Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home

If you’re visiting Kotor and craving a taste of true Montenegrin life, this private tour to Njegusi is a treasure. It offers an intimate peek into local traditions, paired with delicious homemade food, carefully selected wines, and stunning scenery along the famous 25 Serpentine Road. With a knowledgeable guide representing a local family, you’ll enjoy an experience that feels both authentic and exclusive.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines scenic drives, cultural insights, and genuine hospitality—all in just over three hours. Plus, the personalized touch of a private guide means you get plenty of time to ask questions and absorb the stories behind the food and wines. That said, it’s worth noting that this experience is focused on food, wine, and cultural exchange, so if you’re expecting a large-group tour or a more outdoorsy adventure, this might not be your best fit.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, enriching, and uniquely Montenegrin experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, or just someone wanting a break from busy sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of value here. Just keep in mind that the tour operates on a private basis, which naturally means a higher price point but also a more tailored experience.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience with a Montenegrin family at their home in Njegusi
• Scenic drive along the iconic 25 Serpentine Road with panoramic views
• Culinary delights including smoked ham, local cheeses, and homemade wines
• Cultural insights into Montenegro’s food traditions and family business
• Personalized service with a private guide and vehicle
• Convenient pickup and drop-off at Kotor port

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

Scenic Drive along 25 Serpentine Road

Your journey begins with a drive along the 25 Serpentine Road, famous for its breathtaking, twisting bends that offer incredible views of Kotor Bay. This route is not only a thrill for driving enthusiasts but also provides plenty of opportunities for photos—expect sweeping vistas, rugged mountains, and charming villages. Many reviews highlight how engaging the drive is, with Igor, the knowledgeable guide, sharing tidbits about local geography and history.

Visiting Njegusi: The Heart of Montenegrin Curing Traditions

The tour’s centerpiece is a visit to the family home of Bozo Popovic, a legend in the local prosciutto-making scene. At this point, you’ll step into a space filled with tradition and stories. Bozo himself explains the long-standing process of making prosciutto, a craft passed down through generations. You’ll get to see the traditional methods, perhaps even some old tools, and learn about the family’s history in preserving these culinary customs.

Reviewers rave about the authenticity here: Beverley_W called it a “mouthwatering tasting and lovely experience of a local family business,” emphasizing the genuine, home-grown nature of the food and drinks. The chance to try real domestic food—smoked ham, cheeses, and perhaps some homemade bread—adds a special touch that mass-produced tours can’t match.

Tasting Local Snacks, Wines, and Brandy

The tasting session is a highlight, offering a generous sampling of Montenegrin delicacies. You’ll sip on local wines and brandy, which are often described as smooth and flavorful, perfect accompaniments to the salty, smoky ham and cheeses. Reviewers like Elaine_J mention that the homemade wines and the hospitality of Dragan, the host, made the experience even more memorable.

Visiting a Distillery and Smokehouse

You’ll visit a local distillery, where the process of distilling traditional spirits is explained—another element that reviewers, like June_A, found especially fascinating. This insight into local production methods adds depth to the experience, making your tasting more meaningful. The smokehouse tour is equally engaging, showcasing how meat is cured and prepared with care.

The Viewpoint Over Kotor Bay

Before heading back, you’ll stop at a viewing point on the Kotor-Lovcen road. In just 10 minutes, you’ll take in one of the most Instagram-worthy vistas of Old Town Kotor and the surrounding bay. Many reviewers mention this as a perfect photo opportunity to remember your day—an element that elevates the experience beyond just food and scenery.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan or private vehicle, ensuring comfort during the approximately 3.5-hour adventure. Pickup and drop-off are offered at Kotor’s port, adding to the convenience, especially for cruise passengers. The private setting allows for a flexible, unhurried experience, with the driver-guide also acting as a storyteller and cultural guide.

Timing and Booking

Most travelers book this experience about 89 days in advance, highlighting its popularity. The tour lasts around 3 hours 30 minutes, a good length for a relaxed day without feeling rushed. It’s worth planning ahead, especially if you want to secure a spot during peak seasons.

Cost and Value

At $206.35 per person, this experience might seem on the higher end for a short tour. However, the value is evident in the personalized service, authentic access to a local family, and the quality of food and wine tastings. For those seeking a deeper cultural connection without the crowds, this private tour provides meaningful insights that justify the price.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic local food, scenic drives, and personalized service. If you love learning about family traditions, tasting homemade wines, and enjoying beautiful views, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s also suitable for those with a keen interest in Montenegrin culture and cuisine, as well as cruise passengers wanting a reliable, well-reviewed excursion that’s easy to book and includes port pickup.

If you’re after an adrenaline-filled adventure or large-group activities, this might not be your best fit. It’s a quiet, intimate experience meant to foster genuine connection and cultural exchange—perfect for foodies, couples, or small groups.

Final Thoughts

This private food and wine tour in Njegusi offers more than just a taste of Montenegro’s culinary traditions. It immerses you in the local way of life, with a passionate guide who shares stories, customs, and the history of a family business that’s been around for generations. The scenic drive along the serpentine road sets the perfect backdrop, making the experience as visually stunning as it is flavorful.

For travelers looking for a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path encounter with authentic Montenegrin culture, this tour delivers in spades. It’s especially well-suited for those who value personalized attention, quality food, and spectacular views—all wrapped into a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

If you’re ready for a memorable taste of Montenegro that goes beyond typical sightseeing, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and your palate alike.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the tour includes port pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient choice for cruise travelers wanting an authentic experience ashore.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Price includes transportation in a private vehicle, a driver-guide, snacks, wine and brandy tastings, and the visit to the family home and distillery.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18, so younger kids can participate but won’t partake in the tastings.

What is the main highlight of this experience?
Many say the highlight is the visit to the family home in Njegusi, where you can see traditional prosciutto making and sample authentic homemade foods.

Is the experience very touristy?
No, it’s quite the opposite—this tour offers intimate access to a local family and their traditions, making it a genuine cultural encounter.

How do I book this experience?
Most travelers book about 89 days in advance through Viator or the provider’s contact details, which include a phone number and email.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund applicable, allowing flexibility if plans change.

This private tour to Njegusi stands out as a genuine chance to connect with Montenegro’s culinary roots while enjoying some of the most scenic views the country has to offer. It’s a delightful blend of culture, food, and hospitality—sure to leave lasting memories.