Mirela Sheftelia

For more than 15 years, Mirela and Naim Sheftelia have poured their hearts into agriculture in Zall-Herr, Tirana. Thirteen years ago, they followed their passion and planted their first vineyard — a decision that would shape their family's future and eventually bring the art of winemaking to their community.

The Sheftelia family of four doesn't just grow grapes; they transform them into wine and brandy, crafting products that reflect their dedication to quality and tradition. Yet for years, their vision was constrained by the reality of their resources. Outdated manual equipment made every step of production physically exhausting and time-consuming, from crushing grapes to separating stems — processes that required hours of labor and limited their ability to grow.

"We were struggling with outdated machinery," Mirela recalled. "This support gave us the tools we needed to unlock the potential of our vineyard."

Through the project "Inclusion and Economic Empowerment in the Western Balkans", the Sheftelia family received critical equipment through the IGA grant scheme — including a 1,000-liter fermenting tank for wine and an electric grape press. The motorized press crushes grapes and separates stems in a single pass, transforming what once took hours into an efficient, streamlined process that requires far less physical effort.

The impact extends beyond time saved. With the new equipment, the family can increase their grape yield while maintaining the exceptional quality their products are known for. The improved production capacity is elevating not only their economic status but also contributing high-quality wines to the entire Zall-Herr community.

Looking ahead, Mirela and Naim dream big. They envision their vineyard becoming a destination for wine enthusiasts and tourists, expanding beyond their current customer base of local restaurants and community members.

"We want other people to start recognizing our brand and to have customers travelling from neighbouring towns to experience our wines," Naim shared. "Also, we want to expand our product line, while improving the infrastructure."

As the Sheftelia vineyard continues to flourish, the family reflects on how far they've come. "It has always been about belief and support," Mirela stated. "We turned our passion into a business and we're excited about what the future holds for our family."

From a small vineyard rooted in passion to a growing enterprise with regional ambitions, the Sheftelia family's story is a testament to what becomes possible when dedication meets opportunity.