/5, visitors appreciate the well-paced itinerary and the chance to experience Durrës’s cultural and culinary highlights. The tour offers a full immersion in both history and wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you enjoy combining historical exploration with wine tasting in a relaxed setting.
12. Wine Tasting in Durrës – Discover Albania’s Taste
In a cozy wine bar in Durres, this hour-long tasting is perfect for a quick introduction. You’ll sample premium Albanian wines paired with traditional antipasti, learning about native grapes and winemaking traditions from guides.
Rated 3.9/5, it’s best suited for those short on time but eager to taste Albania’s distinctive wines and learn their stories. It’s a simple, no-fuss way to experience Albanian wine culture.
Bottom Line: A quick, authentic taste of Albanian wines in a friendly setting.
13. Wine Tasting Tour, Optional Vineyard and Kayak Rides
This 3-hour self-guided tour allows you to explore a local vineyard at your own pace, with optional kayak or boat rides. It’s a flexible experience that combines wine tasting with a bit of adventure on the water.
Rated 5/5, it appeals to those who want a personalized experience with the freedom to choose activities. It’s ideal for independent travelers who enjoy a bit of both—wine and outdoor fun.
Bottom Line: A perfect fit for travelers wanting control over their experience and a touch of adventure.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Durres
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you’re short on time, the Wine Tasting in Durres or the Albanian Wine Tasting at Durres City are quick options. For those seeking a full-day adventure with history and scenery, the Durres & Wine Tasting Tour offers an engaging mix.
Budget travelers might prefer the shorter tastings, while those wanting a deeper dive into Albanian wine culture should consider the daily wine experience. If seaside scenery and sunset views appeal, the Sunset Vineyard Tour is a relaxing choice.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular full-day tours, and consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking through historic sites or vineyards.
Final Thoughts
Durres offers a variety of wine experiences that cater to different interests and schedules. For a quick tasting, the cozy Albanian Wine Tasting at Durres City is ideal. For a full day of history, scenery, and wine, the Durres & Wine Tasting Tour stands out. And if you want a relaxed evening with scenic vineyard views, the Sunset Vineyard Tour is perfect.
Whatever your preference, these tours promise a genuine taste of Albanian wine and culture. Remember to book early, especially during peak travel seasons, and enjoy your wine journey in Durres.