Communist Winery: Tour, Tasting and Lunch
Description
This unique gastronomic day trip takes us southeast to the forgotten "city" of Librazhd. Here we'll visit an extraordinary local winery, which only started offering visits and wine-tastings in 2019. Don't expect a stylish tasting room, or video presentations. Most of the equipment dates from before the Russian-Albanian split of the early 1960s, when the winery was shipped over from Georgia in the then Soviet Union. We'll spend an hour or so looking around the winery, and of course tasting the produce. Afterwards we'll sit down to lunch at the winery's new restaurant for a meal of Tava Elbasani - the regional speciality of lamb slow-cooked in yoghurt sauce.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We'll enjoy lunch and a tasting at this unique Soviet-era winery, which was shipped over from Georgia shortly before the Albanian-Soviet split of 1961.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(4)
We had so much fun touring the 1960s winery. It felt totally different from every other wine tour I've been on. The rooms are like a time machine back to the USSR. Lunch and wine in the cantina was lovely too.
We're so glad you enjoyed the day and the winery! It is a total time-warp with all that old Soviet equipment - we hope they never renovate it!
This was a great trip. Lovely drive over the mountains to get to the winery (about 2 hours). Then a wonderful welcome at the winery - process explained and saw the equipment old and new. Tasting of red and white wine plus two Raki and a cognac. Lunch was delicious too. But the best bit was the great guide Mick who told us so much and made the whole experience great.
Thanks so much for the review! We're glad you enjoyed the winery - it is a unique place! We should point out for anyone reading this, the return journey is faster than 2h as we take the highway back, not the scenic route!
This fantastic tour takes you about 70 km from Tirana to the small town of Librazhd. Kreshnik, our guide, is from Librazhd and grew up there. In a small jeep, he drove us through his homeland, stopping along the way for coffee and giving us plenty of time to take everything in. Thanks to Kreshnik, we gained deep insight into Albania’s turbulent history. By the time we arrived at the communist-era winery, we were well prepared. The owner personally guided us through its historic halls. It’s a wonderful wine region, and we enjoyed an extensive wine and raki tasting. Afterwards, in a idyllic setting, we were served a fabulous meal: lamb in yogurt sauce with typical Albanian side dishes. The atmosphere was warm and sociable, and we spent the whole afternoon chatting. It was a truly exceptional tour. If you’re interested in culture and people in Albania and also enjoy good food and drink, this is the perfect experience for you. Kreshnik is an experienced guide who does everything he can to make you fall in love with his homeland. Curious to meet him, discover Albania’s communist past, and try lamb in yogurt sauce?
Thanks so much for the great review, Kathrin! We're glad you enjoyed the day - Kreshnik had a great time showing you his hometown. We're glad too you appreciated the winery, it's a real time-warp. A big surprise for us was the tav kosi - we were worried as the chef was new, but it was a real highlight! We hope you make it back to Albania one day to discover more of its Communist heritage.
Outstanding, informative, fun experience! The drive to the location alone is worth it, but once at the winery, you will be treated to the best meal ever and terrific wines and rakis. If I could give this trip more than five stars, I would! Highly recommend!
So glad you enjoyed the trip! The winery really is unique so we're glad you appreciated it!
