Duka Winery and Vineyard — Attraction in Bashkia Durrës

So disappointed with our experience here at Duka Winery and Vineyard.

As part of an organised tour with Albania Local Tours we knew that we had to pay extra for this, €20 pp - and we were told it was a wine tasting and guided tour experience:

'After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, we'll venture to a charming local vineyard for a delightful wine tasting experience. Discover the rich flavors and aromas of Albanian wines as you sample a selection of varietals, accompanied by expert guidance from knowledgeable staff. Learn about the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the region, enhancing your appreciation for the local viticulture.

As you indulge in the flavors of the region, take in the serene ambiance of the vineyard, surrounded by lush vineyards and rolling hills.'

This was not true. We were charged €22 each not €20. We were told that water with gas was included and it was not - we were charged extra for this.

We were given a few words of introduction to each wine - we learnt nothing about the wine making process - and were given a small amount of wine in the bottom of a glass. The 1 white wine and 3 red wines amounted to 1 glass of wine altogether if we were lucky. There was a glass of raki too.

The food for two of us plus our two companions was one wooden platter of appetisers to share - a ridiculously small amount each. They made €90 from four of us for this small offering - an absolute rip-off.

We also felt that our tour guide was treated poorly being given a plate of rice and a small salad by the restaurant. He didn't eat the rice as he didn't like it and the four of us ate it between us as we were so hungry.

The boat ride that we were told was included was not available and we were offered the use of kayaks instead but we decided to give these a miss after our 'wine tasting tour'.

There was no tour. We didn't even see a vineyard.

In response to this feedback, Albania Local Tours said:

'About Duka winery, is not ours and is an attraction that we work with, as is part of our tour, but like generally and sadly around in Albania nowadays, prices are getting super high and they are charging more time by time, we have discussed with them many times.'

We have only experienced 'super high prices' at Duka Winery and Vineyard. This has not been our experience anywhere else in Albania.

Please save your money and spend it elsewhere in much more deserving places in Albania where you will get good value for money and you will not be ripped off - this is the only place in Albania that we were.

And as an afternote, you know the professionalism of an establishment and its desire to improve by how it responds to its reviews.

Read through the reviews here - and notice how the owner acknowledges the good reviews and makes no attempt whatsoever to acknowledge or address the poor reviews and the points raised.

If the owner would like to address the points that I have raised and for me to amend my review accordingly, he or she...

The location offers a lovely atmosphere, surrounded by a beautiful and peaceful landscape. One review I read beforehand mentioned the narrow road leading to the winery and the fast-driving locals—it’s true, and worth noting. While I’ve driven in rural Norway, where roads are also tight, this one still felt more precarious.

As for the wine tasting itself, the setup is clear: you get to choose between three options. I went for the low-range one, priced around €22. It included a generous cheese and salami platter with bread, a 500 ml bottle of still water, and four glasses of wine—three of them red. The tasting portions were quite generous compared to my experience in Croatia: about 0.15 L per glass, instead of the typical 0.05 L.

The wine explanation, while well-intentioned, might come across as simplistic if you already have some wine knowledge—especially when discussing widely known grapes like Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. That said, the Cabernet was a pleasant surprise. I ended up buying the two most expensive bottles on the list, which weren’t part of my original tasting option, but I was kindly offered a sample of both after purchasing (well, I asked for it, and that one was 0.05 L) 😉

Service was friendly and accommodating, especially considering the language barrier and the cultural differences (we're Latinos, so the dynamic was missing). There’s even a small playground for children, which is a thoughtful touch for families visiting.

One quirky highlight: the dry-aged meat on display looked so over-the-top it made me smile—I might come back just to try it.

A final note on pricing. Coming from Argentina and having experienced tastings in France, Italy, Spain, and even South Africa, I found the prices here to be on the higher side. It felt a bit counterintuitive, especially considering Albania’s emerging wine scene. Rather than encouraging repeat visits or purchases, the pricing gives the impression of aiming for a one-off sale to passing tourists—a missed opportunity to build a loyal customer base or...

Myself & my partner had an unforgettable experience at Duka Winery! From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere felt magical. I dined outside, overlooking a serene water body, sipping wine as ducks glided by while getting partially sun kissed under a tree.

The selection of wines was outstanding, and each pairing elevated the lovely meals. The service was warm and attentive, and I loved how spotless the place was.

If you love cats, there’s a black& white cat waltzing around the vineyard like the boss, we thoroughly enjoyed the cat’s company.

As evening reached, I had a delightful surprise dessert – orange cake with vanilla ice cream, the ideal sweet ending. Afterwards, we were given a tour of the vineyard. The views from the top were breathtaking, followed by a visit to the cellar, myself & my partner learned about the winery’s deep history and meticulous aging process. The passion and thought put into each bottle truly shone through.

Duka Winery, thank you for a perfect day. I can’t recommend this place enough – a...