From Tirana/Durres:WINE TASTING AT THE USSR WINERY LIBRAZHD

From Tirana/Durres: WINE TASTING AT THE USSR WINERY LIBRAZHD

If you’re searching for a relaxed, authentic experience that combines history, culture, and the simple pleasure of good wine, this wine tasting tour in Librazhd might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a half-day adventure that takes you from the bustling streets of Tirana or Durres into the scenic Albanian countryside, with a visit to a unique winery that’s been operational since 1962.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the fascinating Soviet-era equipment still in use at the winery, giving a tangible sense of Albania’s past. Second, the diverse tasting session that includes wines, raki, and local spirits—perfect for those who appreciate a good drink. And third, the delicious traditional lunch that offers a hearty taste of Albanian cuisine. On the flip side, the experience is quite relaxed, so if you’re expecting a glossy, modern tasting room, this might be more rustic than you imagined.

This tour suits food and drink lovers, history buffs, and anyone wanting a glimpse into Albania’s lesser-known wine scene. Just remember, the experience is geared toward adults and isn’t suitable for those under 17. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and tasting—without the fuss of a large, crowded tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Soviet equipment: Most of the winery’s machinery dates from before the 1960s, offering a real peek into Albania’s historical wine production
• Diverse tasting options: Enjoy a variety of local wines, raki, fernet, and cognac, paired with a buffet and traditional Albanian lunch
• Scenic drive: The route from Tirana to Librazhd features picturesque mountain views and countryside scenery
• Informative guides: Knowledgeable hosts and guides share insights into the winery’s history and Albanian culture
• Local town visit: A stop in Librazhd’s center for coffee and a quick immersion into local life
• Value for the cost: At $93 per person, this experience combines transportation, guided visits, tastings, lunch, and scenic views, making it good value for a half-day activity

Introduction: Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This wine-tasting experience offers more than just sipping drinks. We loved the way the tour combines history, stunning scenery, and local flavors into a single, manageable trip. It’s especially appealing if you’re into authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that avoid tourist traps.

You’ll like this tour if you enjoy discovering hidden local gems, exploring small towns, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine in hand while soaking up scenic vistas. Be prepared for a primarily rustic setting and a laid-back pace—this isn’t a polished, modern tasting room but a genuine piece of Albanian history.

One thing to consider is the casual nature of the winery and town visit—there’s no high-tech presentation or fancy tasting room. If you prefer sleek, modern wineries, this may feel a bit rough around the edges. However, for those open to a more authentic, historical experience, it’s a real treat.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Starting Point

The tour begins with pickup options from seven locations in Tirana and Durres, including prominent spots like Zogu I Boulevard and Pazari i Ri. This flexibility makes it easy to join without extra hassle. The vehicle is an air-conditioned private transporter, ensuring comfort on the drive southeast to Librazhd.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Scenic Drive Through Albanian Countryside

The journey to Librazhd takes you on a beautiful mountain road. The landscape is breathtaking—rolling hills, lush greenery, and glimpses of rural life fill the window. As one reviewer mentioned, “the scenic views on the way are worth the trip alone,” especially if you love photography or just enjoy a relaxed drive.

Visiting the Winery

Once in Librazhd, you’ll spend about an hour touring the Soviet-era winery. The equipment, mostly imported from the former USSR, still functions, giving a sense of the industrial and historical context of Albanian wine-making. Guides share insights into how the winery operated during the communist period, adding a layer of cultural understanding.

Most visitors find this part quite fascinating, especially since “most of the machinery dates from before the Russian-Albanian split,” as one reviewer noted. The owners, a friendly couple, are proud of the history and happy to share stories, making the visit more personal and engaging.

Wine and Raki Tasting

After the tour, you’ll settle in for a tasting session featuring local wines and raki—Albania’s traditional spirit. Expect to sample both red and white wines—about 0.4 ml each—and four different types of raki, along with fernet and cognac. The variety ensures you get a good feel for local flavors.

Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety of drinks. One said, “the wines and other drinks we tried after the tour were all very good, especially the cognac,” emphasizing how pleasantly surprising the selections are, considering the old equipment.

Traditional Albanian Lunch

Next, sit down for a hearty buffet lunch at the winery’s restaurant. The focus is on meat dishes, providing a true taste of Albanian cuisine. The local hosts aim to serve a traditional meal that complements the drinks—think grilled meats, fresh bread, and local cheeses.

Guests loved the food, describing it as “delicious,” and several reviewers highlighted the “fantastic traditional lunch,” which makes this tour excellent value as it covers food, drinks, and sightseeing.

Exploring Librazhd and Coffee Stop

The afternoon includes a short visit to Librazhd’s town center for a coffee break. Here, you get a chance to see a small Albanian town that thrived during the communist era, with many buildings dating back to the 1960s. One guest mentioned, “we learned more about the town during the coffee stop,” which adds context and local color to the experience.

Return Journey

The return trip takes the highway back through more scenic landscapes, rounding out a well-balanced, engaging half-day trip. The whole experience lasts around 6 hours, leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the journey.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

Transport and Group Size: The tour uses a private, air-conditioned vehicle, making the trip comfortable and intimate. This suits small groups or couples, with guides offering a personalized experience.

Price and Value: At $93 per person, this experience covers transport, guided tours, tastings, a buffet, and scenic drives. Considering the amount of included activities, it offers solid value—especially if you’re into wine, history, or local culture.

Duration and Timing: Starting times depend on availability, but the total trip takes about 6 hours. It’s a relaxed pace, perfect for those who prefer quality over quantity.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, a camera for the picturesque views, and maybe a notebook if you want to jot down wine names or historical tidbits.

Suitability: Best for travelers over 17 who enjoy relaxed, cultural, and gastronomic experiences. It’s not suitable for children but perfect for adults interested in wine, local traditions, and scenic drives.

What We Loved and What Could Be Better

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience feel personal rather than commercial. The scenic drive and the views at the winery provide a wonderful backdrop for the tasting and conversation.

The wine selection is highly praised—ranging from local wines to spirits like raki, fernet, and cognac—offering a genuine taste of Albanian craftsmanship. Reviewers mention the delicious food paired with drinks as an unexpected highlight, elevating the overall value.

One reviewer noted that “the owner couple was very friendly,” which adds to the authentic atmosphere. The rustic setting, however, might feel a bit basic for those expecting modern wine cellars, but it’s part of the charm.

Possible Drawbacks

The setting is intentionally rustic, so don’t expect a polished, modern tasting room. Also, since the winery only started offering visits in 2019, it’s still somewhat new, and some facilities might be basic. On top of that, the emphasis on relaxed, adult-oriented fun means it’s less about education and more about enjoying good drinks and scenery.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts curious about local Albanian varieties and spirits. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic drives, and hearty food. If you appreciate authentic, slightly quirky experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail, this trip will suit you well.

It’s a great option for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a laid-back day with plenty of tastings and local flavor. However, anyone under 17 will need to skip this one.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides private transport with an air-conditioned vehicle from Tirana or Durres.

How long does the trip last?
It typically lasts around 6 hours, including pickup, travel, visits, tastings, and lunch.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included?
Yes, a traditional Albanian buffet lunch is part of the experience.

What drinks are served during tastings?
Expect red and white wines, four types of raki, and regional spirits like fernet and cognac.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults over 17 due to alcohol tastings and the nature of the activities.

The Sum Up

This wine tasting tour at the USSR winery in Librazhd offers a distinctive peek into Albania’s past, paired with genuine local flavors and scenic countryside views. It’s a fantastic pick for those interested in history, traditional food, and spirits, all wrapped up in a relaxed, small-group setting.

While it may not appeal to those seeking a glamorous tasting room or modern winery aesthetic, the rustic charm, friendly hosts, and authentic experience make it a worthwhile outing for travelers craving something different. The combination of historic equipment, diverse tastings, and hearty Albanian fare provides excellent value, especially for those who appreciate cultural depth alongside their drinks.

This tour is best suited for curious, adult travelers eager to enjoy a relaxed day sampling the best of Albanian wine and raki, with a touch of history and scenic beauty thrown in.

You can check if your dates are available here: