Premium Oak Aged Wines Tasting Tour in Family Winery Kartal in Skopje

Nestled in the heart of Skopje, North Macedonia, the Kartal Winery stands as a testament to the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Established in the 1970s, this family-owned estate invites oenophiles to embark on a captivating journey through its premium oak-aged wine portfolio. From the smooth, barrel-fermented Chardonnay to the indigenous Stanushina grape, each sip tells a story of the winery’s dedication to crafting exceptional vintages. As you savor the robust Vranec and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, the tasting experience is elevated by the pairing of local cheeses and cured meats, allowing you to fully learn about the artistry of traditional winemaking.

Key Points

• Family-owned Kartal Winery in Skopje, North Macedonia, is renowned for its premium oak-aged wines, including Chardonnay, Stanushina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Vranec.

• The winery offers a tasting tour that features their barrel-fermented wines paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and bread, highlighting the region’s terroir and winemaking artistry.

• The Chardonnay exhibits a subtle complexity and creamy texture, while the Stanushina showcases the unique characteristics of the indigenous Macedonian grape variety.

• The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend, as well as the Vranec and Cabernet Franc blend, provide a well-balanced and complex wine experience with bold tannins and velvety textures.

• The tasting tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with a maximum capacity of 15 travelers, and is priced at $70.34 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The Kartal Winery Story

The Kartal Winery, nestled in the heart of Skopje, North Macedonia, has a rich history that spans over three generations. Founded in the 1970s, the winery has been passed down through the family, with each generation leaving its mark on the craft.

Today, the winery boasts a portfolio of premium oak-aged wines, crafted using traditional methods and the finest local grapes. The Kartal family’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a reputation as one of the most respected producers in the region, attracting wine enthusiasts from around the world to their tasting tours.

Discovering Oak Aged Wines

At the heart of Kartal Winery’s award-winning portfolio lies its exceptional oak-aged wines. These meticulously crafted libations showcase the winery’s commitment to quality and tradition.

During the tasting tour, guests will sample a diverse array of oak-aged varieties, including a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, the indigenous Stanushina grape, and a selection of elegant reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Vranec, and Cabernet Franc.

Each wine has been thoughtfully aged in oak barrels, imparting complex flavors and a velvety texture that delights the palate. Accompanied by a selection of local cheeses, meats, olive oil, and fresh bread, the tasting experience offers a well-rounded exploration of North Macedonian terroir and winemaking artistry.

Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Delight

Among Kartal Winery’s meticulously crafted offerings, the Chardonnay barrel-fermented wine stands out as a true delight. This exceptional white wine is the result of a careful aging process in oak barrels, which imparts a subtle complexity and rich, creamy texture. The barrel fermentation lends a delicate balance of oak, vanilla, and fruit flavors, creating a harmonious blend that captivates the senses. Whether savored on its own or paired with a selection of cheeses and cured meats, this Chardonnay is a true testament to the winery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Aroma	Flavor
Oak	Vanilla
Citrus	Tropical Fruit
Butter	Creamy Texture

Exploring the Native Stanushina

Nestled within Kartal Winery’s distinguished portfolio is the captivating Stanushina, a native Macedonian grape variety that enthralls wine enthusiasts.

This unique varietal, with its vibrant acidity and delicate floral notes, is a true expression of the region’s terroir. On the tasting tour, guests have the opportunity to savor the Stanushina’s distinctive character, as it harmonizes with the winery’s expertly crafted oak-aged approach.

Offering a delightful contrast to the bold reds, the Stanushina showcases the winery’s commitment to celebrating the local grape varieties and their exceptional potential.

Through this tasting experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances and complexities that make Macedonian wines truly captivating.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Blend

The Kartal Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend captivates the senses with its harmonious integration of two renowned Bordeaux grape varieties.

The Cabernet Sauvignon contributes its signature bold tannins and blackberry notes, while the Merlot adds a velvety texture and plum-like sweetness. Together, they create a well-balanced and complex wine that showcases the winery’s expertise in oak aging.

On the nose, the blend reveals hints of vanilla, mocha, and tobacco, a result of the wine’s time in oak barrels.

The palate is layered with flavors of black cherries, dark chocolate, and a subtle spiciness that lingers pleasantly on the finish.

Robust Vranec and Cabernet Franc

The Kartal Winery’s Vranec and Cabernet Franc blend showcases the robust character of these two grape varieties.

Vranec is an indigenous Macedonian grape known for its deep color, full body, and bold tannins. When blended with the structured Cabernet Franc, it creates a well-balanced and complex wine.

On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe dark fruit, spices, and a hint of tobacco. The palate is rich and concentrated, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and graphite.

The firm tannins provide a long, persistent finish, making this blend an excellent pairing for hearty dishes like grilled meats or stews.

This wine exemplifies the quality and character of Kartal Winery’s premium oak-aged offerings.

Pairing With Cheese and Delicacies

A carefully curated plate of various cheeses, meat delicacies, olive oil, and bread accompanies the wine tasting experience at Kartal Winery.

This artisanal selection is designed to complement the robust flavors of the oak-aged wines, enhancing the overall tasting journey.

The plate includes:

1. A variety of local cheeses, ranging from soft and creamy to firm and sharp.
2. An assortment of cured meats, including prosciutto and salami.
3. High-quality extra virgin olive oil for dipping the freshly baked bread.
4. A selection of artisanal breads to cleanse the palate and soak up the flavors.

The pairing of these delectable accompaniments with the complex, oak-aged wines creates a harmonious and memorable tasting experience for visitors to Kartal Winery.

Practical Information and Booking Details

Located in the heart of Skopje, the meeting point for the wine tasting tour is the Kartal Winery, found at ul.1519 br.7, Shkupi 1000, North Macedonia. The tour begins at 12:00 PM and returns to the starting point. This premium wine experience accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and is not wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.

Booking Information
Price	From $70.34 per person
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
Confirmation	Received at time of booking
Payment Options	Reserve now and pay later

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, guests are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks to the tour. The tour includes a selection of oak aged wines and a cheese and meat plate, which are provided as part of the experience.

Is It Possible to Do a Private Tour?

Yes, it is possible to do a private tour at Kartal Winery. Customers can request a private tour for their group, which may have additional costs and require advanced booking. Private tours allow for a more personalized experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual, relaxed dress code. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking around the winery. There is no formal attire requirement for this tasting experience.

Do You Offer Any Discounts or Promotions?

The tour operator does not currently offer any discounts or promotional offers. However, they recommend checking their website or contacting them directly for the latest pricing and availability information.

Can I Purchase the Wines Tasted During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase the wines tasted during the tour. The winery offers the opportunity to buy any of the six oak aged wines featured in the tasting, so guests can enjoy them at home.

Sum Up

The Kartal Winery’s Premium Oak Aged Wines Tasting Tour offers a captivating exploration of North Macedonia’s winemaking heritage. Visitors can savor the family-owned winery’s exceptional portfolio, including barrel-fermented Chardonnay and indigenous Stanushina, alongside elegant reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Vranec, all while enjoying a curated tasting paired with local delicacies and seeing the artistry of traditional winemaking amidst the beautiful North Macedonian terroir.