Home to the oldest winery ever found
One of the main reasons for choosing one of our Armenia wine tours is to see the oldest winery ever found, but it certainly should not be the only reason. A visit to this cave feels like a pilgrimage for wine lovers, to a place where the whole process (probably) started.
- Armenia wine tasting introduction in Yerevan and Areni
- Brandy and Vodka factory visits in the Armenian capital
- Visit the oldest winery ever discovered – 6,100 years old!
- Traditional and modern winery visits in Areni and Ararat
- Visit wineries where the use of Karas clay pots is being revived
- Lunch at wineries both days we are in Areni
- Tours & tastings with winemakers and owners where possible
- Cultural and historical visits also blended into your schedule
- Monasteries, castles, and historical monuments
- Try Armenian gastronomy and learn a little about the culture
The oldest winery ever found, dated to 6,100 years old, is here in Armenia
Below we cover a summary of our suggested two-day tour but remember that everything we do is tailor-made so tell us if you would like to add anything. We can include a visit to Zorah for example, probably the best know Armenian winery if the owner is in the country.
Day 1 – Arrival in Yerevan – Introduction Tasting
We will probably have you arrive in Armenia from Georgia. Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport, transfer you to the center of Yerevan and check you into your comfortable hotel. Depending on your arrival time we will program excursions and visits for you today, or have those tomorrow or maybe even on your Yerevan departure day depending on your onward timings.
For now, let us assume you arrive by midday we will take you on a short walking tour to see parts of this impressive city and then take you for a tour and tasting at the Ararat Brandy company. In the evening you will be welcomed to a lovely Yerevan wine bar close to your hotel where you will enjoy an introductory tasting of several Armenian wines. This, along with a broad tasting tomorrow, will give you a grounding in local wine brands and varieties.
Day 2 – Areni-1 cave and it´s wine region
We will pick you up after breakfast and drive down to Areni stopping at one of the Ararat region wineries en-route, such as Vedi Alco. There are a number of producers in the valley fed by the historic peak and we will enjoy a look around the winery and a tasting to kick our wine day off.
After leaving the main highway we will head over the pass enjoying views of many vineyards and fields of fruit trees. We will arrive at the Arpa Parnas tasting room at around midday for an extensive tasting of Armenian wines with some cheese and crackers to keep you going.
Armenian brandy is world-class, and simply delicious 
A rich culture and history awaits you in Armenia
You will now be getting used to hearing about and tasting some indigenous varieties such as Voskehat, Khndoghni, and Areni (both a grape and a region) so you can start to recognize some characteristics of the region. There will be some blends of international grapes with the local ones which are interesting combinations. There are also the fruit wines to try here, Pomegranate wine for example.
Either before or after the tasting we will visit the Areni-1 cave winery, this is the highlight of the trip for many as the viticultural significance is considerable. The winemaking equipment and residue found in this cave have been carbon-dated to 6,100 years old and as you stand there, imagining what it would have been like for winemakers thousands of years ago the atmosphere is palpable.
We then move on to Trinity Canyon winery where we will have lunch on the winery grounds. We will meet the winemaker and enjoy one of his creations with our local food. We will have a tour of the production area at Trinity viewing several Karas both above and below ground. The winemaker will accompany us and give you plenty of info and answer any questions you might have on the ancient or modern methods being used.
For the last part of the day, we either drop you at your hotel to rest up or we can squeeze in another quick tasting room, or visit a historical site in the area. Much will depend on the time we leave Trinity and your preferences of course. As you can imagine people are often so relaxed after a lovely lunch and wine that time literally disappears, very pleasantly of course!
Day 3 – Exploration of Areni, Noravank, and Ararat
After breakfast we will take you up into the hills to the spectacular Noravank Monastery, you can wander for an hour or so and take some great photos. The site was founded in 1205 and is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, make sure you have plenty of camera card space.
After time at the Monastery, we head back down into the valley for a quick tasting at one of the wineries in the village, which one will depend on the opinion of our local guide for that day. With our palate primed we now head off the short distance to the Old Bridge winery and are met by the owner and winemaker.
Armen is a bit of a character and he will show you around his boutique winery with enthusiasm and explain his methods and objectives. After an Areni wine tour and tasting, we will enjoy lunch at Old Bridge, quaffing a bottle of your favorite offering from this place and relaxing in the sunshine.
Unfortunately, our Armenia wine tours must come to an end and we must head back to Yerevan, but on the way, we will visit one more winery in the Ararat region. The Tushpa winery is a family affair with all the members involved in winemaking, marketing, or hospitality. Hospitality is a watchword in Armenia and people are very welcoming and proud to show you what they do, this theme runs through this whole region of ancient winemaking in the birthplace of wine.
Day 4 – Our Armenia wine tours end in Yerevan
We will pick you up and transfer you to Yerevan airport. As usual, we will deal with all your arrangements and you just relax with the satisfaction of having added this lovely and interesting wine region to your life experiences. If you have chosen Armenia as part of our tour called the Birthplace of Wine triangle then we will whisk you off to your next destination.
