This in-depth review covers a popular wine-focused day trip from Skopje that takes you to two of North Macedonia’s finest wineries—Lazar and Chateau Sopot. While we haven’t personally gone on this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and reviews highlight a well-rounded experience perfect for wine lovers and those eager to explore North Macedonia’s notable wine scene.
What we love about this tour is the combination of guided tastings led by experts, the chance to enjoy five-course gourmet lunches paired with local wines, and the stunning vineyard views that make every sip more memorable. It’s also a private experience, which means more personalized attention and flexibility. One potential consideration is that expenses at Chateau Sopot are on your, so it’s wise to budget accordingly if you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience.
This tour suits those who want a luxurious yet authentic day in wine country, appreciate good food paired with wine, and enjoy scenic drives through picturesque landscapes. If you’re a traveler who values a mix of guided insights and independent exploration, this could be a perfect fit.
Good To Know
- Two top Macedonian wineries visited in one day for a comprehensive experience
- Expert-guided tastings providing insight into local wines and production methods
- Gourmet, wine-paired five-course lunches at each winery for true indulgence
- Scenic drive through North Macedonia’s beautiful vineyard regions
- Flexible private group setting with pickup and drop-off from Skopje
- Cost analysis suggests good value, considering exclusive visits, tastings, and food included
Introduction: Why This Tour Is Worth Considering
If you’re visiting Skopje and want to dive into North Macedonia’s wine scene, this tour promises an enriching day of tasting, sightseeing, and delicious food. You’ll visit two standout wineries—Lazar, known for its award-winning sparkling wines, and Chateau Sopot, prized for its vineyard-grown grapes and scenic setting.
What makes this experience appealing are the guided tastings where experts explain the nuances of Macedonian wines, and the five-course meals that allow you to savor local cuisine alongside the wines. Plus, the scenic drives give you a glimpse of the countryside that’s often overlooked but incredibly charming.
One thing to keep in mind is the cost—$337 per group offers a blend of exclusive visits, tastings, and meals, but expenses at Chateau Sopot are on guests, so budgeting for additional drinks or snacks there might be smart. This tour is especially well-suited for those who enjoy wine, delicious food, and picturesque landscapes, and it works best for travelers seeking a private, curated experience.
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Exploring the Itinerary in Detail
Starting Point: Pickup in Skopje
The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your accommodation or a central location in Skopje. This private transfer ensures a comfortable start to your day and allows you to relax without worrying about navigation or parking.
Stop 1: Winery Lazar
Founded in 2015, Winery Lazar has rapidly built a reputation for excellence, especially for its sparkling wines. The visit includes a guided tour of their facilities, where you can observe their combination of traditional techniques and Italian processing technology. The highlight here is the 5-course gourmet lunch paired with Lazar’s finest wines, offering a true taste of Macedonian culinary traditions.
The meal starts with a welcome glass of Pearl Sparkling Brut, setting the tone for the day. The courses include a Lazar Salad paired with Grasevina, followed by Salmon Carpaccio with Pinot Grigio and a Shrimp Risotto with Allure Grand Cuve. The main course is Beef in dark sauce paired with Erigon Kratosija, with a Cheesecake and Fortuna Rosé to finish.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and wine pairing, with reviews mentioning how the food elevates the wine tasting. One reviewer noted, “The lunch was a highlight—absolutely delicious, and the wines complemented each dish perfectly.”
More Great Thing To Do NearbyStop 2: Chateau Sopot
After about 2 hours at Lazar, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Macedonian countryside to Chateau Sopot, a boutique winery with vineyards covering 94 hectares. The setting offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, where you can explore the winery at your own pace and taste some of their best labels.
While at Chateau Sopot, you can learn about their philosophy—“Wine, Food, View”—and experience a tasting of wines like Povaradrec-Rhein Riesling, Sopot Cuve Red, Serbez-Roze, and Pinot Noir Reserva. The winery’s emphasis on grapes grown entirely on-site adds a level of authenticity and quality control.
Like Lazar, Chateau Sopot offers a 5-course wine-paired lunch, featuring dishes such as Caprese salad with Rhein Riesling, Beef Carpaccio with Sopot Cuve Red, and Rabbit with prosciutto and olives paired with Pinot Noir. The experience of tasting wine amid scenic vineyards enhances the overall enjoyment, especially for those who appreciate a beautiful setting to complement their drinks.
Ending the Day: Return to Skopje
The tour wraps up with a comfortable drive back to Skopje, allowing you to reflect on the day’s highlights and maybe plan your next visit to North Macedonia’s wineries.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
Guided Tastings with Experts
One of the biggest perks is the guided nature of the tastings. Knowing that an expert explains the nuances behind each wine helps deepen your appreciation, especially if you’re new to Macedonian wines. Guests mentioned that the guides provided clear, insightful explanations, making the experience educational as well as enjoyable.
The Delicious, Wine-Paired Lunches
Unlike many wine tours that only include tastings, this experience offers full meals at both wineries. The carefully curated 5-course menus enhance your understanding of local cuisine and how it pairs with different wine styles. Reviewers appreciated this aspect, noting that the lunches were delicious and thoughtfully paired.
Scenic Drive & Vineyard Views
North Macedonia’s countryside is often overlooked in favor of its cities, but the views along the drive and within the vineyards are worth the trip. The combination of scenic vistas and wine tasting creates a peaceful, almost meditative experience.
Private Group & Flexibility
Being a private tour means you can expect more personalized attention, flexible timing, and a relaxed pace. This is particularly valuable if you’re traveling with a partner or small group and want an intimate experience without the rush of larger tours.
Analyzing the Value & Cost
At $337 for a group, this tour offers a strong balance of exclusivity, quality, and food. The inclusion of guided tastings, transportation, and full meals makes it a good value, especially considering the added benefit of scenic drives and the chance to sample a wide variety of wines.
Expenses at Chateau Sopot are on your, so you might want to budget an additional amount if you plan to purchase wines or additional drinks during your visit. For wine enthusiasts, the quality of wines and the picturesque setting make this a worthwhile investment.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak season.
- Bring a small notebook; the guided explanations can help you remember what you taste.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be exploring winery grounds.
- Budget extra at Chateau Sopot if you wish to purchase wines or additional beverages.
- Plan for a relaxed afternoon—this tour is about savoring, not rushing.
- Lunchtime hours may vary slightly, so confirm your schedule beforehand.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This experience is ideal for wine lovers who want to indulge in Macedonian wines and local cuisine in a private, relaxed setting. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking an authentic taste of North Macedonia’s wine culture amid beautiful scenery.
It’s also great for travelers who value guidance and education during tastings, and those looking to enjoy a luxurious, well-organized day trip without the hassle of planning logistics themselves.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer free exploration, this tour might seem a little pricey. Also, it’s not suited for children under 16 or travelers with specific dietary or mobility restrictions, given the focus on wine and gourmet food.
The Sum Up
This tour offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, expert guidance, and culinary delight. The combination of guided tastings, gourmet lunches, and picturesque vineyard settings makes it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts and those seeking an elegant day out of Skopje.
While the cost may seem high at first glance, the inclusive nature—covering transport, guided tastings, and meals—adds to its perceived value. Its private format allows you to enjoy the experience at your own pace, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone craving a personalized touch.
If you’re after an authentic, intimate exploration of North Macedonia’s wine scene with plenty of delicious food and stunning views, this tour delivers on all fronts.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes private transfer from and back to Skopje city center, making the day seamless and comfortable.
How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about 6 hours, with approximately 2 hours at each winery plus travel time.
Are meals included?
Yes, both wineries serve a 5-course gourmet lunch, with food and wine pairings included in the price at Lazar. Expenses at Chateau Sopot are on your.
Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility for timing and focus, but the core itinerary is fixed.
What wines are sampled during the tour?
Guests taste a variety of Macedonian wines, including sparkling, white, red, and rosé, guided by knowledgeable staff.
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults over 16, especially since it involves wine tastings.
Do I need to bring any special gear or items?
Comfortable shoes and a small notebook are recommended. Bring extra cash if you wish to purchase wines at Chateau Sopot.
What should I expect to pay at Chateau Sopot?
Expenses for wines or additional drinks are on your, so budgeting for extra purchases is advisable.
This full-day wine adventure from Skopje offers not just tastings but a genuine taste of North Macedonia’s vibrant wine culture, set against stunning landscapes and complemented by delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or simply looking to enjoy a relaxed, scenic day, it’s a memorable way to experience the country’s best wineries.
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