From Skopje: Lazar & Chateau Sopot Wineries Visit & Tastings

Key Points

• Private full-day tour lasting 6 hours, departing from Skopje with transportation included
• Visit two top Macedonian wineries: Lazar and Chateau Sopot, each offering guided tastings and scenic views
• Enjoy a 5-course wine-paired lunch at each winery, featuring local dishes and premium wines
• Learn about Macedonian wine traditions from expert guides and explore both modern and boutique wineries
• Cost is $337 per group, making it suitable for couples, friends, or small groups seeking an immersive wine experience

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Discovering Winery Lazar’s Award-Winning Wines

The tour begins with a visit to Winery Lazar, established in 2015 and quickly recognized within Macedonia for its quality. Known especially for its pearl sparkling wines and a diverse selection of 22 labels, Lazar combines Italian process technology with traditional methods, ensuring high standards in production.

During the visit, a guided tasting introduces you to Lazar’s signature wines. The winery is famous for its sparkling Brut, which you’ll sample as a welcome drink. Lazar’s focus on quality control and craftsmanship shines through their still and sparkling wines. The tasting is complemented by a delicious 5-course gourmet lunch, included in the tour price, which pairs each dish with a specific wine.

The lunch menu at Lazar features five courses: a Lazar Salad with Grasevina White Wine, Salmon Carpaccio with Pinot Grigio, Risotto with Shrimp paired with Allure Grand Cuve, Beef Muscle in Dark Sauce matched with Erigon Kratosija, and Cheesecake with Fortuna Rosé. The pairing elevates the dining experience, showcasing local flavors alongside excellent wines.

Exploring Chateau Sopot’s Boutique Vineyards and Views

Next, the tour heads to Chateau Sopot, a boutique winery established in 2006. Covering 94 hectares of vineyards, the estate produces both still and sparkling wines using grapes grown entirely on-site. The winery’s location between the Vardar River Valley and Lake Mladost offers stunning vineyard views that travelers can enjoy during the self-guided exploration.

At Chateau Sopot, visitors are free to explore the winery independently, tasting a selection of their best wines and learning about their wine-making philosophy focused on “Wine, Food, View.” The familiarity with their winery approach helps visitors understand how they combine quality and landscape.

The lunch at Chateau Sopot is also a 5-course gourmet experience, with dishes like Focaccia, Caprese Salad with Povaradrec-Rhein Riesling, Beef Carpaccio with Sopot Cuve Red, Bacon Wrapped Plums paired with Serbez-Roze, Rabbit with Sauce of Prosciutto and Olives with Pinot Noir Reserva, and a Cheesecake with Ubava-Temjanika. Each course is carefully paired with finest wines, making for a balanced and flavorful meal.

Comfortable Private Transportation and Pacing

This tour is operated with a private driver, ensuring a relaxed pace with around 2 hours at each winery. The transfers from Skopje are included, making the journey smooth and hassle-free. The overall 6-hour duration balances sightseeing, tastings, and meal times comfortably.

Travelers should note that the tour includes the full menu at Lazar but expenses are on the client at Chateau Sopot. The group remains private, providing a personalized experience with an expert guide speaking English, Serbo-Croatian, and Macedonian.

Practical Details and Considerations

This experience is suitable for adults over 16 years, but not recommended for children or individuals with certain dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance. The tour excludes personal expenses beyond the included meals and tastings and forbids bringing food or drinks into the vehicle.

The price of $337 is for a full group of up to one person, emphasizing the exclusive, intimate atmosphere. It’s a well-rated experience, earning a 4.7-star rating from the provider, with positive feedback on the quality of wines, scenic views, and delicious pairing menus.

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Comparing Similar Wine Tours in North Macedonia

This private tour stands out by combining two distinct wineries—a modern, award-winning producer Lazar and the boutique Chateau Sopot—in a single day. It offers a more personalized experience compared to larger group tours, with guided tastings and gourmet lunches at both locations.

For those interested in more extensive explorations, other options include multi-day Balkan tours or visits to additional wineries, but this experience provides a focused, high-quality introduction to North Macedonia’s wine scene.

Final Thoughts on the Lazar & Chateau Sopot Tour

The From Skopje: Lazar & Chateau Sopot Wineries Visit & Tastings offers a balanced mix of wine education, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. The private setup and full-day format suit wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of Macedonian wines while enjoying delicious food in beautiful settings.

While the expenses at Chateau Sopot are not included in the price, the guided experience at Lazar and the two-winery visits provide solid value for money. The professional guides and carefully curated menus ensure a well-rounded visit, ideal for anyone seeking a personalized wine journey in North Macedonia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The full menu at Lazar with wine pairings and the full menu at Chateau Sopot are included, along with transfers and a private driver.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with around 2 hours at each winery plus travel time.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour is designed as a private group, allowing some flexibility, but the menu and itinerary are pre-set.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for children under 16 or individuals with certain health conditions.

Is lunch included at both wineries?
Lunch is included at Lazar. At Chateau Sopot, the expenses are on the client; the menu is a 5-course meal with wine pairings.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Serbo-Croatian, and Macedonian.

This private wine tour from Skopje combines excellent wines, delicious cuisine, and stunning vineyard views, making it a compelling choice for wine lovers seeking a personalized, immersive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby