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"Serious product in Europe from local vineyards"/ Rama reveals plan for 'renaissance' of wine production

2026-05-24 18:08:00, Politikë CNA

"Serious product in Europe from local vineyards"/ Rama reveals plan

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in a communication published in the Italian media "Corriere della Sera" a new plan, which, according to him, will 'reborn' viticulture and wine production in Albania.

As Rama states, vineyards are an emblematic part of the country's history and there are currently around 10,000 hectares of vineyards,

The head of government indicated that the plan is to place Albanian wine on the map of Europe, not as a folkloric curiosity, but as a serious product with different grape varieties.

Rama said that local grapes and vineyards with ancient roots were neglected during the years of the communist regime until 1991.

Excerpt from the interview:

-What is the situation of vineyards in Albania?

Rama: Agriculture is undergoing a silent but profound transformation. For years, it has been seen as a survival sector, fragmented, familiar, almost nostalgic. Today, it is becoming a sector of identity, quality and added value. Vineyards are an emblematic part of history: we are not yet talking about large volumes, but they have a very important potential. Albania has about 10,000 hectares of vineyards and an ancient tradition interrupted, especially by communism. Then it recovered and grew year after year.

-Is there a rebirth?

Rama: Not just a rebirth. It was a comeback. Wine belongs to our history, our land, our Mediterranean way of life. After the 1990s, it almost had to start over. Today we see families, young producers, winemakers and entrepreneurs rebuilding a history.

-What project are you starting?

Rama: Easy to say, hard to do: put Albanian wine on the map of Europe. Not as a folkloric curiosity, but as a serious product of a Mediterranean country with native grape varieties, extraordinary landscapes and a new quality culture. We have a great guarantee of success: Riccardo Cottarella, a great wine master, in love with Albania. /CNA