Imagine a day spent wandering through lush vineyards, sipping award-winning wines, and savoring gourmet meals, all within North Macedonia’s renowned wine country. For those who love tasting seriously good wines paired with delicious local cuisine, this tour offers a full immersion into the flavors and scenery of the southwestern region. Starting from Skopje, you’ll visit two outstanding wineries—Lazar and Chateau Sopot—each with its own unique character and charms.
At just $334 per group, this full-day experience offers a well-balanced mix of guided tastings, culinary delights, and scenic drives. We particularly appreciate the way the tour combines expert-led wine tastings with authentic Macedonian cuisine. Plus, the stunning vineyard vistas make for memorable photos and a real sense of connection to the land. One thing to consider: the second winery’s expenses are on your, so bring a few extra euros for additional tastings or souvenirs if you’re inclined.
This experience suits wine lovers eager to explore Macedonian varietals, foodies wanting a gourmet experience, or travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic day outside the city. It’s ideal if you’re after a comprehensive, guided introduction to the region’s top wines paired with hearty local flavors.
Key Points
- Two top Macedonian wineries visited, each with its own character—Lazar and Chateau Sopot.
- Guided tastings led by experts, with clear explanations of the wines.
- Gourmet five-course lunches paired with signature wines at both wineries.
- Stunning vineyard views and scenic drives through the wine country.
- Full-day private transfer ensures comfort and flexibility.
- Additional expenses at Chateau Sopot if you want more wine or souvenirs.
An Introduction to Macedonian Wine & Scenic Drives
North Macedonia might be small, but its vineyards punch well above their weight, producing some exceptional wines that aren’t yet on every traveler’s radar. This tour is designed to showcase the best — with visits to two acclaimed wineries and plenty of opportunities to taste and learn. From the start, it’s clear that this isn’t just about drinking wine; it’s about appreciating the tradition, craftsmanship, and landscape behind each glass.
The tour begins with a private transfer from Skopje, with a drive through the rolling hills and lush vineyards that blanket the southwestern region. You’ll sense that Macedonian winemaking is a labor of love, blending modern techniques with age-old traditions. The scenic drive itself is a highlight—expect rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and panoramic views that make for some excellent photo ops.
Winery Lazar: Modern Excellence with a Traditional Touch
Your first stop is Winery Lazar, open since 2015 but already a household name in local wine circles. Known for its award-winning still and sparkling wines, Lazar uses a mix of Italian process technology and traditional methods. We love how Lazar’s reputation as a quality producer is clear from the moment you walk in, with a focus on premium sparkling wines, especially their Pearl Sparkling Brut, which you’ll sample right away.
The winery’s main attraction is its 22 unique labels, with a particular highlight being their pearl sparkling wines made under strict quality controls with high-end equipment. We appreciate the attention to detail, which shows in the crispness and complexity of their wines.
The highlight here is the five-course lunch that pairs beautifully with Lazar’s best offerings. Each dish is crafted to complement specific wines: from a Lazar Salad paired with Grasevina, to beef in dark sauce with Erigon Kratosija red. The quality of the food and drink makes this a real culinary treat. The fact that the lunch is included in the tour price adds excellent value, considering the gourmet nature of each course.
As one reviewer put it, “The wine and food pairing was exceptional, and the vineyard views made it all the more special.” We loved the relaxed yet refined atmosphere and the chance to learn from knowledgeable guides who explained each wine’s story.
Chateau Sopot: Boutique Charm and Spectacular Views
Next, you’ll venture to Chateau Sopot, a boutique winery established in 2006. It’s a much larger estate—94 hectares—covering vineyards that are entirely on-site, giving them full control over the quality, from grape to glass. The setting is picturesque, perched between the Vardar River Valley and Lake Mladost, offering excellent views that are perfect for photos.
Unlike Lazar, Chateau Sopot allows you to explore on your own, which gives you a bit more flexibility—whether you want a closer look at their winery facilities or to spend extra time tasting after the guided portion. The winery produces both still and sparkling wines, and you will taste some of their finest labels, including a variety of reds, whites, and rosés, each made from grapes grown right on the estate.
The five-course lunch here is equally impressive, with dishes like Caprese salad paired with Povaradrec-Rhein Riesling and rabbit with prosciutto and olives paired with Pinot Noir Reserva. We loved the pairing of local ingredients with their wines, which enhances the flavors and makes each bite and sip more memorable.
A key feature highlighted by reviewers is the “Wine, Food, View” philosophy, which makes Chateau Sopot a favorite for visitors seeking a full sensory experience—the taste of excellent wines, the enjoyment of carefully prepared dishes, and the stunning scenery.
The Overall Experience and What You’ll Take Away
The trip is carefully timed and well-structured. You’ll have about 2 to 3 hours at each winery, which allows enough time for guided tastings, exploring the grounds, and enjoying your meals without feeling rushed. The private driver ensures a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, and the total duration of around six hours makes it a full but manageable day trip.
The inclusion of full meals at Lazar makes it especially good value, turning a wine tasting into a proper culinary experience. At Chateau Sopot, while food is included, additional expenses are on your for extra tastings or souvenirs, so a little extra cash might be helpful.
Many reviews praise the stunning vineyard vistas, calling the views “breathtaking,” and highlight the variety and quality of wines available. One guest noted, “The sparkling wines at Lazar were some of the best I’ve had, and the lush scenery of Sopot was the perfect backdrop for a slow, relaxing lunch.”
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to discover North Macedonia’s top wines in a relaxed, guided setting. Food lovers will enjoy the carefully curated lunches, especially at Lazar where everything is included, turning it into an all-around culinary outing. It’s also great for anyone interested in scenic drives and picturesque vineyards—ideal for those wanting a taste of rural Macedonian charm without the hassle of planning.
If you’re short on time but craving a comprehensive wine experience, this tour hits many marks—beautiful scenery, top wines, and excellent food—delivered with friendly guides and comfortable transportation.
Final Thoughts
For anyone visiting Skopje and eager to explore Macedonian wine country, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable glimpse into the region’s best wineries. The combination of guided tastings, gourmet lunches, and scenic drives makes it an excellent value—especially if you’re a fan of good wines and authentic experiences.
While the cost may seem high for some, the quality of the wines, the beautiful settings, and the gourmet food more than justify the price. It’s a tour that balances education with indulgence, making it suitable for curious travelers, foodies, and wine lovers alike.
If you’re looking for a memorable, authentic taste of North Macedonia’s vineyards that goes beyond just drinking wine, this tour is a well-considered choice.
FAQ
Is transportation included? Yes, a private transfer from Skopje’s city center is part of the package, making the journey comfortable and stress-free.
How long does the tour last? The full-day experience is approximately six hours, including visits to both wineries, meals, and driving time.
Are the lunches included in the price? Yes, both the Lazar and Chateau Sopot lunches, each a five-course wine-paired meal, are included in the tour price.
Can I buy additional wines at the wineries? Yes, at Chateau Sopot, expenses for extra wine tastings or souvenirs are on your.
Is the tour suitable for children? No, it’s not suitable for children under 16, and the focus is on wine and food rather than family activities.
What languages are available? The tour is offered in English, Serbo-Croatian, and Macedonian.
Do I need to prepare extra money? It’s advisable to bring some extra cash for additional tastings or purchases at Chateau Sopot.
This wine and culinary journey from Skopje offers a lovely blend of top-quality Macedonian wines, scenic beauty, and local flavors, making it a memorable highlight of any trip to North Macedonia.
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