Podgorica might be Montenegro’s political and economic hub, but it’s also an excellent base for exploring its wine scene and surrounding landscapes. Unlike larger cities, Podgorica offers intimate, authentic wine experiences that connect you directly with local producers and history. Whether you’re sampling homemade wines from a family-run winery or exploring ancient ruins paired with regional vintages, the city’s wine tours promise genuine flavors and stories. For instance, the Wine and food tasting in the traditional winery gives you a chance to taste Montenegrin wines in a 14-generation family setting, with views of Godinje’s cultural treasures.
Montenegro’s wine tours are surprisingly diverse. From private vineyard tastings to full-day trips into the national parks, each offers a unique glimpse into the country’s viticulture and natural beauty. Some tours focus on cultural heritage—like visiting the Royal family’s summer house ruins—while others combine scenic drives with local wine and food. Below, you’ll find a selection of top-rated wine experiences in Podgorica, carefully curated to suit different interests and schedules.
1. Wine and food tasting in the traditional winery
At number 1, this tour immerses you in Montenegro’s winemaking traditions at the Garnet Winery, a family-owned operation that has been around for 14 generations. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and includes tasting three homemade wines, spirits, and Montenegrin snacks. Your guide, an English-fluent agronomist and wine producer, shares stories about local wine culture and the region’s flavors.
What makes this experience stand out is its intimate setting—small groups ensure personalized attention. The winery’s location in the historic part of Godinje, with views of the village and its cultural relics, adds to the charm. Plus, the tour offers flexibility with multiple start times, fitting easily into most schedules. Reviewers love the warm welcome and authentic atmosphere, with one saying, “Really good wines with delicious food. I would definitely recommend this tour.” Priced at about $49, it offers great value for a taste of Montenegro’s culinary heritage.
Bottom Line: Perfect for anyone wanting a personal insight into traditional Montenegrin winemaking combined with local snacks and cultural stories.
2. Podgorica Car Trip – Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city
This private 5-hour tour covers a broad spectrum—from ancient ruins to elegant churches, all with a focus on wine. Traveling comfortably in air conditioning, you’ll visit the Duklja Ruins, the largest Orthodox church in Montenegro, and the Dajbabe Monastery, famous for its cave church. The highlight is a visit to the 13. Jul Plantaže wine cellar, where you’ll sample some of the country’s best wines, including a story about the region’s grape-growing history.
What makes this tour appealing is its bespoke nature; your guide tailors the experience, allowing for a more personalized exploration. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and the variety of sites, noting the visit to the winery as a “great story for true vine lovers.” For about $106, it’s an all-in-one option for travelers seeking a mix of history, architecture, and wine in a single day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day out, mixing culture and wine in a relaxed, private setting.
3. National parks and wine tasting (NP Lovcen, NP Skadar lake, Cetinje, Njegusi)
This full-day adventure starts at just over $271 per person and combines Montenegro’s stunning scenery with its wine culture. You’ll visit Njegusi village, famous for its smoked ham and wine, and Cetinje, the old royal capital. The trip includes a wine tasting at Rvasji with six types of wine, five brandies, and homemade Montenegrin snacks, served in a setting steeped in tradition.
What makes this tour special is the combination of nature and culture—exploring Skadar Lake National Park, Lovcen National Park, and historic sites, all while sampling regional wines. The high-quality experience is ideal for serious wine lovers who also want to see Montenegro’s natural beauty. Reviewers mention the “best day out” and highlight the guide’s local insight.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting an immersive, full-day experience that combines nature, history, and authentic wine tastings.
4. Podgorica Historic, Safari and Winery tour – Skadar lake and River Crnojevica
For 6 to 7 hours, this tour offers a richly varied day exploring Montenegro’s countryside. It covers the Zabljak Crnojevića, the oldest Montenegrin fort, and the Wild Horses of Biševina savanna. You’ll stop at the Besac Heritage Retreat, enjoy views of Skadar Lake, and visit the small village of Rijeka Crnojevica, famous for its stone bridge.
The highlight for many is the Mrkan Winery, a small private operation producing organic wine. The tour includes wine tastings paired with local cheese and ham, making it a true taste of regional flavors. Reviewers note the “beautiful countryside and fantastic wine tasting experience,” praising the guide’s adaptability and knowledge.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, authentic local wines, and a mix of history and nature.
5. Wine tour – Family winery visit, food tasting & Skadar Lake boat cruise
This private, full-day experience combines a Scenic boat ride on Skadar Lake with visits to a family winery. You’ll travel in a private vehicle, exploring villages with roots back over 10 generations. The boat tour lasts about an hour and showcases the lake’s flora and fauna.
The winery visit features tastings of local wines and rakija, and the whole experience is topped off with a Montenegrin national dish. Price-wise, at $162, it offers excellent value for the mix of culture, scenery, and food. Reviewers highlight the chance to meet locals and enjoy a relaxed, authentic experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive day that includes lake scenery, wine, and culture.
6. Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery
This intimate tour, priced at just under $35, takes you to the largest private winery in Montenegro, located on the slopes of Skadar Lake. The tour explores ancient amphoras, clay qvevri, and high-tech bottling lines, revealing a blend of tradition and innovation. You’ll taste four wines paired with cold cuts like prosciutto and Montenegrin cheese.
What makes Lipovac stand out is its archaeological depth—amphoras dating back to the 3rd century B.C.—and its modern facilities. The guide shares insights into Montenegro’s winemaking evolution, making it a very educational experience. Guests rave about the personalized tour and friendly atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers interested in historic winemaking techniques and a relaxed, informative tasting.
7. Podgorica Historic, Safari and Winery tour – Skadar lake
This roughly 7-hour tour emphasizes Montenegro’s natural beauty and historical sites. It includes Zabljak Crnojevića, Bisevina savanna (home to wild horses), and Skadar Lake. The tour also features a visit to Mrkan Winery, a small organic producer.
The experience is praised for its local guide who adds color with stories and tailored attention. Tour highlights include scenic viewpoints like Pavlova, plus wine tasting at the organic winery. Reviewers call it “a very comfortable and fascinating tour,” emphasizing the guide’s personal touch.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want an all-in-one Montenegro experience, with plenty of scenic views and local wine.
8. Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls
This 6-hour private trip offers a mix of ancient ruins, religious sites, and waterfalls. You’ll visit the ruins of Doclea, the Orthodox Temple of Christ’s Resurrection, and the famous Niagara falls. The highlight for wine enthusiasts is a tasting at Sipcanik, a local winery.
Traveling in comfort, this tour combines history, nature, and wine. Reviewers mention the guide’s flexibility and storytelling, making it suitable for those who want a well-rounded day with a dash of adventure. It’s priced on request, offering a flexible, customizable experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking cultural highlights, scenic waterfalls, and wine tasting in one outing.
9. Skadar Lake Private Boat Tour with Wine Tasting
This 2-hour boat trip offers a relaxed way to enjoy Skadar Lake’s beauty. Passing through channels, you’ll see birdlife like herons and cormorants, enjoy views of Fortress Lesendro, and stop for wine tasting onboard. The tour is simple but highly rated for its tranquil experience and spectacular scenery.
Priced at about $52 per person, it’s perfect for those who prefer a short, scenic cruise with an authentic wine tasting in a natural setting. Reviewers love the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to spot birds.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers looking for a leisurely lake cruise paired with regional wines.
10. Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour
Rounding out the list, this 5-hour tour explores Cetinje, the Old Royal Capital, and hidden parts of Skadar Lake. You’ll visit Rvaši, meet local winemakers, and ride a boat in the national park. The tour balances panoramic views with wine tasting and authentic local encounters.
The guide’s local knowledge shines, and the tour suits those interested in Montenegro’s landscapes and rural life. One reviewer notes the “spectacular views and meeting locals” made it a memorable experience. It’s a flexible option for travelers with limited time but craving depth.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a blend of scenery, culture, and wine in a manageable half-day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour in Podgorica
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and schedule. For a deep dive into Montenegrin winemaking traditions, consider the Wine and food tasting in the traditional winery. If you’re short on time but want variety, the Podgorica Car Trip offers a mix of cultural sights and wine tasting in a single day. Looking for a full immersion combining nature and wine? The National parks and wine tasting is a fantastic choice.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Lipovac Winery private tasting, while those seeking scenic boat rides will enjoy the Skadar Lake Boat Tour. For personalized experiences, private tours such as the Podgorica Historic, Safari and Winery tour offer tailored itineraries.
When planning, consider the duration, sites included, and your interest level in wine, history, or nature. Many tours are flexible, but booking early ensures spot availability, especially in peak season.
Final Thoughts
Podgorica offers a surprising variety of wine experiences that suit different tastes—from intimate family wineries to full-day explorations of national parks and historic sites. If you love authentic wine tasting paired with stunning landscapes, the Wine and food tasting in the traditional winery is a standout. For those wanting a comprehensive day that mixes sightseeing and wine, the National parks and wine tasting is hard to beat.
No matter your preference, these tours give you a taste of Montenegro’s terroir, culture, and warm hospitality. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak months, so you won’t miss out on these memorable wine adventures in Podgorica.