Ohrid: Monastery Winery Tour and Wine Tasting

Imagine sipping wine in a small, peaceful valley surrounded by lush forests, with a side trip to an ancient monastery—sounds idyllic, right? That’s exactly what this Ohrid Monastery Winery Tour offers. It’s a well-balanced experience that combines authentic winemaking, scenic beauty, and a touch of local spirituality, all within just three hours.

What makes this tour stand out are three things we really love: the chance to taste five different local wines and two traditional brandies, the visit to the hidden St. Cosmas and Damian monastery, and the personalized, friendly guide who shares stories and insights along the way. A potential consideration is that the tour is relatively short, so if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration, this might be more of a tasting and scenic drive than a lengthy experience. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed, authentic, and scenic glimpse into Macedonian wine culture—ideal for wine enthusiasts, culture lovers, or anyone wanting a peaceful escape from the busy town of Ohrid.

Good To Know

• Authentic Macedonian wines and local brandies are the highlight.
• The scenic setting of the winery and monastery adds to the charm.
• The knowledgeable guides make the experience informative and engaging.
• The tour provides transportation from and back to your accommodation, making it stress-free.
• The visit to the St. Cosmas and Damian monastery offers a touch of spiritual history.
• The three-hour duration is perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Experience

This Ohrid winery tour is designed to give you a genuine taste of Macedonian wine-making, combined with the serenity of a rural landscape. The experience begins with a pickup from your hotel, making logistics simple and hassle-free. From there, you’ll be driven to a charming winery situated in a quiet river valley, surrounded by steep, forested hills—think postcard-perfect scenery.

The Winery and Its Philosophy

The winery itself is a family-run operation established in 2019, with a passionate team that produces around 10,000 bottles annually. What’s special about this place is how they maintain traditional methods, handpicking each grape and letting the wine “tell its story.” As you tour the winery and cellar, you’ll see barrels that contain wines with their own unique twists—some embody Romanticism, others Realism, and a select few part of their Renaissance collection. The owners describe their wines as “works of art,” and their approach clearly shows through the genuine care and craftsmanship.

The Guided Tour

Your guide will explain the traditional philosophy behind their vintages, emphasizing how each barrel has its own character shaped by natural influences. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Simon for their expertise and storytelling ability—one reviewer mentioned how Simon’s insights made the experience particularly memorable. This part of the tour typically lasts around 27 minutes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process.

The Wine Tasting

Following the tour, you’ll enjoy a two-hour wine tasting session featuring five Macedonian wines and two traditional brandies. The wines include whites, reds, and rosés, giving you a comprehensive view of local varieties. The brandies are also a highlight, with tasting notes shared by guides that help you appreciate their depth and distinctiveness.

Reviewers often mention the generous sampling, with some saying it “felt like a good-sized” tasting that allowed plenty of time to savor each pour. The wines are paired with a local cheese and charcuterie platter sourced from within a kilometer of the winery, adding regional authenticity to the experience. Water is provided to keep your palate refreshed, and the entire tasting is relaxed but well-organized.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Monastery Visit

A visit to the St. Cosmas and Damian Orthodox monastery is included, offering a brief but meaningful glimpse into the spiritual side of Macedonian culture. Reviewers like Rokas mention how the serene rural environment and sincere staff made the visit special. The monastery’s historic buildings and peaceful setting provide a lovely contrast to the lively tasting, making the tour feel more balanced and layered.

Scenic Walk and Atmosphere

After tasting, there’s time to walk around the winery, enjoy the lush surroundings, or simply relax on the outdoor terrace if the weather permits. Many reviewers highlight the tranquility and beauty of the estate, with some noting the adorable dogs that add to the welcoming atmosphere.

How the Itinerary Flows

The tour is designed for maximum enjoyment within a short window. It starts with two pickup options from familiar locations in Ohrid, followed by a scenic 30-minute drive to the winery. The guided tour (about 27 minutes) is the first stop, providing context and insights into the ancient art of Macedonian winemaking.

Next, you’ll settle into a leisurely two-hour wine tasting, where the hosts pour generous samples of five wines and two brandies, paired with regional cheeses and meats. The visit to the monastery is integrated into the experience, offering a quiet retreat and a cultural touchstone.

Finally, the group is transported back to their accommodation, completing the relaxed three-hour journey. The entire experience is tailored to be intimate, with reviews confirming the friendly, sincere staff and informative guides who make the visit memorable.

Why This Tour Offers Value

Looking at the reviews and the itinerary, this experience offers much more than just tasting wine. It’s about enjoying the rural charm of North Macedonia, learning about traditional winemaking, and experiencing a slice of local spirituality—all in a short, manageable timeframe. The inclusion of hotel pick-up and drop-off means you don’t need to worry about transportation logistics, which adds to the overall value.

The pricing reflects a well-rounded experience with a knowledgeable guide, authentic tastings, and scenic stops. Many travelers mention that the quality of wines, the food, and the hospitality far exceed what they expected for the price—making it a worthwhile choice for wine lovers and culture seekers alike.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy authentic local culture, scenic landscapes, and good wine without the long commitment of full-day tours. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate small, intimate group settings and value knowledgeable guides who enrich the visit with stories and insights.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and educational outing—and enjoy tasting regional wines—then this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially ideal if you want to combine a bit of history, spirituality, and local flavor in one smooth adventure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 3 hours, including pickup, winery visit, tasting, and return.

Is transportation included?
Yes, organized transfer from your accommodation to the winery and back is part of the tour.

Are there any dietary restrictions?
The tour includes local cheeses and charcuterie, but specific dietary needs are not detailed, so contacting the provider in advance might be helpful.

What is the group size?
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest small, intimate groups that allow for personalized attention.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What languages are guides available in?
The tour is conducted in English, ensuring clear explanations throughout.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with health issues?
It’s not suitable for those with heart problems or high blood pressure, but otherwise, it’s a relaxed experience for most.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking around the winery and monastery.

Can I buy wine or brandy during the tour?
While not explicitly mentioned, many visitors find the wines and brandies appealing enough to consider purchasing, though prices are not specified.

Final Thoughts

This Ohrid Monastery Winery Tour blends scenic beauty, authentic winemaking, and a touch of spirituality into a compact, enjoyable experience. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to enjoy North Macedonia’s wine culture without dedicating an entire day. The guides’ warmth and knowledge, paired with the stunning rural setting, create a memorable outing that combines education and leisure effortlessly.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this tour offers genuine value through its authentic atmosphere, quality tastings, and picturesque scenery. It’s a charming snapshot of local life and tradition, making it a worthwhile addition to your Ohrid itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: