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Wine tour in Armenia – Cradle of winemaking

from 581 eur
per person
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Key points
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Best from spring to autumn.
Book now - pay on the spot.
Guaranteed departures.
Mini groups up to 15 people.
Private tour upon request.
Editing on request.
5% discount for early bookings.
Bestseller
3* accommodation included.
Best price guarantee.
Overview

If you are a wine connoisseur or just an oenophile in search of new experiences, exploring the rich history of winemaking in Armenia will be a true delight. Here, you can expect a carnival of unique flavors, aromas, colors, and incredible stories. The main focus of this tour is the combination of typical regional dishes and wines made from local grape varieties. Armenia is undoubtedly one of the oldest cradles of winemaking, as evidenced by the 6000-year-old cave winery discovered in the Areni region by archaeologists. Throughout Armenia’s historical development, winemaking culture has been reflected in almost all areas of applied arts. Sculptural reliefs and miniatures depicting grapevines and grape clusters can be found on the walls of numerous medieval churches and on the covers and pages of ancient manuscripts.

During the Soviet era, winemaking took a back seat, giving way to brandy production, and many traditions were forgotten. Fortunately, in recent years, winemaking has flourished, and today Armenia boasts wonderful high-quality wines.

As part of this tour, we plan to visit the main winemaking regions of Armenia: the Vayots Dzor region, Yerevan, the Armavir region, and the more northern Tavush region. Each region has its unique wines and interesting winemaking and grape cultivation traditions. In all our routes, in addition to wine tasting, we will also sample the corresponding local cuisine, visit numerous cultural and historical sites, and simply enjoy the incredible nature of Armenia.

The dates for guaranteed group tours based on this program for the year 2022 are as follows:


| 06-12 July |   | 

 

Itinerry
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Meet and greet at the airport, and transfer to the hotel in Yerevan. After check-in, embark on a city tour of Yerevan. Our introduction to Yerevan will commence in one of its oldest and historically significant districts, Nork. Grapes have been cultivated in this area since ancient times, giving rise to the production of exceptional wine from local varieties. There are many granaries and threshing houses here, and we will have the opportunity to visit one of them during the tour. The program includes visits to the monument to the national hero of the epic David of Sasun and one of the most beloved places for locals and visitors alike – the Cascade architectural complex. Here, we will explore the Gafesjian Museum of Contemporary Art, located both outdoors and inside this unique structure. Visit the National History Museum of Armenia. Enjoy a brief rest at the hotel before heading out for dinner at Taverna Yerevan, featuring traditional Armenian music and dance. Indulge in homemade red wine paired with the dish Garni Yarakh. Take a leisurely walk to Republic Square, where we will witness the "Singing Fountains" show.
  • Departure from Yerevan
  • Arrival in Yerevan
  • Travel time: 6 hours / 25 km
  • Meals: dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the "Temple of the Vigilant Angels" Zvartnots, which is not only considered a masterpiece of early medieval Armenian architecture but is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Next, we'll visit the museum-treasury of Holy Etchmiadzin, where numerous sacred relics related to the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church are exhibited. We will enjoy lunch in Ashtarak, where ancient wine presses are still found in the yard of almost every house during the cultivation of gardens or as a result of other agricultural works. At the hospitable and charming Yeganyan's gastroyard, we will be treated to a traditional Armenian khorovats (barbecue) and a unique wine made from grapes cultivated in their own garden. At the Museum of the History of Winemaking in Armenia, we will explore a diverse collection of materials uncovered through archaeological excavations, bibliographic data, and insights gathered from ethnographic studies. The main exhibition hall, situated at the level of subterranean basalt rocks with a depth of 8 meters, intricately details the chronological stages of wine development in Armenia. Additionally, it highlights the interconnection of wine with various facets of Armenian history and culture. At this location, we will also embark on a tour of one of Armenia's most successful wineries, Armenia Wine. After a tour of the winery, we will taste several varieties of the best wines in the specially equipped tasting room. In Aragatsotn region, almost every village has its own winery, each with its distinctive features. Arrival in Yerevan.
  • Departure from Yerevan
  • Arrival in Yerevan
  • Travel time: 8 hours / 100 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Departure with luggage from the hotel and a journey to the southern wine region of Armenia – Vayots Dzor Province. Our first stop will be the Khor Virap Monastery, providing an incredible view of the biblical Mount Ararat. Here, we will recall the legend of Noah, who, after completing his mission to save all living beings, planted the vineyard and made wine. The next stop will be at the "Birds" or Areni 1-st cave, where archaeologists recently discovered the world's oldest shoes and a 6000-year-old winery. Despite ongoing excavations, we will personally witness what is happening inside this mystical cave. We will then visit the Noravank Monastery, surrounded by mystical red rocks, built in the 13th-14th centuries. In the winemaking region of Areni, many home winemakers and wineries produce the famous Areni red wine, made from the indigenous grape variety of the same name. We will tour and taste wines at the Old Areni Winery and have lunch at the home of local winemaker Hayk, where we'll not only enjoy delicious dishes but also sample his wine. Overnight stay and dinner in the village of Hermon, at the cozy Lucy Tour Hotel.
  • Departure from Yerevan
  • Arrival at Hermon
  • Travel time: 9 hours / 180 km
  • Meals: three times a day
After breakfast, departure from Hermon. We will stop on the way at the Selim or Orbelian's Caravanserai, also known as Vardenyats, which served as a crucial trading point on the Great Silk Road for a long time. Visit Noratus, the largest field of khachkars in modern Armenia. Lunch at the lakeside restaurant "Tsovatsots," where we will try dishes from Sevan fish, paired with white wine made from Voskehat grapes. A tour around Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucasus. In the northeast of Sevan, we will visit the Sevanavank Monastic Complex. Rest and dinner at the Kazanova Inn guesthouse in the lush resort town of Dilijan, known for its pristine mountain air.
  • Departure from Hermon
  • Arrival in Dilijan
  • Travel time: 8 hours / 170 km
  • Meals: three times a day
Breakfast at the hotel and early morning departure from Dilijan to Ijevan. The main destination for today is the Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory. During our visit, we will explore the factory grounds. An experienced guide will introduce us to the winemaking traditions of the Tavush region, known for its moderate microclimate. The guide will share the history of the factory, present the entire production process, and showcase the various beverages produced. We will tour the winery, wine cellar, collection wine cellar, and the room where brandy ages. After the visit to the production facilities, a wine and brandy tasting will be organized. The tasting will include 6 types of wines (dry white, dry red, semi-dry red, semi-sweet fruit, and sweet grape) as well as an opportunity to try 2 types of old collection wines and a 20-year-old brandy. Lunch in the village of Haghpat at the Kefilyan guesthouse. Visit one of Armenia's significant medieval spiritual and educational centers – the Haghpat Monastic Complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, visit the Odzun Monastery, dating back to the 4th century. Return to Yerevan. Free evening.
  • Departure from Dilijan
  • Arrival in Yerevan
  • Travel time: 10 hours / 350 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the tour. Visit the Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts and the Matenadaran Museum. Next, we will head to one of the most popular places in Yerevan - the ArArAt Brandy Factory. After a tour of the factory museum, essentially a museum of Armenian brandy history, we will taste two types of brandy – aged three and ten years. Embark on a tour to Garni and Geghard. Stop at the Arch of Charents monument, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Ararat. During lunch at a local villager's house, we will try lavash, vegetables, and meat prepared in a tandoor, accompanied by incredible village wine or apricot vodka. Armenia adopted Christianity officially in the year 301, becoming the first country in the world to do so. Spiritual values and religious rituals changed, but wine continued to hold its significant place in both daily life and ceremonies. This journey, including a visit to the pagan Garni Temple and the cave monastery Geghard, is symbolic in this regard. Return to Yerevan. Free evening in Yerevan.
  • Departure from Yerevan
  • Arrival in Yerevan
  • Travel time: 8 hours / 90 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Before heading back home, we'll have the opportunity to shop for Armenian delicacies and souvenirs. To do this, we'll visit the famous open-air market, Vernissage, to hunt for souvenirs. Afterward, we'll explore the sweets and dried fruits market, Gumi Shuka. Lunch will be at the refined restaurant Yasaman Yerevan. Following lunch, we'll visit the "Voskevaz" winery in the village of Voskevaz, half an hour's drive from Yerevan, for a final wine tasting. Although this winery is relatively new on Armenia's wine map, it has quickly become a favorite due to its unique wines. We'll have the opportunity to tour the beautiful maran (cellars) of Voskevaz and then, guided by a local sommelier, taste several varieties of wine paired with meat and cheese assortments. This will serve as a beautiful conclusion to our wine journey through Armenia. Depending on the timing of your departure, we will either head straight to the airport or return to Yerevan.
  • Departure from Yerevan
  • Travel time: 6 hours / 50 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Price and Availability
Private tours upon request
2-3 pax
1,084 €
4-6 pax
803 €
7-12 pax
723 €
There are special discounts for private groups of 13 or more persons.
Book tour
Group tours with guaranteed departures
What's included
  • Individual transfers airport-hotel-airport;
  • Accommodation: 4 nights in a hotel in Yerevan, 1 night at Hermon Lucytour Hotel, and 1 night at Kazanova Inn in Dilijan, all including breakfast and internet access;
  • Transportation service for the tour on comfortable vehicles;
  • Experienced English-speaking tour guide (for 7 excursion days);
  • Delight in culinary experiences with 6 lunches and 2 dinners at premier restaurants offering authentic Armenian cuisine. Enjoy meals at guest houses and rural homes brimming with local flavors;
  • Immerse yourself in Armenian culture with a welcome dinner accompanied by a folklore program and wine;
  • All entrance tickets and access to enriching master classes;
  • Engage your palate with wine and cognac tastings;
  • Tour itinerary and tourist maps of Armenia;
  • Enjoy round-the-clock tourist support available via phone;
  • Unlimited spring water in the serviced transport
  • All taxes included for a hassle-free experience;
  1. Air tickets;
  2. Alcoholic drinks;
  3. Travel insurance;
  4. Tips.
Additional info

Tour Package Details:

  • The listed price is per person, based on double occupancy in a room;
  • An additional fee of 130 EUR applies for single occupancy;
  • Please check the requirement for an entry visa to Armenia on this page;

Travel Recommendations:

  • We recommend arriving in Armenia by noon on the tour’s starting day;
  • Kindly note that early check-in will require an extra night’s reservation.

Customization Options:

  • Enhance your experience by opting for higher-class hotels along the tour route for an additional fee.

Children’s Policy:

  • Children under 5 years old can join the tour for free when sharing a room with two adults in a double room, meals are paid separately
  • Children aged 6 to 10 years old enjoy a 50% discount when an extra bed is added to the double room shared with two adults, meals are paid separately.

Copyright Notice:

  • This publication is the intellectual property of “Barev Armenia,” the tour operator.
  • Reproduction, whether in full or in part, of this material constitutes a violation of copyright.
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Overall rating
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Organisation
5 / 5
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Safety
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Дегустация Солнца!
Elena
We just returned from Armenia. I would like to share my impressions and thank the organizers for a wonderful tour. We not only tasted amazing wines (I especially want to mention the Voskevaz plant), but also visited many places significant for the Armenian people, and admired the wonderful nature. Our guide, Gor Karapetyan, a great expert on the past and present of his homeland, spoke so amazingly about everything and did everything in his power to make our trip a success. He and the driver Mihran were our guardian angels. Thanks to them, we got to know and love Armenia, its hospitable and welcoming people. We were received very warmly everywhere. We left and took with us the warmth of your country and a great desire to come again.
02 Oct, 2017
За гостеприимство!
Igor Shaderkin
Thanks a lot! We are delighted!!! The impressions we received exceeded all our expectations! Special thanks to Gore and David for their high professionalism, hospitality and attention. There are no critical comments, we got to the house well, we got all 22 bottles of wine and cognac safe and sound. When we left, we realized that we wanted to come again (maybe with a larger group). Thank you for your patience and trust in preparing the tour! See you again! Sincerely, Igor.
08 Aug, 2016