If you are planning a different weekend escape or a special stop during your trip to Albania, VILA-SHEHI Winery & Guesthouse is the place where wine, nature, and hospitality merge in perfect harmony. Hidden in the picturesque hills of Vorë, just minutes from Tirana and the international airport, this gem of Albanian agritourism has been selected by Love Albania as one of the Top 5 Agritourisms in Tirana for 2025.
From the very first moment of arrival, you will experience a sense of warmth: a fresh glass of wine in hand, a welcoming smile, and breathtaking views. With a 30-year history in viticulture, a winery that has won gold medals, and a family that has invested their soul, VILA-SHEHI is not just a place to stay but an experience to be enjoyed with all the senses.
🍇 A story with deep roots: 30 years of love for wine and tradition
The story of VILA-SHEHI does not simply begin with a winery; it begins with a legacy, a family passion, and a sustainable vision to give Albania a worthy name in the world of wines. In 1994, Mr. Gazmend Shehi started his journey in viticulture with the help of his grandfather and father, cultivating the inherited land in the hills of Vorë and transforming it into a true destination for wine lovers and agritourism.
Today, Gazi, an acclaimed oenologist and author of a book on organic wine—together with his family, has invested 30 years of work, knowledge, and passion to build a business that honors the land, tradition, and Albanian hospitality. From a modest family production, VILA-SHEHI has grown into a winery with a capacity of 10,000–15,000 bottles of wine, earning national and international awards and proudly representing Albania at festivals such as the Merano Wine Festival and “Rruga e Verës.”
But above all, what makes this story truly special is that every glass of wine served is a glass filled with passion, dedication, and family pride.
🍷 From vineyard to glass: Wine that speaks Albanian
At VILA-SHEHI, wine is not just a product, it is a way of life. With about 5 hectares of vineyards cultivated on the green hills of Vorë, the Shehi family takes care of every step of production: from hand-picked grapes, to fermentation, and finally to the glasses of visitors seeking authenticity and quality.
Visitors can taste a rich range of wines representing the best of Albanian tradition, including:
- Shesh i Bardhë – fresh and aromatic
- Shesh i Zi – classic and powerful
- Rosé – delicate and summery
- Gloria Sparkling – an elegant champagne dedicated to the youngest daughter of the family
- Reserve 2017 – for lovers of aged wine with character
- Rakia Muskat – perfect after dinner
- Non-alcoholic wine (Merlot) – for those who want taste without alcohol
The many awards the winery has won, including a Gold Medal for Shesh i Zi and Gloria Sparkling, stand as proof of its commitment to quality. Tastings are offered at symbolic prices, accompanied by Gazi’s passionate explanations, the stories behind each variety, and an experience that lingers long in memory.
🍽️ Authentic flavors at the table: Only homemade
At VILA-SHEHI, wine is not the only thing that captures your heart, the food lovingly prepared by the hostess of the house is another reason why visitors keep coming back.
Every meal is a celebration of Albanian tradition: byrek prepared according to the Bilisht recipe, byrek with spinach and cheese, fresh oven-baked meat, vegetables from the family’s own garden, and of course, a homemade limoncello to start the evening in style. Dinner is served in a warm and quiet atmosphere in the winery’s courtyard, under candlelight and with a glass of “Gloria” in hand. Not just a meal, but a delicious story of Albanian culture, perfectly paired with each wine served. Food here is not meant just to fill the stomach, but to feed memories.
🛏️ Rest among the vineyards: When peace becomes true luxury
After a day filled with wine and unforgettable flavors, the VILA-SHEHI guesthouse offers what many travelers seek today: pure tranquility and authentic comfort. The rooms are clean, spacious, and surrounded by vineyard greenery that gives life a slower, deeper rhythm.
This is not luxury in the classic sense, but comfort born of simplicity: fresh air, a cozy bed, windows opening to the hills, and the sounds of nature replacing city noise. Some rooms may need darker curtains for those who prefer to sleep late, but for many visitors this becomes part of the natural wake-up experience.
Beyond the rooms, guests can stroll through the vineyards, explore the small wine museum, or read in the library. In a world always in a rush, VILA-SHEHI invites you to stop, breathe, and live a weekend that restores the human rhythm.
🧭 Quick tips for your visit to VILA-SHEHI Guesthouse and Winery
- 🎁 Buy a bottle of wine as a souvenir – taste you can take home
- 📅 Book in advance, especially during the summer season (June–October)
- ✈️ Only 20 min from Tirana Airport – perfect for the first or last day of your trip
- 🅿️ Easy and free parking near the guesthouse
- 🍷 Tasting & dinner take place around 6:00 PM – arrive earlier for relaxation
- 🗣️ Notify dietary preferences – the hosts are very attentive
🌟 Why VILA-SHEHI is one of the most special experiences in Albania
- 🍇 30 years of experience in winemaking and award-winning winery
- 🏡 Peaceful guesthouse among vineyards, just minutes from Tirana
- 🍷 Artisanal wine tasting with unique stories and character
- 🍽️ Traditional homemade food by Arta Shehi
- 👨👩👧👦 Family hospitality that makes you feel at home
- 🧖♀️ Wine spa, wine museum, and vineyard walks
- 📊 Rated by 1200+ visitors in a single season, according to Love Albania
This is the kind of experience you won’t find in brochures – but you’ll remember for years.
💬 What visitors say about VILA-SHEHI
- “It’s not just a visit to a winery, but a journey into Albanian culture and soul.”
- “The hospitality was extraordinary—we felt like part of the family.”
- “The wines are simply wonderful—the best we’ve tasted in Albania.”
- “The dinners prepared with fresh produce from the garden pair perfectly with the house wine.”
- “The rooms are quiet and comfortable, ideal for resting after a day of tastings.”
👉 If you’re looking for an experience that exceeds expectations – with extraordinary wine, traditional food, and hospitality found nowhere else – VILA-SHEHI Winery & Guest House is the answer.
