Armenian wines have not been very popular until recent years. Brandy has been considered a signature alcoholic beverage of Armenia. However, the situation has changed a lot with Armenian wine tasting becoming a popular activity when traveling to this part of the world.
The Armenian wines have been in the spotlight for several years. The reason is Diaspora and local entrepreneurs started establishing small wineries that combine winemaking and tourism.
It seems that the discovery of one of the oldest wineries in the world at the Areni archeological site was an impetus for the development of wine culture. Thus, the centuries-old tradition of winemaking is experiencing a rebirth.
The good news for tourists is that many wine tours give a chance to uncover the secrets of Armenian winemaking.
Achievement of Armenian Winemakers
Armenian winemakers are making waves on the global stage, gaining recognition for their remarkable achievements during the past years.
The Armenian wines were mentioned in the latest article by Forbes uncovering 7 wine regions to be popular in 2024. Thus, Bertil Jean-Chronberg, a renowned sommelier and Bonde Fine Wine Shop owner anticipates a delightful surprise for consumers. He forecasts the emergence of lesser-known wine regions in the spotlight, and Armenia among them. The sommelier points to the world’s oldest known winery and a rich winemaking history of Armenia. He believes that indigenous grape varieties like Voskehat, Areni Noir, Tozot, and Kangun will take center stage this year.
Overall, the Armenian wines are gaining recognition, even making their way onto prestigious lists. For example, Voskevaz Karasi Collection Voskehat 2017 appeared in the Top 100 wines list of 2023 by Decanter, an authoritative website writing about wines. Another achievement was to be recognized in the Decanter “OffBeat of 2023” category.
Small Wineries and International Winemakers
Opening small wineries has become a trend in Armenia. They showcase the richness of local indigenous wine varieties and foster international collaboration with esteemed winemakers.
Overall, the Armenians have a tradition of making homemade wine. Meanwhile, the entrepreneurs are embracing the unique terroir of Armenia, cultivating ancient grape varieties like Voskehat and Areni Noir to create distinctive, high-quality wines. This is also about cross-cultural exchange since international winemakers from France, Italy, and the United States come here to leave their mark.
As a result, we have boutique wineries, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes with the expertise of international winemakers. There has been a wave of the Diaspora Armenians willing to invest in the winemaking. Thus, it’s a kind of business that brings more professionals together turning Armenia into a hub of wine enthusiasts.
One such collaboration is between the Yacoubian brothers and a legendary California winemaker Paul Hobbs. They founded the Yacoubian-Hobbs label in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor province and have been producing wines since 2014 not far from the place where the 6,000-year-old winery was found.
Wine Tasting for Tourists
Now when you see how the vibrant revival of winemaking traditions is unfolding in the heart of Armenia, let’s speak about the Armenian wine tasting that is so popular among tourists now.
There are a number of both large and small wineries dotting the picturesque landscapes. Wine culture has seamlessly integrated into contemporary Armenian life, featuring wine bars, vineyard weddings, and a growing trend of wine degustation events.
The traditional wine tours always include Vayots Dzor, known as the birthplace of Armenian wine. First, it invites you to explore Areni 1 cave where the oldest winery was found, and the charming wine village of Areni. There are several dozen wineries along the so-called wine route that offer degustation of wine. This is not simply a wine tasting but rather getting to know more about Armenian traditions. Most of the wineries offer some local snacks or show how lavash and other traditional dishes are being made to turn your journey into an unforgettable experience.
Wine Regions
In general, the wine regions of Armenia offer diverse experiences. For example, there is the Aragatsotn region with its modern wineries and enchanting landscapes. Here the main grape varieties are Voskehat, Kangun, Areni Noir, and others. The first plus for tourists is that it is very close to Yerevan. The local wineries like Wine Company, Van Ardi, Voskevaz Winery, ArmAs Golden Grape offer dining options and event organizations.
Among the other winemaking regions are Ararat, Armavir, and Tavush. Armavir, in particular, is considered the capital of white wine and is celebrated among white wine enthusiasts. Here, indigenous grape varieties flourish, treating tourists to the rich flavors of the Ararat Plain. Meanwhile, in Tavush, the Ijevan wine and brandy factory takes the spotlight. The latter is known for such grape varieties as Lalvari and Banants that grow in the region’s mild climate and mountainous terrain.
How to Choose a Wine Tour?
Selecting the ideal wine route in Armenia requires research into the diverse wine regions and numerous offerings found online. To streamline the planning process, enlist the expertise of an experienced travel agency specializing in Armenia tours and wine tours in particular.
Levon Travel agency is focused on crafting a custom itinerary tailored to your preferences so that you can have an enriching experience. We can recommend renowned wineries, arrange tastings, and incorporate cultural elements into your journey. With the insights of our tour guides, you’ll gain access to personalized vineyard tours and a unique gastronomic experience
With the growing interest in Armenian wines, the country is undeniably making its mark on the global wine map with more achievements to come in 2024.
