Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home

Explore Montenegrin Traditions on a Private Food and Wine Tasting Tour

This private tour in Kotor, Montenegro, offers a unique chance to experience authentic local flavors directly at a family home in the village of Njegusi. Priced at $206.35 per person, the 3-hour 30-minute journey combines scenic drives along the famous Serpentine Road with intimate tastings of smoked ham, cheese, homemade wines, and brandy. The tour is ideal for those seeking an authentic taste of Montenegrin countryside life, especially as it includes visits to a distillery and smoker to understand traditional production methods.

What makes this tour stand out is its personalized touch, thanks to a private guide and vehicle, ensuring a relaxed and tailored experience. The tour departs from Kotor’s port, with pickup included, and offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Kotor Bay from a scenic viewpoint. The high recommendation rate of 100%, based on 32 reviews, confirms its popularity among travelers seeking genuine local hospitality and culinary delights. Keep in mind that most bookings are made about 89 days in advance, highlighting its appeal.

Key Points

• Private tour with a personalized experience from Kotor’s port
• Scenic drive along the 25 Serpentine Road to Njegusi
• Authentic family-run experience in a traditional Montenegrin village
• Sample homemade prosciutto, cheese, and local wines with expert explanations
• Visit a distillery and smoker to learn about production processes
• Includes scenic viewpoint overlooking Old Town Kotor and Kotor Bay

Scenic Drive Along the Serpentine Road to Njegusi

The tour begins with a drive along the famous 25 Serpentine Road, renowned for its winding curves and stunning vistas. This route offers travelers a chance to enjoy beautiful views of Kotor Bay and the surrounding mountains. The journey itself feels like a highlight, setting the scene for an immersive experience in Montenegro’s natural beauty.

Once in Njegusi, the guide introduces visitors to a family’s traditional home, where the focus shifts to local culinary traditions. This part of the tour emphasizes the long-standing family craft of producing prosciutto, a Montenegrin specialty. The drive and scenic outlooks are praised for their spectacular views, especially from the viewing point at the Kotor-Lovcen road, which provides a free 10-minute stop to admire Old Town Kotor and Kotor Bay.

Visiting the Family Home in Njegusi

The family’s house in Njegusi is the core of this experience. Here, the host explains the prosciutto-making process, a tradition passed down through generations. This authentic setting allows visitors to see how smoked ham and cheese are crafted using age-old methods. The food tasting at this stop is a highlight, featuring home-cured meats and cheeses that are considered some of the best in Montenegro.

The warmth and hospitality of the family make this experience genuinely personal, setting it apart from more commercialized tours. Guests get to try real domestic food and drinks in a genuine country setting, creating a memorable connection to Montenegrin culture. The admission to the family home is included in the tour fee, and the long tradition of prosciutto in the family adds depth to the tasting.

Wine and Brandy Tasting at a Local Distillery

A key highlight of the tour is the visit to a local distillery and smoker. Here, visitors learn about traditional production techniques for Montenegrin wines and brandy. Tasting the local beverages is a central part of the experience, with the guide providing insights into the cultural significance of these drinks.

Guests are treated to samples of homemade wines and brandy, which complement the snacks of smoked ham and cheese. The expert explanations help deepen understanding of Montenegro’s spirit and wine-making traditions, making this part of the tour both educational and flavorful. The visits are scheduled to ensure ample tasting time without feeling rushed.

Panoramic Views from the Kotor-Lovcen Viewing Point

After the culinary stops, the tour includes a short 10-minute stop at a scenic viewpoint along the Kotor-Lovcen Road. From this high vantage point, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of Old Town Kotor and the expansive Kotor Bay. This outlook provides a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the area.

This stop is free, and its inclusion offers a peaceful break from the tastings, allowing visitors to unwind and take in the scenery. The viewing point is easily accessible and is appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning vistas.

Transportation and Convenience

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan or private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable ride through the Montenegrin countryside. Pickup and drop-off at Kotor’s port are included, making it convenient for cruise travelers or those staying nearby.

The group size is limited to ensure an intimate experience, with only your group participating. This personalized approach means guides can tailor the experience to your preferences, answer questions thoroughly, and ensure a relaxed pace.

Expert Local Guides and Personal Service

The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories about the family’s history, Montenegrin culture, and regional traditions. Reviews highlight friendly, accommodating guides like Dragan and Igor, who provide informative narratives and make guests feel at home.

The personalized nature of the tour allows for flexibility and attention to detail, which many reviewers praise. The guides’ pride in their local heritage is evident and adds charm to the experience.

Customer Experience and Positive Feedback

With a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 32 reviews, this tour consistently receives praise for its authenticity, scenery, and hospitality. Comments mention mouthwatering tastings, beautiful scenery, and the warmth of a family-run business.

Multiple reviews note excellent communication, guides who are friendly and knowledgeable, and generous hospitality. Despite a minor mention of a slight delay due to a tender issue, guides patiently accommodated late arrivals and maintained a positive atmosphere.

Booking Details and Flexibility

Most travelers book this tour about 89 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The activity offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled time, providing peace of mind for travelers. The private tour setting ensures your group’s experience is intimate and tailored.

Children aged 18 and above can participate, and child rates are available when sharing with adults, making it suitable for families with older children. The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with pickup, transport, and personalized service included.

Final Thoughts on the Njegusi Food and Wine Experience

This private, 3.5-hour tour offers an authentic glimpse into Montenegro’s culinary culture, scenic countryside, and family traditions. The scenic drive along Serpentine Road, combined with visits to a family’s home and a local distillery, creates a well-rounded experience that combines delicious food, local drinks, and beautiful views.

While the price of approximately $206 per person may seem high, the personalized service, private transport, and genuine hospitality make it worthwhile for those seeking an intimate cultural experience. This tour suits adventurers who appreciate authentic food, scenic drives, and warm local stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan or private vehicle, with pickup and drop-off at Kotor’s port.

Can children participate in this tour?
Children must be at least 18 years old to participate, and child rates are available when sharing with adults.

What is the cancelation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge if done at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour will not be refunded.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The visit to the family home in Njegusi, where guests taste traditional prosciutto, cheese, and homemade wines, paired with scenic views and cultural insights.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, this is a private experience, designed for your group only, ensuring personalized service and flexibility.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and tastings, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Where does the tour end?
The experience concludes back at Kotor’s port, after the scenic viewpoint stop, ready for your next adventure or cruise departure.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
The personalized visits to a local family home, combined with authentic food and drink tastings and breathtaking views, makes this a genuinely immersive Montenegrin experience.