Raki Tasting in Gjirokastra: Seven Albanian Varieties with Meze

Albania produces 58 distinct raki varieties. This tasting narrows it to seven of the best.

A raki tasting and meze pairing in Gjirokastra where you sample seven handpicked Albanian spirit varieties, each paired with organic meze like homemade byrek, local cheeses, and pickled vegetables. A live sommelier guide shares raki's history and production methods while you sip everything from smooth aged blends to bold caramelized ones. The experience lasts around two and a half hours in a venue that blends traditional Albanian charm with modern style.

The experience

Seven raki varieties, each one selected from 58 distinct blends produced across Albania. That curation is the whole point: instead of wandering through an endless menu, you taste only what the sommelier has deemed worth your time. The venue itself sits at the intersection of old and new (traditional Albanian details paired with a contemporary edge), which sets the tone for what comes next: a tasting that feels both rooted and relaxed.

Each raki gets paired with organic meze chosen to complement its profile. Homemade byrek arrives warm and flaky; local cheeses range from soft to semi-hard; pickled vegetables and marinated olives add tang and crunch; grilled or roasted vegetables round out the spread. Curated Albanian meats (sausages, prosciutto, dried salami) anchor the savory side. You move through the tasting at your own pace, sipping and eating as the sommelier walks you through raki's roots, its production methods, and how it has woven itself into Albanian culture. Questions get answered. Stories get told. The experience is built around conversation and discovery, not a rushed march through a checklist.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish, or Italian depending on which option you choose at checkout. Alcohol is served to guests 18 and older. Younger guests (minimum age 13) have access to a full range of non-alcoholic options and can participate fully in the tasting experience. Public transportation runs nearby if you need it to reach the venue.

What’s included

• Raki tasting with seven handpicked Albanian varieties.
• organic meze pairing including homemade byrek, local cheeses, pickled vegetables, marinated olives, and grilled vegetables.
• curated Albanian meats.
• experience with a live sommelier guide.
• liability insurance.

Options for this experience

2 options

Spanish speaking12:00, 17:30 and 20:30Guide who speaks Spanish

English guide12:00, 17:30 and 20:30Guide who speaks English

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:00, 17:30 and 20:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by InAlb

Is this one for you?Choose the language that matches your group at checkout. The sommelier guide speaks English, Spanish, or Italian, so book whichever fits your comfort level best.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

How many different raki flavors will I actually taste?

Seven varieties, each one handpicked by the sommelier from Albania's 58 distinct raki blends. The selection focuses on quality over quantity: smooth aged raki, bold caramelized blends, and everything in between.

What exactly is byrek, and will there be enough food to feel full?

Byrek is a flaky pastry filled with spinach, cheese, or savory meats: one of Albania's most iconic dishes. The meze pairing includes byrek, local cheeses, pickled vegetables, marinated olives, grilled vegetables, and curated Albanian meats, designed to complement each raki variety rather than serve as a full meal.

Can I do this tasting if I don't drink alcohol?

Yes. Guests under 18 receive a full range of non-alcoholic options and participate in the same tasting experience. The sommelier's stories and the meze pairings remain the same. Minimum age is 13.

How long does the whole experience take?

Around two and a half hours. The pace is relaxed, built around conversation and questions rather than a tight schedule.