Gjirokaster: Wine tasting in underground hotel wine shop

Travelers seeking a taste of Albania’s lesser-known traditions will find this wine tasting experience at Hotel The First in Gjirokaster both charming and educational. Set in a cozy underground cellar, this tour offers more than just a sip; it’s a hands-on opportunity to learn about local winemaking, experience regional flavors, and see the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

What immediately catches the eye is the authenticity of the experience. From the moment you step into the underground cellar, you’re transported to a place where tradition and history mingle in each glass. The cost of $30 per person is quite reasonable for the immersive nature of the activity, especially given the intimate group size—limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

However, one aspect to consider is that this experience might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as the tour involves navigating a cellar setting that might have uneven surfaces or tight spaces. Still, if you appreciate small-group, hands-on cultural activities, this tasting is perfect for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, and anyone wanting to connect with Albania’s local traditions in a relaxed setting.

This tour is best suited for travelers interested in regional food and drink, those who enjoy interactive experiences, and visitors who want a more authentic, less touristy encounter in Gjirokaster. It’s a great way to add depth to your visit, especially if wine and local food are passions or simply a curiosity you want to explore.

Good To Know

• Authentic tasting experience in an underground cellar at Hotel The First
• Hands-on participation in corking and sealing bottles
• Learn about traditional Albanian wine production, grape varieties, and regional influences
• Enjoy regional cheeses and delicacies alongside your wine
• Small-group setting for more personal attention and interaction
• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Albanian Wine Experience

Location and Setting: A Unique Underground Cellar

Nestled beneath Hotel The First, the underground wine cellar offers a cool, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the tasting. This isn’t a typical wine shop; it’s a space where the centuries-old tradition of winemaking in Albania feels tangible. The cellar’s ambiance fosters a sense of intimacy, allowing for focused conversations with the guide and a genuine appreciation of the process.

Visitors will appreciate the informative tour of the wine shop, where they gain insights into the winemaker’s work, specifically from the Tola family’s vineyard near Drino valley. The vineyard has been producing wine since 2007, and the family’s dedication shines through in each step of the production process.

What You’ll Learn: The Art of Albanian Wine

A key feature of this tour is the educational aspect. You’ll discover how grapes are selected—an important detail considering the influence of Albania’s dry climate and humidity on the vineyard’s yields. The guide explains how these factors affect the grapes’ flavor profile and how they are processed into both red and white wines.

The tour includes a demonstration of the corking and sealing process, adding a tactile element that elevates the experience beyond just tasting. It’s a great opportunity for wine lovers to see the craftsmanship involved in bottle preparation, which many guests found surprisingly engaging.

Tasting and Regional Cheeses: A Fusion of Flavors

After learning about the production, you’ll move on to the tasting. Two glasses of wine are served, showcasing the distinct characteristics of the region’s offerings. The wines are accompanied by regional cheeses and delicacies, giving you a well-rounded taste experience. One reviewer noted that the tasting was “perfectly balanced,” highlighting the regional flavors and the quality of the cheeses.

The availability of sweet and salty delicacies enhances the tasting and helps cleanse the palate, making each sip more enjoyable. Guests have also appreciated the chance to help cork and seal the bottles, turning a passive activity into an interactive highlight of the tour.

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Practical Details: How the Tour Works

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, a good length to enjoy without feeling rushed. Meeting at the hotel’s location on the right side of Reiffeissen Bank keeps things simple. The small group size, capped at 8, ensures plenty of personal attention and an informal atmosphere.

The activity is conducted in English, making it accessible for international visitors. Flexibility is offered through their Reserve now & pay later policy, allowing you to book confidently and pay later—helpful if you’re balancing a packed itinerary.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket includes a visit to the shop, a guided commentary on the winemaking process, a tasting of two wines, and regional delicacies. It does not include any additional purchases, but guests often report leaving with new knowledge and a greater appreciation for Albanian wine.

The tour explicitly states what’s not allowed—no weapons, fireworks, or disruptive substances—so expect a well-regulated, peaceful environment suitable for relaxed learning and tasting.

Authenticity and Local Expertise

The guide’s familiarity with the winemaker’s work adds a layer of authenticity. Feedback from previous guests suggests that the guide’s storytelling and hands-on involvement make the experience memorable. It’s not just a tasting but a window into local life and tradition.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This experience is a perfect fit for wine lovers and curious travelers keen to explore local traditions beyond the usual sightseeing. It offers a genuinely immersive taste of Albanian culture through regional wine and regional cheeses, all in a unique underground cellar. The interactive nature—helping cork bottles and learning about production—makes it especially appealing to those who enjoy hands-on activities.

While it’s not suited for wheelchair users or those who prefer larger, more generic tours, it excels as a smaller, more personal experience. The price provides good value when considering the quality of the education, the atmosphere, and the regional delicacies.

This tour offers a distinctive, authentic look into Albanian wine culture, making it a worthwhile addition to your Gjirokaster visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
This tour is designed for adults and includes tasting wine, so it might not be suitable for children under the age of 18. The focus on alcohol consumption makes it more appropriate for adult participants.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot later, as the booking policy allows you to reserve now and pay later. However, it’s advisable to book in advance during peak seasons to ensure availability.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the tasting, learn about the process, and participate in corking.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers a visit to the wine shop, guided commentary, the tasting of two glasses of wine, and regional cheeses and delicacies.

Is there a minimum group size?
The experience is limited to a small group of up to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging environment.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in English.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, guests are not allowed to bring weapons, fireworks, or engage in disruptive behavior. The tour is not accessible for wheelchair users.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for an underground setting, and since it’s in a cellar, you might find it slightly cooler than above-ground temperatures.

Can I purchase wine during the tour?
While the tour includes a tasting and corking demonstration, it doesn’t specify wine sales. However, you may have the opportunity to buy bottles or regional products at the shop afterward.

Would this experience be good for a romantic date or small group outing?
Absolutely. The intimate setting and hands-on activities make it perfect for couples or small groups seeking a relaxed, authentic experience.

How does this compare to other similar experiences?
Compared to other tastings listed online, this one offers a genuine, local family-led experience with an emphasis on tradition and participation, rather than just sampling. It’s a great value for those wanting a deeper connection to Albanian wine culture.

In all, this underground wine tasting at Hotel The First provides a delightful, educational, and authentic taste of Albanian tradition that will appeal to those eager to explore local food and drink in a relaxed, intimate setting. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just curious about local flavors, it’s a charming addition to your Gjirokaster itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: