Last Updated on September 11, 2025 by Aram Vardanyan
As an Armenian, it’s complicated for me not to express how unappreciated the wine from Armenia and its winemaking tradition and culture are, and how much history and potential Armenia has in that field.
Hi, I’m Aram, a wine enthusiast, and I want to introduce you to Armenian wine and tell you a story about the birthplace of winemaking!
I’d like to introduce readers to what wine from Armenia is, why not many people know about it, its history, its future, and everything connected with it.
My Journey into Armenian Wine Culture
In my opinion, marketing plays a huge role in any product’s success. Unfortunately, Armenian wine never received the same global recognition or branding power as Ararat brandy (cognac).
Luckily, in the past 15 years, it’s started to show up more on the world’s winemaking map.
According to Forbes magazine, deep research and other reputable sources, Armenia is the cradle of winemaking in the world.
Good to Know: I’ve visited the world’s oldest winery, and I have a guide about it that you can read here.
In the village of Areni, at the Areni-1 cave, archaeologists discovered ancient grape DNA at the world’s first large-scale winery, dating back to 4100 BC, which made Armenia the oldest country to produce wine.
Even older jars found across Armenia show that wine was being made here long before Bordeaux or Tuscany.
From ancient times, locals fermented grapes in “karas” (clay vessels buried underground), or Armenian oak casks, perfecting methods that continue to this day.
The wine was usually kept in a “maran,” which is an underground basement that many houses still have, for example, in Ashtarak or in many old homes in Gyumri and Goris.
For me, this history became personal nearly a decade ago. I had just returned from Syunik, after traveling through the mountain roads of Vayots Dzor.
A friend offered me a glass of homemade Areni Noir. Its deep ruby color, aroma of berries and pepper, and earthy notes completely surprised me.
Until then, I thought I knew wine, but that moment marked the true beginning of my journey into Armenian wine culture, which I had never known before as an Armenian myself.
What Makes Armenian Wine Unique?
Each wine-producing country has its own unique qualities.
This can be a family winemaking tradition passed down through generations, utilizing specific technology, or a distinctive taste connected to the local terroir, including the type of grapes used, among other factors.
Armenian wine is no exception! It is home to indigenous grapes like Areni Noir, Voskehat, Kharji, and Khndoghni, among others.
High-altitude vineyards, volcanic soils, and a strong winemaking tradition define the taste of Armenian wine. If you know a little about wine like I do, you can easily identify the differences.
Armenian Wine by Regions
Wines from the Ararat Valley (which includes the Armavir and Aragatsotn regions) are characterized by their location in the hottest and sunniest part of the country.
This climate results in wines that are more fruit-forward, rich, and full-bodied, making a bold impression on the palate.
Vayots Dzor is widely considered the premier winemaking region in Armenia, and for good reason.
The high altitude and specific terroir of this area produce wines that are notably more elegant, well-balanced, and complex. They offer a refined and nuanced tasting experience.
In the Tavush region, a land of lush green mountains and dense forests, the climate is cooler and more humid.
This environment is perfect for grapes like Kangun, Lalvari, and Banants, and the resulting wines are distinctly fresher, livelier, and more aromatic.
Finally, wines from the Syunik region, while sharing some similarities with Vayots Dzor due to the mountainous terrain, also have a unique profile.
They offer rich and complex red wines with silky tannins, but you can also find notes of ripe red fruit, which are reminiscent of the warmer Ararat Valley.
🍷 7 Facts About Armenian Wine
- World’s Oldest Winery – Armenia is home to the Areni-1 cave complex, where archaeologists discovered the oldest known winery in the world (over 6,100 years old).
- Unique Indigenous Grapes – Armenia grows over 400 indigenous grape varieties, many of which don’t exist anywhere else in the world. Famous ones include Areni Noir, Voskehat, and Khndoghni.
- High-Altitude Vineyards – Many vineyards in Armenia are located at altitudes of 1,000–1,800 meters above sea level (3,280- 6,000 feet), some of the highest in the world.
- Natural Winemaking Tradition – Historically, Armenians used karases (large clay amphorae, similar to Georgian qvevri) to ferment and age wine.
- Revival of Winemaking Industry – After the Soviet Union collapsed, Armenian winemaking shifted from mostly brandy production back to quality wines.
- From Paganism to Christianity – In pagan Armenia, wine symbolized fertility, life, and divine blessing, used in rituals and offerings. With Christianity (301 AD), wine symbolized the blood of Christ, and some monasteries began cultivating vineyards.
- Biblical & Cultural Roots – Armenia’s wine heritage is tied to the story of Noah planting the first vineyard on Mount Ararat. Ever since, wine has been central to Armenian religious feasts, weddings, and community life, blending ancient tradition with Christian faith.
Armenian Pomegranate Wine
Even though you’re not a fan of sweet or semi-sweet wines, you’ve found that high-quality Armenian pomegranate wine can be a surprisingly amazing exception.
It can be a great choice for a special occasion like New Year’s Eve in Armenia, or served with ice for a refreshing drink in the summer.
My Favorite Armenian Pomegranate Wine
- Gevorkian Winery: A semi-sweet wine with pleasant acidity and a long pomegranate finish.
- Armenia Wine Company: Known for its deep color, intense aroma, and full-bodied yet refreshing flavor.
- Voskevaz Winery: A refined, fruity wine with high acidity, often paired with grilled meats.
- Ijevan Wine & Brandy Factory: A classic choice with a bright, juicy, and well-balanced taste.
Good to know: A big part of Armenia’s vineyards, which are located in the high-altitude regions, are not affected by phylloxera (grapevine insect pest worldwide) because of the high-altitude air and volcanic soil. The primary location where this is most famously documented is the Vayots Dzor region.
Family-owned Wineries in Armenia
Armenian small family-run wineries are my absolute favorite. I’ve visited many of them, and some are hidden gems with amazing wine.
I’ve even contributed to a Forbes article about Armenian boutique wines, which are gaining more popularity.
Small wineries in Armenia are everywhere, more specifically in the Ararat Valley in cities like Ashtarak, the mountains of Tavush, the small villages of Vayots Dzor and Syunik, and everywhere in between.
Below, I’m sharing my visit experience.
Old Bridge Winery
While walking along the highway surrounded by colorful mountains in Vayots Dzor, I stumbled upon the small but wonderful Old Bridge Winery, just a couple of kilometers from Yeghegnadzor.
Inside, I was greeted by a lovely couple, Musho and Lusine, who run the facility.
As Musho explained, they breathed new life into their family-owned winery, which his father founded in 1998.
Musho’s studies in Sweden helped inspire the process, and in 2018, they established a new cafe and wine tasting room.
Momik Wines
My visit to Momik Wines was a surprise. I never imagined a winery could be so cozy and beautiful!
The lovely owners, Nver and Narine, have created an amazing environment for their guests, and of course, their Momik wine was absolutely delicious!
The name “Momik Wines” comes from the renowned 14th-century Armenian architect and sculptor, Momik, who designed the beautiful Noravank Monastery.
The setting was perfect for enjoying any type of wine, be it dry, white, or rosé, or made from Areni or Voskevaz grapes. Drinking wine there as dusk settled over the vineyard was a truly magical experience.
Trinity Canyon Vineyards
Chief Winemaker Artem Parseghyan, who studied in Montpellier at Trinity Canyon Vineyards “Winemaking is a complete science and art,” during my visit. This wonderful winery is located between Yeghegnadzor and the Areni village.
It takes Armenian winemaking to a whole new level, where quality is always a priority over quantity.
Artem told me that they work with the best Armenian grapes, such as Areni Noir and Kharji, to create top-quality wines, including eco-friendly options.
Yeganyans’ Guest House and Wine Yard
During my visit to Ashtarak, I had the wonderful opportunity to stay at a lovely family-owned place called Yeganyans’ Wine Yard, run by Seth and Nelly.
The facility has everything to ensure a comfortable stay, including delicious, Armenian homemade food. The guest house basement also serves as a winery where you can try their homemade, top-quality wine.
Berkri Winery
The nature surrounding Berkri Winery, located in the village of Yenokavan in northern Armenia, is gorgeous.
There, I visited the gastro yard and the winery, trying their wine reserve aged in oak barrels and various dry white wines.
The winery itself is quite new, but the winemaking traditions of the Berkri family come from Western Armenia, where Davit Avetisyan’s grandfather was born and produced wine. Davit is now continuing his legacy.
The Price of Armenian Wine
I often buy wines in Europe, which are cheaper due to the continent’s rich heritage of mass-market wine production.
However, in Armenia, you can find wonderful wines for as little as ֏3,000 (about $8 USD) for a red and ֏2,700 (about $7 USD) for a white.
You can find these wines at Saryan Street wine shops, in supermarkets, or even directly from the wineries if you’re planning to visit them.
- Budget wines – $3–8 (supermarkets, table wines).
- Mid-range wines – $10–20 (boutique Areni Noir, Voskehat).
- Premium wines – $25–60 (Zorah, Karas, ArmAs, Kataro, Hin Areni).
- Luxury wines – $70+ (limited-edition amphora or single-vineyard like Keush or Tushpa).
Wine Festivals in Armenia
If you’re traveling to Armenia, wine is a must. It’s the best option to try a wide variety of Armenian wines in one place during the most famous festivals or on a wine tour in the country.
Here’s where to start:
- Areni Wine Festival – every October in Vayots Dzor.
- Yerevan Wine Days – May festival in the capital with dozens of wineries.
- Wine tasting in Yerevan – an easy way to try multiple producers without leaving the city.
- Dilijan Wine Festival – a wine festival in the forest in Dilijan
Armenian Wine FAQs
Is Armenian wine good?
Absolutely! Nowadays, Armenian wines are increasingly recognized worldwide for their quality.
With ancient indigenous grapes, volcanic soil, and high-altitude vineyards, Armenian wines have unique flavors.
What is Areni wine?
Areni wine is made from the indigenous Areni Noir grape, grown mainly in the Vayots Dzor region.
It’s Armenia’s most iconic red wine, known for its deep ruby color, fruity aroma, and aging potential. Many boutique wineries produce Areni wines, from budget bottles to award-winning premium vintages.
What is Armenian pomegranate wine?
Armenian pomegranate wine is a unique fruit wine made from locally grown pomegranates.
It ranges from sweet to semi-sweet and is popular with visitors who want to taste something truly different. It pairs well with desserts, cheeses, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Where can I buy Armenian wine?
You can buy Armenian wine in local shops, directly from wineries, or online. Brands like Karas, Zorah, Armas, and Armenia Wine Company export internationally.
Look for online wine retailers in your country that carry Armenian bottles.
What are the best Armenian wine brands?
Some of the most respected include:
- Zorah Wines – internationally acclaimed, amphora-aged wines.
- Karas Wines – modern and widely distributed.
- Armas Estate – elegant, family-owned production.
- Kataro – bold reds from Artsakh. Now Producing in Armenia.
- Armenia Wine Company – one of the biggest and most accessible producers.
What is the history of Armenian wine?
Armenia is one of the oldest winemaking countries in the world. The Areni-1 cave winery, dating back to 4100 BC, is the world’s oldest known winery.
For centuries, Armenians used karases (clay amphorae) to ferment and age wine — a tradition that’s being revived today.
Can I do a wine tour in Armenia?
Absolutely! The most popular region is Vayots Dzor, home of Areni Noir. Other areas include the Ararat Valley, Artsakh, and Tavush.
Festivals like the Areni Wine Festival and Yerevan Wine Days are great opportunities to try many wines at once.
What foods pair well with Armenian wine?
- Areni Noir (red): grilled meats, lamb, and khorovats (Armenian BBQ).
- Voskehat (white): fish, salads, cheeses.
- Khndoghni (red): hearty stews, strong cheeses.
- Pomegranate wine: desserts, nuts, or soft cheeses.
What makes Armenian wine different from Georgian wine?
Both Armenia and Georgia are ancient wine countries, but Armenia is especially known for its high-altitude vineyards and volcanic soil, which give wines a distinct minerality.
Armenia also has unique indigenous grapes like Areni Noir and Voskehat, setting it apart from Georgia’s varieties, which are also indigenous and unique.