Wine tour in Armenia – Cradle of winemaking

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.