Skopje offers more than just ancient monuments and lively markets; it’s surprisingly well-stocked with wine tour options that showcase North Macedonia’s growing reputation for quality wines. What makes Skopje particularly appealing is the ease of access—many tours are just a short drive from the city center, and some even include transportation. We’re especially fond of tours like the Wine Tasting Tour in Family Winery Kartal because of their intimate, hands-on approach, allowing visitors to learn from the family owners while sampling a variety of local wines. And for those interested in combining history with wine, the Full-Day Tour to Popova Kula Winery offers a scenic journey through archaeological sites with generous tastings and a picturesque setting.
In this guide, you’ll find a mix of guided winery visits, private tastings, and cultural wine experiences. Whether you want a quick, budget-friendly introduction or a full-day private excursion, there’s something here for everyone. Now, let’s explore each of the top wine tours in Skopje, what makes them special, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Wine Tasting Tour in Family winery Kartal in Skopje
At number 1 on our list, the Wine Tasting Tour in Family Winery Kartal is a standout for its warm, authentic experience. This small-group tour lasts about 2 hours and costs around $47 per person, making it an excellent value. What sets it apart is the chance to learn directly from the family that has been making wine for generations. You’ll explore their traditional facilities and see how they blend age-old techniques with modern methods. The tasting includes a variety of locally-produced wines, which are explained in detail by the winemaker, adding a personal touch. To complement the drinks, you’ll be served a charcuterie and cheese plate, making each sip even more enjoyable.
Guests consistently praise the warmth of the family and the quality of the wines, especially the Shiraz. Reviewers mention the informative tour and the friendly atmosphere as highlights. This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxed, engaging experience with a touch of Macedonian hospitality. Keep in mind that the focus is on learning and tasting, rather than a large, commercial operation.
Bottom Line: A highly-rated, intimate introduction to Macedonian winemaking that combines tradition and friendliness at a great price.
2. Skopje: Kartal Winery Tour
The Skopje: Kartal Winery Tour is a guided exploration of one of North Macedonia’s most respected family wineries, with tastings and food included. This 2-hour tour offers a hands-on look at local viticulture, led by one of the winery’s owners. A major strength of this experience is the personal interaction with the owner who walks you through the entire wine-making process, from grape to glass. You’ll sample about six wines, paired with local meats, cheeses, and bread, which enhances the tasting experience.
Reviewers rave about the winery’s cleanliness and professionalism, as well as the owner’s knowledge and passion. Many mention the ease of communication in English and the generous tasting of delicious wines, which they often buy to take home. The tour is flexible in timing, typically lasting around 2 hours, making it a good choice for travelers with limited time.
This experience suits wine lovers who want a guided, immersive look at Macedonian wines while enjoying quality food pairings. The only potential drawback is that the location can be tricky to find without local help, so booking a transfer might be wise.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, authentic winery experience emphasizing personal stories and local flavors.
3. Zaharchev Winery Wine Tasting in Skopje Franklin Bar and Kitchen
For a more urban setting, check out the Zaharchev Winery Wine Tasting in Skopje Franklin Bar and Kitchen. This 1.5-hour experience costs about $45, making it a quick, elegant way to sample Macedonian wines without leaving the city. The tasting room in Franklin Bar and Kitchen offers a cozy, stylish environment perfect for relaxing and discovering local wines.
Here, you’ll taste a curated selection of wines served with artisanal meze, which enhances the flavors and provides a true sense of Macedonian wine culture. The experience is led by professionals who guide you through each pour, explaining the nuances of the wines. Reviewers highlight how this experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts wanting a refined yet casual tasting in the heart of Skopje.
This tour is perfect for those short on time but eager to explore local wines with a relaxed vibe. It’s particularly suited for urban dwellers or travelers looking for a sophisticated wine experience close to the city center.
Bottom Line: An elegant city-based tasting that offers a taste of Macedonian wines with a touch of style.
4. Private Wine Tour of Chateau Sopot Winery from Skopje
At number 4, the Private Tour to Chateau Sopot elevates the experience with a personalized, 3- to 5-hour journey. This private tour is perfect for travelers seeking intimacy and flexibility, including a behind-the-scenes visit, extensive wine tastings, and a multi-course Macedonian lunch. Your day begins with a scenic drive into Macedonia’s countryside, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views before touring the winery’s facilities.
Guests love the personalized attention, with many praising the friendly guides and the quality of wines, including whites, reds, and rosés. The highlight for most is the lunch, which features local dishes paired with the wines, creating a full sensory experience. The tour’s value lies in its private nature and the detailed, unhurried exploration of the winery and its surroundings.
This experience is best suited for wine connoisseurs, couples, or groups who want a comprehensive, private day in the countryside. The cost reflects the personalized service and quality, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, tailored wine adventure combining scenic beauty, fine wines, and delicious cuisine.
5. Skopje: Half-Day Stobi Wine Tour
The Half-Day Stobi Wine Tour is an excellent way to combine archaeology and wine in just four hours. You’ll visit the famous Stobi archaeological site, which is among the best-preserved Roman towns in Macedonia, and enjoy a wine tasting with cold snacks. It’s a perfect option for history buffs who also want to indulge in local wines.
The tour includes a guided visit to the ruins, with time to walk among ancient mosaics and amphitheaters, followed by a tasting at a nearby winery. Reviewers highlight the impressive facilities and the delicious wine and local food pairing. It’s suitable for travelers who want a short, well-organized outing that combines cultural insights with wine tasting.
The main advantage is the mix of history and flavor, making it especially appealing for cultural travelers who also appreciate good wine. Its shorter duration makes it manageable for those with tight schedules.
Bottom Line: Combines history and wine in a compact, enjoyable experience.
6. From Skopje: Private Full-Day Tour to Popova Kula Winery
At number 6, the Full-Day Tour to Popova Kula takes you into the Macedonian countryside for a full day of wine, history, and scenery. This private experience includes a visit to the archaeological site of Stobi, with ample time dedicated to wine tastings at the Popova Kula winery, known for its breathtaking mountain views.
Guests appreciate the smooth logistics, with private transport and an itinerary that balances sightseeing with wine. The tour includes a tasty Macedonian lunch, making it ideal for those wanting a relaxed, in-depth exploration. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the visit, especially when discussing the region’s vineyards.
This tour suits travelers who want a luxurious, all-in-one day trip with a mix of ancient history, scenic landscapes, and excellent wines. It’s particularly good for couples or small groups seeking a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, scenic day that combines history, wine, and picturesque mountain scenery.
7. Indigenous Balkan Wine Tasting Experience
The Indigenous Balkan Wine Tasting offers a focused tasting session highlighting local grape varieties with a curated selection of four wines. This 1-hour experience takes place at Drop Stop Wine Bar & Bistro, emphasizing artisanal meze pairing and regional wine heritage.
Reviewers find it a fun, educational experience, with a professional-led tasting that introduces you to unique varieties like Stanushina rosé and Vranec, both award-winners. It’s perfect for wine lovers wanting a quick but insightful exploration of Balkan wines in a relaxed environment.
This experience is ideal for urban visitors or those seeking a lively, authentic tasting without the need for a full day. It’s especially suited for wine aficionados interested in indigenous varieties.
Bottom Line: A short, engaging way to explore Balkan wines and local flavors in a friendly setting.
8. Tikvesh Wine region
The Tikvesh Wine Region is one of the most renowned wine areas in North Macedonia, and this tour offers a 6-hour group experience. Traveling by comfortable vehicle with WiFi, you’ll visit the Church of St. Panteleimon, explore Roman site Stobi, and see the rolling vineyards of Demir Kapija.
Guests praise the ease of transportation and the chance to sample four distinct wines along the way. The region’s experience is enhanced by its archaeological highlights and the chance to learn about Macedonia’s long-standing winemaking traditions.
Best suited for history and wine enthusiasts who appreciate scenic drives and cultural insights. The tour strikes a good balance between value and depth, though it’s less personalized than private options.
Bottom Line: An educational, scenic group tour ideal for broadening your understanding of Macedonian wine and history.
9. Wine Tour Macedonia
The Wine Tour Macedonia is a private, all-day adventure that covers four wineries, including Popov, Stobi, Tikvesh, and Demir Kapija. It’s a full 8- to 10-hour experience for up to four people, designed for serious wine lovers wanting an immersive deep dive.
Your guide will introduce you to the distinct styles and histories of each winery, with tastings at each stop. The itinerary includes scenic drives, archaeological visits, and a potential for purchasing wines directly from the producers. Reviewers point out that it’s a long day, but the personalized service and variety make it worthwhile for dedicated wine travelers.
Ideal for small groups or couples wanting a comprehensive and private exploration of Macedonia’s wine scene. The main consideration is the length, so it’s best for those with a full day and a keen interest.
Bottom Line: A deep, private immersion into Macedonian wine, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a full experience.
10. Private Full Day Wine Tour from Skopje to Popova Kula Winery
Our final pick, the Full-Day Tour from Skopje to Popova Kula, offers a relaxed day exploring ancient and scenic sites along with private wine tastings. The journey includes a visit to Lake Mladost, then onto the archaeological site of Stobi, culminating in a visit to the winery with breathtaking mountain views.
Guests love the smooth logistics and friendly guides, with plenty of time for wine tasting and enjoying local bites. The tour suits those wanting a personalized experience that combines scenic landscapes with a focus on wine.
This experience is ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a flexible, private day in Macedonia’s wine country. It’s a good choice if you want to avoid crowded tours but still see a variety of sights.
Bottom Line: A personalized, scenic day exploring Macedonia’s wine and archaeological treasures.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Skopje
Choosing the ideal wine tour hinges on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re after an authentic, intimate experience, the Wine Tasting Tour in Family Winery Kartal offers the personal touch. For comprehensive, private adventures, the Full-Day Tour to Popova Kula or the Private Full Day from Skopje are excellent choices.
Budget travelers may prefer the Indigenous Balkan Wine Tasting Experience, which is quick yet insightful, while history buffs will enjoy the Half-Day Stobi Wine Tour. If you want to experience Macedonia’s wine culture in a city setting, the Zaharchev Winery tasting provides a stylish, urban environment.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall), to secure your preferred date and avoid missing out on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Skopje’s wine scene offers a diverse range of options—from family-run wineries to archaeological excursions and city-based tastings. For travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic introduction, the Family Winery Kartal hits all the right notes. If private, full-day experiences with scenic views are more your style, then the Popova Kula or full-day private tours make excellent choices.
Whether you’re a casual wine drinker, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, these tours provide a taste of Macedonia’s rich wine heritage alongside its stunning landscapes. To avoid disappointment, consider booking your favorite tour well in advance—Macedonia’s wine country is waiting to be explored.