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The main three wine regions experience

8 days/ 7nights (Aragatsotn, Vayots Dzor, Armavir)

You are welcome to appreciate Armenian wine production history!

Open Detailed Descriptions
Day 1:

Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to the hotel

Day 2:

Yerevan City tour - "ArArAt" brandy factory - "In Vino" wine bar

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour- Yerevan sightseeing including City center, Republic square, State University, City panorama, Mother Armenia Monument, Parliament, President’s Palace, Opera, Sports & Concert Complex. Visit to the Genocide Memorial, dedicated to the Victims of 1915 and the Genocide Museum.

Visit to Matenadaran (depository for ancient manuscripts, the collection of which is one of the biggest in the world). This outstanding collection includes manuscripts dating from 7th century and is widely appreciated by history and art amateurs and professionals.

Visit to Cascade complex, which is considered the modern art center of Yerevan, with art pieces displayed throughout the whole area: the boulevard and up the stairs, from top of which you can enjoy the panoramic view on the city and Mountain Ararat. Cascade is home to Cafesjan modern art museum. You will enjoy spending time in one of the cosy open-air cafes surrounded by beautiful sculptures, redolent flowers shining brightly with magic colors. It is also a popular place for open air concerts at summer season.

Visit to Armenian central market.Visit to Armenian brandy factory ,,ArArAt’’ which keeps the tradition of the legendary Cognac since 1887. Degustation of 2 types of Armenian brandy (possible to order upgraded package including degustation of 3 types of brandy).

 

Stop at the cosy winebar "In Vino", the first wine bar of Yerevan. Tasting of the "Karas classic red dry wine 2013" and "Karas classic white dry wine 2013" from Karas Vineyards estate. The company produces highly concentrated wines rich in color, aromas and flavours. Tasting of "KOOR dry red wine 2014" and "KOOR voskehat white dry wine 2014" from Highland Cellars. Ttraditional blend of indigenous Armenian varietals, grown in high-elevation vineyards of Vayots Dzor.

 

Optional: Armenian wine spa center. The treatment with grape and wine will give you an opportunity to feel the magic strength of the Ararat valley sweet grape. After you sink into the wine made of thesefruit, you will feel the magic properties of the Armenian drink, you will feel hale and hearty, strong and young. 

O/n in Yerevan

 

Day 3:

Yerevan – Saghmosavank monastery – Aragatsotn region "Armenia wine" winery - "Van Ardi" winery - "ArmAs" Winery - "Voskevaz Winery"

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the monastery complex Saghmosavank, located on the edge of the precipitous gorge of the Kasakh river. The Church of Zion in Saghmosavank (1215 y.), the main temple, was erected by Prince Vache Vachutyan. The book depository of Saghmosavank located on the territory of the Monastery, was built in 1255 A.D. under Prince Kurd Vachutyan. Many richly ornamented stone crosses have been preserved on the territory of the monasteries.

Drive to Sasunik village, visit ,,Armenia wine’’ family owned winery. The company’s manufactured grape wine assortment includes dry and semisweet types of red, rose and white, and special editions of white and red wines and also pomegranate dry and semisweet varietie with different brands ,, Armenia’’, ,,Takar’’, ,,Tariri’’. The company uses local Kangun variety for white and sparkling wines and also French grape varieties as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc as blends with Armenian grapes. Tasting of several types of wines will be organized in the professional degustation hall: "Armenia red semisweet", "Takar white dry", "Armenia pomegranate semisweet" .

 

After visit to "VanArdi" family boutique winery . Excursion on the winery overlooking the winyards with Ararat biblic mountain on backround. Tasting from the barrels 3 types of wines: red, white and rose.

 

Lunch in Ashtarak in the oldest house of the district (over 170 years), the descendants of the family Tatevos, today it is changed into a tavern called ,,Tatuyents qotuk (heritage house) ''. Lunch is served in a old wine cellar with decorated tables. Cup of coffee or local herbs the will be served in the courtyard under the shade of the trees, where you will have an opportunity to observe Armenian sweets (pohindz, sweet sudjukh, fruit and berry jam) making process.

 

Continuation of the trip to "Voskevaz" winery, established in 1932 and with a long tradition of wine production. It is one of the few wineries of Armenia, representing wines fermented and aged in traditional clay amphoras - karases. The winery makes 11 different types of wines, including fruit wines made of pomegranate and strawberry. Tasting 2 wines from Classic line and 1 from Vintage line.

 

Drive to "ArmAs Winery" which was founded in 2007. The company produces white, red and rose wine. The aging of the wine is made on French and Karabakh oak barrels . Tasting of 3 types of wines.

 

Drive back to Yerevan.

O/n in Yerevan

 

Day 4:

Ararat valley - Khor Virap - Vayots dzor region "Cradle of wine" - "Old Areni" winery - "Old Bridge" winery- "Trinity Canyon Vineyards" - Noravank monastery

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ararat valley, visit Khor Virap church, the holy place of imprisonment of St. Gregory the Illuminator accused by Armenian king of preaching Christianity. It was built on the dungeon, where St. Gregory was kept. Now you have a chance to go down into the dark pit yourself. St. Gregory became one of the Saints of the whole Christian world. Here you can also see the closest and most spectacular view of the gorgeous biblical mountain Ararat shining with its two white peaks. The hills adjoining Khor Virap were the site of the early Armenian capital of ancient Artashat built by King Artashes I, founder of the Artashesid dynasty, around 180 B.C. It is one of the few ancient towns, built by special design of famous Carthaginian general Hannibal. After the defeat in a war against Rome he found a shelter in Armenia…

Continuing tour to Areni village. Areni is famous for its wine making. Recent archaeological excavations found 6000 years winery with 5 wine cellars. Within the underground wine cellar, archaeologists discovered a wine press for stomping grapes, fermentation and storage containers, drinking cups, grape vines, skins, and seeds. Though evidence of wine has dated back 7,000 years, this is the earliest winery and wine cellar found to date. The findings indicated large scale wine production, quite possibly the earliest retail winery. Archaeologists suggest that our early ancestors used wine in ceremonies to honour the dead. It is also thought as a gift, placed and consumed inside the tombs. Wine-pressing tools have been found installed into burials and tombs, and drinking cups around the graves. Illustrations from that time reflect this evidence. According to Armenian and US scientists these findings are the oldest and the most reliable evidence of wine production on the Planet dating back 6100 years. It is the first time that a complete archaeological site of wine production is discovered.

 

Visit "Hin Areni" winery. The wineyards are located on 1215-1250 meters above the sea level. The wines is produces from different varieties of grapes such as Voskehat, Areni, Tozot, Movuz. Tasting of different types of wine. Short tour around the wine factory after take quadricycle or village car (soviet trucks)to reach the winyards. Lunch in a restaurant of winery with home made food.

 

 

Then route goes through incredibly beautiful scenery toward to Noravank monastery (13-14 cc.), that the visitors can not resist stepping out of the vehicle and walk all the way to the Monastery with their cameras to enjoy and record the unique bizarre-shaped precipitous red cliffs. The most ancient monument of Noravank is St. Karapet Church (IX - X cc.). The Church, completed in 1339, is said to be the masterpiece of Momik, a talented sculptor and a miniaturist.

 

 

Drive to Aghavnadzor village to "Trinity Canyon Vineyards". Situated on 1300 m above sea level the vineyards are divided in 3 plot, planted in 2003, 2009 and 2013. The company use mixt of Armenian and international grape varieties such as Voskehat, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. This is unique company that produces organic wine in Armenia with brand "6100 Trinity Ancestors Orange Wine" using traditional wine making techniques of thousands years and the fermentation is making in terracotta vessels "karases" without any sulfur addition. Tasting of 3 different types of wine.

 

 

Degustation of different wines in small family winery "Old Bridge". It was established in 1998. The vineyards are located in five different geographical locations on the banks of the river Arpa, 1200-1300 m above sea level. This boutique winery is specilaised in producing wine using Armenian grapes such as Areni, Voskehat, Kakheti varietals.

 

 

Finishing of the day with the last visit to "Vayk Group Winery" founded in 2001. The company has 12 hectares of vineyards (established on 1990s) of only local grape varieties including Areni and Voskehat the company was . The winery is specialized in production and exporting of 4 types of wines: white semisweet, white dry, red semisweet, red dry using a local traditional way, then aged in oak barrels and bottled with Italian state of the art system. The company produces also dried fruits (apricot, plum, cherry, apple, peach). Tasting of different types of wines.

 

 

Drive back to Yerevan.O/N in Yerevan.

 

Day 5:

Lake Sevan – Dilijan “Armenian Switzerland”- Tavush region "Ijevan wine" factory

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Sevan, one of the wonders in Armenia .The Peninsula is most popular destination to enjoy the breath-taking view on Sevan Lake, make pics for sweet memories and visit with the ancient Sevanavank Monastery (IX century), which stands in its greatness on the peninsula overlooking the lake for centuries. Drive to mountanieus resort Dilijan, or so called “Armenian Switzerland”, which is well-known for its forests as well as for its mysterious flora and fauna. During the drive one can enjoy the unbelievable change of the surrounding environment and landshaft from the mountainous lake to the green and rich forest mountains. Small walking city tour in Dilijan: visit to handicrafts’ street, where one can watch the preparation of different national souvenirs from wood, stone and ceramics. Visit to Haghartsin Monastery complex which is located in the secluded place of the forest. The place is so unique and the scenery with the nature surrounding it is so breathtaking that most of visitors are in awe. Appearing unexpectedly, out of the dense forests, in front of the visitors, the Monastery creates a magical impression of a lost world. Lunch in a local restaurant. Drive to Ijevan, city in the Tavush region, surrounded with high mountains covered with thick forests, turning into alpine meadows in certain areas.

 

Visit to "Ijevan wine and Brandy factory". This is one of the ancient wine factories in Armenia. Founded in 1951 the company produces 40 different types of wine, as well as brandy and vodka. Such as "Ijevan white dry", "Ijevan Saperavi", "Ijevan blackberry", "Haghartsin sparkling wine", Tasting of different types of wine.

 

Drive back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan

 

Day 6:

Garni - Geghard - homemade wines and homemade vodka

Breakfast at the hotel.

 

Stop at Averitivo wine bar for discovering Artsakh region wine production, especially Domain Avetissyan "Kataro" wines. The 10 hectares vineyards of company are located in Artsakh, in the village Togh, history of which goes back to more than 14 centuries. The culture of local wine-making is as old as the region itself. Many ancient karases (wine jugs) were discovered in the prince’s (melik’s) palace. Kataro is a family owned production with a history of more than 100 years. The first vineyards were planted by great-grandfather of the current owners at the beginning of the XXth century. Kataro wines are made by ancient indigenous rare Armenian grape type – Khndoghni (Sireni), that grows only this region. Tasting of "Kataro dry red" , "Kataro dry white", "Kataro Rosé" blend of Areni, Tozot and Kakhet grapes varieties.

 

Drive to the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia devoted to the God of Sun – Myrth, in Garni, built in 77 AD by King Trdat (Arshakid Dynasty). On the road photo stop at Charentc Arc. The temple is Greco-Roman style with characteristic pillars. It stands proudly on a rocky ridge with a deep canyon presenting a beautiful view. The temple was a summer residence for Arshakid dynasty. Visit to the ruins of Royal Palace and Royal bath-house nearby. Canyon of Garni -magnificent and outstanding scene which creates the image of falling crags. It obtained the name "Symphony of Stones" due to its view. The fantastic landscape of Garni canyon shakes the human imagination. Drive to the unique caved temple St. Geghard (12th -13th cc.), the name of which means “holy spear” in the honor of the long-preserved spear, the same spear that pierced the body of crucified Christ. It is now exhibited in the museum of Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Geghard monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list (2000). Then a family hosted lunch in village house with watching of “Lavash” (Armenian traditional flat bread baked in stone-make oven) making process, tasting authentic Armenian food, get acquainted with local village life. Tasting of homemade vodka made from different fruits (apricot, grape, pitch, apple or mulberry) and homemade wine. Drive back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan

 

Day 7:

Yerevan - Armavir Region – Maran Winery – Zvartnots - Etchmiadzin - Map Wine Company - Sardarapat - Voskeni Winey

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Musaler village for the first visit "Maran Winery". The origins of Maran dates back to 1830s, when Sargis, the son of Eynat, the Prince of Khoy, and his wife Maran repatriated from Persia to the Armenian province of Vayots Dzor. Maran is the first company that produces wine in Republic of Armenia after independence. The winyards are located in Vayots Dzor region in Aghavnadzor village 20 hectares, 5 km north from Arpa gorge . Tasting of different types of wine "Noravank white dry and red dry", "Bagratuni white dry and red dry", "Areni Malishka red dry", "Avagani white semi sweet", "Avagani red semi sweet", "M.Paradjanov pomegranate semi dry and semi sweet".

 

Drive to Zvartnots, a temple of Vigil Forces, built in 641—661 A.D. as Armenia’s main cathedral by the Catholicos Nerses III, is considered one of the architectural wonders and unique example of Armenian architecture of early Christian period. It was damaged by an earthquake in the 10th century. Тhe ruins of this cathedral still speak about the rare beauty of it. The Zvartnots Archaeological Site is a unique example of Armenian architecture of the early Christian period. The building consisted of three polyhedrons, supported by the massive pillars decorated with eagles, ornamented with grape withes, twigs of pomegranate. Zvartnots is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (2000). After continuation to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual and administrative center of Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit to Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the ancient churches in the Christian world, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (2000). Visit the museum of the Cathedral, located behind the Altar, has collection of religious artefacts about Holy Mass, subjects made of gold, silver, precious stones, decorations, colossal silver boiler for making the myrh and legendary Holy spear.

 

Continuation to Lenughi village for the visit to "Map Winery". Founded in 1944under the name of  "The wine brandy Factory of Hoktemberyan" and after privatization in 1995 the company got the name   "Map". The vineyards with total 114 hectars are located in Ararat valley. The company uses local and Georgian grape sorts like Kharji, Voskehat, Garan Dmak , Areni, Mskhali, Kakhet and produced different types of wines with brand "ARAME". Wine tasting.

 

Drive to Sardarapat. A memorial complex to the heroes of Sardarapat battle against Turkish invaders. This is the place where Armenians held a victory in the battle on May 20-22, 1918, leading to the establishment of the first independent Republic of Armenia in 1918. The complex includes a park, alley with Eagle statues, 26-meter-high bell tower and a wall with triumphal arch. The bells ring every year on the day of the historic victory. Visit to Sardarapat Ethnographic museum has a rich exposition. It exhibits materials from many historical and ethnographic regions of Armenia, as well as archaeological materials from Neolithic to Medieval, various traditional handicrafts, exhibits of carpets and embroidery, modern Armenian decorative ceramics, and jewellery.

 

Continuing tour to family owned "Voskeni Winery". The family moved to Armenia from Boston in the early 1920-e. Explore a breathtaking landscapes dotted with picturesque vineyards. Tasting of delicious wines.

 

Drive back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan

 

Day 8:

Transfer to the airport. Departure

The main three wine regions experience