Saranda Wine
What and Where to Drink in Saranda?
We spent a month in Saranda researching what local wines to drink and where to drink them. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying these wines as soon as you arrive!
Notably, Saranda is located in southern Albania, which is relatively distant from the wine regions in the central and northern parts of the country. However, there are plenty of Albanian wines to be found in the stores and restaurants.
As you explore the local wine in Saranda, you’ll find yourself immersed in an unforgettable sensory experience, where each glass of wine becomes a gateway to the flavors and aromas that define Albania.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Local Wine in Saranda
Southern Albania, where Saranda is located, is not one of the main wine regions in the country. However, there are plenty of local Albanian wines available in Saranda.
Albanian Wine
White Wine
Albanian white wine is gaining recognition for its unique flavors and characteristics. Among the notable Albanian white wine varieties are Shesh i Bardhe and Debin. These wines are esteemed for their refreshing acidity, floral aromas, and fruity notes, making them an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore new and distinctive flavors.
Red Wine
Albania’s microclimates and terroir create excellent conditions for producing high-quality red wines. These wines range from full-bodied and robust to elegant and medium-bodied, thanks to indigenous grape varietals like Kallmet and Shesh I Zi. Recently, Albanian winemakers have adopted sustainable practices and modern techniques, improving wine quality and boosting Albania’s reputation in the global wine industry.
Check out our Albanian Wine page for more information about these wines.
Wine Bars in Saranda
The best place to find a good glass of wine in Saranda is probably at a restaurant. However, if you’re looking for a wine bar, there are a couple options.
Wine Bar Kristiano
Address: 39.874757, 20.017205 Albania, Saranda, Albania
Vino Vibe
Address: Rruga Mitat Hoxha, Saranda, Albania
Wine Shops in Saranda
If you’re looking for a bottle of Albanian wine in Saranda, the best place to start is at the grocery store or one of the local markets. In fact, some of the corner markets have a larger selection of local wines than what can be found in many wine shops.
Supermarket Alfa
Address: V2F2+GWM, Rruga Abedin Dino, Saranda, Albania
Spar
Address: Rruga Mitat Hoxha Pallati Afrika, Saranda, Albania
Wine Tours from Saranda
Below are tours from Plovdiv that explore the surrounding area and include wine and/or liquor tasting.
Wineries Near Saranda
Saranda is known for its beaches – not its winemaking heritage. However, if you want to tour a vineyard and taste local wines you have at least one option near Saranda.
Kantina E Veres Isak
Address: SH99, Saranda 9701, Albania
The winery is only 15 minutes by car outside of Saranda.
Self-Guided Winery Tour from Saranda
Embarking on a self-guided winery tour from Saranda is a fantastic way to explore local wine culture at your own pace.
If you have time to venture into the picturesque countryside, you can visit Kantina E Veres Isak a short drive from Saranda.
NOTE: Some wineries in Albania require reservations for tastings and tours. We suggest you contact them ahead of time to make any necessary arrangements.
Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Saranda?
Hotels in Saranda
If you are planning a trip to Saranda, we strongly recommend staying on or very near the promenade. The castle marker on the map below is the center of the promenade. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.
The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
FAQs About Saranda Wine
Is there good wine in Albania?
Albania cultivates both red and white Shesh grapes, which are the country’s most widely grown varieties. Red Shesh, also known as Shesh i Zi, is celebrated for producing dark ruby-colored wines that are rich in tannins, making them ideal for aging. These wines are typically full-bodied and feature notes of dark fruits such as blueberry and blackberry.
What is Albanian wine called?
Albanian wine (Albanian: Vera Shqiptare) is produced in several regions throughout Albania within the Mediterranean Basin.
What is Sarandë, Albania known for?
Today, Sarandë is renowned for its deep blue Mediterranean waters. Close to Sarandë lie the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site.