Become a sommelier on our Wine tour – Ararat Province, Armenia

EXPERIENCE

While archaeologists excavate the oldest winery in a cave in Armenia, a new generation of producers is reviving the ancient wine culture that began 6,100 years ago. The last decade marks a new wave in Armenian winemaking, with impressive wineries attracting seasoned tasters. We’ve chosen the best routes to explore Armenia’s wine culture.

Armenia is famous for many sights, but Khor Virap Monastery is special and resonates with every resident. Located near the capital, it offers a fascinating view of biblical Mount Ararat. “Khor Virap” means “deep dungeon,” and it was built on the site of the former royal dungeon where Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of Armenia, was held for 13 years. This is one of the most sacred places for Armenians and the starting point of our wine journey.

Next, we head to Areni village to visit the oldest winery in a cave, excavated by 12 archaeological institutes from 9 countries since 2007. The Areni-1 cave finds are the oldest known evidence of wine production, dating back to the 4th millennium BC. Devices for making wine were found here, including a crushing plant and crucibles buried in the ground jugs (amphorae) for wine the size of a man. Remnants of grapes and hollow reed stalks, likely used as modern cocktail tubes, were also found in the karas jugs.

Vayots Dzor is one of the oldest centers of Armenian winemaking. You’ll see this at the famous Areni factory, where you can taste several types of wine. Areni processes over 250 tons of grapes, varieties that grow only in this province of Armenia. In addition to tasting, you can buy wine here and return to Yerevan with the spirit of ancient Christian shrines.

The next stop is Momik Wine, a small winery owned by Nver Ghazaryan, a winemaker with 40 years of experience. The vineyard soil is rich in limestone and calcium, producing sweet grapes without fertilizers. The wine is aged in karas, wooden barrels, and glass containers. The family proudly won “Best Homemade Wine” at the 2011 Areni Festival. Narine, the owner, is also an experienced stone carver who conducts workshops on carving khachkars (traditional Armenian stone crosses).

We will then visit the Noravank monastery complex, a medieval Armenian architectural gem built among the red rocks of Gnishik Canyon. Noravank was built 13 centuries ago, and you’ll learn about its unique architecture, the legend of architect Momik’s love, and see traditional khachkars.

We will finish the tour at one of the oldest private wineries, Tushpa. Known since the 90s, Tushpa combines Armenian grapes and passionate winemaking in one of the world’s oldest terroirs, the Ararat Valley. The winery is located next to the vineyard, with winemaking traditions originating from Van, where the ancestors of the owner came from. Serving their wine to Pope Francis was a great honor for Tushpa.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Areni cave, home to the world’s oldest winery from 4th millennium BC.
Visit Khor Virap Monastery with views of biblical Mount Ararat and deep history
Taste unique wines at Areni Winery, a historic winemaking center in Vayots Dzor
A delicious lunch at the winery.

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