Wine Tasting Adventure

The Wine Tasting Adventure in Tirana's Hills

09/15/12

Looking for our next opportunity on a Saturday, we called up this winery we had seen from the highway up in the hills. It was notable by the huge American flag that flies among the rows of vineyards cascading down the hill. You can only visit by appointment. We connected with an Albanian woman friend and a young Norwegian fellow. Arriving at 1:00 more of less, we were greeted by the owner and his brother. It seems that he owner escaped in 1953 and found himself in Michigan a few years later. Over the last 52 years, he purchased 15 McDonalds Restaurants and however else he made his money, he is giving back to him homeland through this winery and other investments.
You drive up this pristine driveway, flanked by olive trees on both sides. Once we reached the top, parked and stepped out of the car, the huge American flag greeted us along with Mr Barhda and his brother. (See photo) We had a distinguished guide who has learned his trade well in Italy. The owner, brother and the guide took us on a 90 minute tour. Outside the winery was a 1,000 year old olive tree that Mr. Bardha heard about in northern Albania and had it transplanted here. On the main porch are three big urns. Again, a friend from south eastern Albania called to say there was a major building project and these 2,000 year old, yes 2,000 year old urns were being crushed. These were the lucky survivors.
The facilities were immaculate. The doors with intricate wood carvings that is an Albanian trademark. The wine casks, processes and care were evident. We sampled red wine in its first year and then second year to taste the difference. We then ventured outside to see some of the white and red grapes in neat rows. In addition olive trees were planted here and there to make olive oil. There were many fruit trees, tomatoes, peppers etc. along the upper road. We sampled freely. At this point Mr. Barhda and his brother trotted off to lunch in town, trading business cards with Peter.
Once back on the terrace, the table was set for us to "sample" more wine. The four of us sat down to melon, prosciutto, figs, grapes, peaches, bread and chocolate. The bottle of white wine appeared and in the delicate breezes we imbibed. After a half hour, the red wine was decanted and set on the table. Peter jumped the gun and started to pour the red into his white wine glass until the harried guide ran out with red wine glasses and took away the spoiled red wine!!! It is that Winooski upbringing!
Life was pretty amazing, spirits high from the really good wine, conversation and views from the terrace.
There is no charge for this wine tasting. In fact, while there were bottles of wine to purchase, the guide suggested we buy our wine in town at the one wine store that sells this label. We shake hands, calling "faleminderit" as the Albanian thank you, we were off to the sea shore to walk off our wine induced buzz and wonderful sunset over the ocean!