Shkoder Wine

Wine is part of daily life in Shkoder, where both Albanian and Montenegrin wines appear on menus across the city. Most restaurants serve local red and white wines by the glass, often made from native grapes like Kallmet or Shesh i Bardhë. 

To learn more about the history of Albanian wine and the country’s major wine regions, check out our Albania Wine page.

Albania’s wine industry draws from diverse microclimates and indigenous grape varieties. Key white grapes include Shesh i Bardhë and Debinë e Bardhë, known for their fresh acidity and floral notes. Red varieties like Kallmet and Shesh i Zi produce wines ranging from light and fruity to fuller-bodied styles.

Wine production in Albania remains small but is growing steadily as winemakers adopt modern techniques alongside traditional methods.

Wine bars in Shkoder offer casual settings to sample Albanian and Montenegrin wines. Below are a few options where we found reliable wine selections.

Address: Shkodër, Albania

A relaxed wine and cocktail bar in central Shkoder. The wine list typically includes Albanian reds and whites, plus imports from Montenegro.

aka Bar Gjinkalla

Address: 3G86+RGX, Rruga Komiteti i Kosovës, Shkodër, Albania

Located just off the pedestrian zone, Cicada is a creative space with wine, coffee, and small bites. The menu changes regularly, but Albanian wines are often available.

Several wine shops in Shkoder sell Albanian wines as well as selections from Montenegro and Italy. Below are a few that we visited or confirmed through reliable sources.

There are a few wineries within 30–45 minutes of Shkoder that offer tastings, sales, and tours. Contact in advance, as hours and availability can vary.

Address: Gruemirë Malësi e Madhe Malesi e Madhe AL, 4301, Albania

Kantina Mani is a traditional Albanian winery and vineyard. They offer wine tastings, workshops, and food. Kantina Mani welcomes visitors to the tasting room in Gruemire, located 10 km north of Shkoder. 

Address: Rruga Mehaj Poshtë, Koplik, Malësi e Madhe.

Located in the town of Koplik, this small winery focuses on native Albanian varietals. Tastings can often be arranged by phone or email.

aka Kantina Medaur

Address: Kilometri i parë, Rruga Kalldrun, Koplik 4301, Albania

Medaur Winery is a modern winery near Koplik offering tastings and vineyard tours. Known for producing both red and white wines with a focus on regional styles.

Embarking on a self-guided winery tour from Shkoder is a fantastic way to explore the region’s wine culture at your own pace. If you have time to venture into the picturesque countryside, you’ll discover charming wineries offering unique experiences and exquisite wines within an hour of Shkoder. Significantly, there are a two wineries in the town of Koplik approximately 30 minutes of Shkoder and another winery not too far out of the way.

If you only have one day for a wine tour, we suggest visiting the following three wineries:

• Medaur Winery
• Kopliku Winery
• Kantina Mani

If you have a driver (and you definitely should), you could leave Shkoder after lunch, visit all three wineries, and be back in Shkoder in time for dinner. Of course, how long the tour takes will depend on how many wineries you visit and how long you spend at each winery.

NOTE: Some wineries in Albania require reservations for tastings and tours. We suggest you contact them ahead of time to make any necessary arrangements.

For wine enthusiasts, staying near Kole Idromeno Street is ideal. This pedestrian-friendly area hosts several wine bars and shops within walking distance, making it easy to sample local Albanian and Montenegrin wines without needing transport.

From here, arranging visits to nearby wineries like Kantina Mani or Medaur is straightforward, whether by rental car or local tour.

Some accommodations also offer wine tasting events or feature local wines in their onsite bars, providing a convenient way to enjoy Shkoder’s wine culture during your stay.

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.