Albania is located in Southeast Europe on the western Balkan Peninsula, bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Viticulture has deep historical roots in the region, supported by varied terrain and a mix of Mediterranean and continental climates.
For wine-growing purposes, Albania is commonly divided into three main zones based on geography and
climate.
The first zone includes the lowlands and coastal areas, influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. It covers
Delvine, Sarande, Vlore, Fier, Lushnje, Peqin, Kavaje, Durres, Kruje, Kurbin, Lezhe, Shkoder, and
Koplik.
The second zone consists of the central interior areas with rolling hills and river valleys and includes
Mirdita, Mat, Tirane, Elbasan, Berat, Kucove, Gramsh, Mallakaster, Tepelene, Permet, and Gjirokaster.
The third zone covers the eastern parts of the country, characterized by higher elevations and more
continental conditions, including Tropoje, Puke, Has, Kukes, Diber, Bulqize, Librazhd, Pogradec, Skrapar,
Devoll, Korce, and Kolonje.
Albania grows a mix of indigenous and international grape varieties. Traditional local grapes include Shesh i Bardhe, Shesh i Zi, Kallmet, Vlosh, Puls, and Debine, producing mainly dry red and white wines with moderate alcohol and firm acidity. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are also cultivated, particularly in the lowland and central zones. Wine production was historically focused on local consumption, but recent decades have seen increased emphasis on quality, regional expression, and export-oriented wines.
For wine growing regions, Albania is divided into three zones. The first zone includes the lowland's and coastal areas. The second zone the central areas of the country and the third zone the eastern parts.
Zone 1: Delvinë, Sarandë, Vlorë, Fier, Lushnjë, Peqin, Kavajë, Durrës, Krujë, Kurbin, Lezhë, Shkodër, and Koplik.
Zone 2: Mirdite, Mat, Tiranë, Elbasan, Berat, Kuçovë, Gramsh, Mallakastër, Tepelenë, Përmet, and Gjirokastër.
Zone 3: Tropojë, Pukë, Has, Kukës, Dibër, Bulqizë, Librazhd, Pogradec, Skrapar, Devoll, Korçë, and Kolonjë.
