And finds a delightful surprise
Stylisphere finds the best view
Went for the wine, stayed for the view
There are always two reasons to visit a winery: to enjoy the wine and to connect with the beauty of nature and the vineyards. And from a wine’s enthusiast perspective, a winery is the perfect destination for a day trip. But as enotourism continues to grow in popularity, the question arises: are we truly prepared to embrace it? In attempt to find an answer, we decided to try one of the most well-known wineries in Albania, Kokomani winery; much for the wine, less for the nature, but the twist of what we discovered turned out to be a delightful surprise.
Kokomani Winery is located in the village of Eminas, Shijak, one hour drive from the city center, but very easily accessible by car. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes and favorable conditions for viticulture, especially the Shesh grape, making it an ideal spot for producing wines. Kokomani winery is set against a backdrop of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and picturesque landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The view was stunning, inviting one to spend hours savoring wine while gazing at the horizon, the lush greenery, and the sun’s reflection. Our only regret was missing the sunset. We can only imagine how perfect it must be, but you make sure not to miss it.
The service was exceptionally polite. Understanding the stress of daily life, we cherish these getaways to recharge. A smily face greeting you gives that instant positive feeling you were looking for. Once we arrived they welcomed us with rose lemonade, very refreshing and well-needed after the drive. We were accommodated in one of the outdoor facilities that offered the best view and the setting was, well, almost perfect, because of the white plastic chairs that felt out of place in the natural surroundings. Attention to detail is crucial, and if not for the plastic chairs, which also don’t align with environmental sustainability, we would have rated it a perfect 10/10.
The restaurant offers a fixed menu, yet it features a variety of traditional dishes. The salad and appetizers were made with fresh ingredients, showcasing their quality. The staff mentioned that they primarily cater to tourists, for whom this menu is adequate. However, to attract a broader customer base, the restaurant should consider offering a more diverse menu. It’s important to accommodate picky eaters, especially in large tourist groups, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The wine menu featured four varieties: “Saint Michael,” “Black Shesh,” “White Shesh,” and “Sweet Wine.” These can also be ordered online through their website. We chose the “Saint Michael” wine, which pairs excellently with meat dishes. The wine had a deep ruby color, strong scent and you could feel the mix of grapes, and the long finish. Although we appreciated that Kokomani Winery is a family-owned business producing wine through traditional methods, we expected a wider selection. Typically, a good winery offers 10 to 20 varieties, and we were hoping for more diversity in their offerings.
Regardless of the reason for the limited selection, we hope they will expand their offerings in the future. On our next visit, we look forward to sampling new varieties, enjoying a tour of the vineyards (visiting the vineyards was optional, but they were a ten-minute drive away, and the road leading there was in poor condition), and perhaps finally witnessing the much-anticipated sunset.
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