Vine to Wine

Day 2|The capital city Yerevan

Yerevan City Tour-The History Museum of Armenia-365 Wines-Saryan Street

Breakfast at the hotel.
We begin our tour at Republic Square, the masterpiece of architect Alexander Tamanian. We continue to the Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art. This complex connects the city center with the residential area through massive stairways that lead to Victory Park, offering a fantastic view of the entire center from above. The Mother Armenia monument stands in the park, watching over the city from the heights.
Next, we visit the Opera House, a remarkable example of urban architecture and a vibrant center of the city. Freedom Square is located right behind it, surrounded by parks and open-air cafés, which are favorite spots for spending summer evenings.
Immerse yourself in Armenia's rich history at the History Museum of Armenia, which houses a national collection of 400,000 objects. The permanent exhibition represents the entire history of the Armenian people, from the time of primitive society to the modern era.
Afterwards, we will visit 365 Wines. Founded in 2006, "Gevorkian Winery" produces wines exclusively from local Armenian grape varieties and is also the only producer of wines made from raisins, following the ancient Armenian "Kakhani" technology, as well as winter harvest "IceWine" and sparkling wines using the ancient traditional "Ancestral" methods in Armenia.
We then head to Saryan Street and enjoy the rest of the afternoon in an authentic wine atmosphere. Named after the famous Armenian artist, this street has become particularly lively and attractive in recent years. One wine restaurant after another has opened here, where you can taste the best Armenian and international wines.
Accommodation at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Drink of the day at 365 Wines: Ariats Voskehat Dry White, Ariats Areni Dry Rosé, Ariats Kes Kakhani Dry Red, 365 Pomegranate.
Tour duration: 8–9 hours
Driving distance: 85 km

Day 3|History of Wine region Aragatsotn

Yerevan – Van Ardi Winery – Armenia Wine – Brandy Factory
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will head to the Aragatsotn region, located at the foot of Mount Aragats. Many excellent wineries can be found here, within a 30-minute to one-hour drive from Yerevan. In this area, you can enjoy high-quality wines while admiring the views of the snow-capped peaks.
We will travel to the village of Sasunik, where we will visit Armenia Wine Factory, considered an icon of modern winemaking, balancing ancient traditions with the latest technology. The Wine History Museum at Armenia Wine has recently opened. Here, you can see archaeological artifacts related to winemaking: clay and silver vessels shaped like animal heads, wine containers, Urartian cuneiform inscriptions, and medieval manuscripts describing the medicinal properties of wine. At the factory, we will also learn about the wine production process. We will then continue to our next wine stop.
The boutique Van Ardi Winery was founded in 2008 by Varuzhan Muradyan, who moved to Armenia from the United States, bringing with him California winemaking experience. It was with wineries like this that the modern winemaking renaissance in Armenia began. The vineyard was established on land previously considered unsuitable for agriculture. Here, you can enjoy not only the wine but also stunning views of Mounts Ararat and Aragats, along with the sounds of music and ringing bells, often heard here to encourage grape growth.
After a wonderful time, we will return to Yerevan. On the way, we’ll stop at the famous Yerevan Brandy Company, founded in 1887. During the 1900 Paris International Exposition, the brandy received the Grand Prix and the legal right to be called "cognac" instead of "brandy." The factory's museum and part of its production area are open to visitors year-round. In addition, the factory features a dedicated bar and a tasting room where visitors can sample some of the finest cognacs in the world.
Accommodation at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Drink of the Day at Armenia Wine: Takar Sparkling Extra Brut, Takar Red Dry, Takar White Dry
Drink of the Day at Van Ardi: Van Ardi Cangun or Tortor White, Van Ardi Rosé, Van Ardi Punj (Instant Blend) or Tortor Red
Drink of the Day at the Brandy Factory: ARARAT "Three Stars," ARARAT "Ani" seven-year-old

Tour Duration: 5–6 hours
Driving Distance: 150 km
Optional: Wine & Grape Spa

Day 4|Armavir-Spiritual and Wine Region

Yerevan – Zvartnots – Alluria Winery – Echmiadzin – Voskevaz – Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure towards the Armavir region with a visit en route to the ruins of Zvartnots Temple (7th century), listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The temple was once a splendid monument of Armenian architecture.
We will visit Alluria Winery to taste the finest wines of the region and learn about the winemaking process. The Machanyan family’s winemaking traditions began in a small village called Aylur, located near Van. The village's name comes from the Alluria River that once surrounded it. Inspired by family winemaking traditions dating back several centuries, they created Alluria wines from indigenous Armenian grape varieties grown in their own vineyards.
We will then continue to Echmiadzin, the center of the Armenian Church and the spiritual heart of the Armenian people. We will visit Echmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest Christian monument in the world. The cathedral was built between 301 and 303 AD by Gregory the Illuminator, the first bishop of the Armenians.
Return to Yerevan. Free time at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Drink of the Day at Alluria: Alluria La Hermosa, Alluria Rosé, Alluria Classic, Alluria Special N1, Alluria Cangun
Drink of the Day at Voskevaz: Voskevaz Karasi Voskehat Collection, Voskevaz Karasi Areni Collection, Voskevaz Karasi Victoria Collection, Voskevaz Monk

Tour Duration: 8–9 hours
Driving Distance: 120 km

Day 5|Areni-Winemaking Center

Yerevan – Noa Winery – Tushpa Winery – Khor Virap – Areni-1 Cave – Areni Wine Art 

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will head toward the Ararat Valley. Just two hours south of Yerevan, Vayots Dzor is home to active wineries and impressive vineyards. Here, thirsty travelers can tour a winery to learn about Armenia’s uninterrupted winemaking tradition while tasting vintages from different eras.
Our first visit in the heart of wine country will be Noa Winery. Noa Winery of Areni/NOA was established by one of the oldest and most renowned Swiss wine houses: St. Jakobskellerei Schuler & Cie AG Schwyz. In 2013, Mr. Jakob Schuler, the company's director, set out to discover the origins of wine culture and traveled to the Caucasus, Armenia.
At NOA, their commitment to quality begins in the vineyard. Their organic vineyards, located in the heart of the Areni region, are carefully cultivated to produce the finest grapes. By adopting organic farming practices, they ensure their vineyards not only yield exceptional fruit but also support environmental health. Each vine is cared for attentively, resulting in grapes that are the essence of their premium wines. With views over the vineyards, we will start our tasting and enjoy the nature and fresh grape-scented air.
We will then visit Tushpa Winery, located 35 km from Yerevan, in the village of Taperakan. Here we will tour the winery and savor high-quality Armenian wines with perfect and delicate flavors. Tushpa Winery has a history of 30 years. This place is known for its unity, warm atmosphere, and pride in its roots. The winery’s name refers to the historic name of the city of Van in Western Armenia. Tushpa was the capital of the Kingdom of Urartu until the 6th century BC.
We will continue our tour to Khor Virap Monastery, dating from the 4th to the 17th centuries. In ancient times, it was used as a prison. The monastery’s religious significance is linked to Armenia’s adoption of Christianity in 301 AD. Located in the Ararat Valley, near the biblical Mount Ararat where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed, the monastery offers stunning views. On a clear day, you will be lucky to take a great photo of the snow-capped mountain from the closest viewpoint.
We will then visit Areni-1 Cave, a highlight for many travelers, due to its major significance in the history of winemaking. Winemaking equipment and residues found in this cave have been dated to 6,100 years ago. Standing there, imagining how winemakers lived thousands of years ago, you can truly feel the ancient atmosphere.
Tonight’s accommodation will be in a carefully selected guesthouse related to the theme of our tour. Areni Wine Art is located in the Vayots Dzor region, in the village of Areni, famous for its vineyards, long history, and wine festivals. Family-owned, the founder Davit carefully designed the minimalist interior of Areni Wine Art with guests’ comfort in mind.
(B/-/-)

Drink of the Day at Tushpa Winery: TUSHPA Dry Red Wine, TUSHPA Dry White Wine, TUSHPA Semi-Sweet White Muscat, 10-Year-Old Armenian Arak
Drink of the Day at Noa Winery: Noa Tozot Rosé, Noa White Cuvée, Noa Classic Red, Noa Natural Sweet

Tour Duration: 6–7 hours
Driving Distance: 140 km

Day 6|The heart of Armenian Winemaking

Noravank – Old Bridge – Krya Winery – Mikayelyan Cheese Farm – Tsaghkunq

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will head into the hills to visit the spectacular Noravank Monastery, one of Armenia’s most beautiful monastic complexes, located in the picturesque Amaghu Gorge. Then, we will travel a short distance to the Old Bridge Winery, where we will be welcomed by the owner and winemaker. In Armenia, it is hard to find a place without a unique story and background, and Old Bridge is no exception. This winery was a pioneer of Armenia’s wine renaissance in the early 1990s, after the country gained independence. The name “Old Bridge” comes from an ancient arched bridge that once served the Great Silk Road in the High Middle Ages.

Afterward, we will continue our wine exploration by visiting Krya Winery, a young family-owned boutique winery in Vernashen, Vayots Dzor region, working exclusively with its own estate-grown grapes. For them, winemaking is a form of art, and their true passion and love can be felt in every bottle. The name KRYA (meaning "turtle" in Armenian) was chosen as a symbol of longevity, fertility, vitality, and patience. Their approach to viticulture and winemaking reflects a profound respect for nature. The estate wines showcase the volcanic soils of the Caucasus region and the harsh continental climate, using only indigenous Armenian grape varieties. Their cultivation methods and winemaking reveal the true potential of these rare varieties. Krya wines are more than just wines: each sip offers a journey through time, into ancient Armenian culture, a flight over the breathtaking Caucasus mountains, and an endless discovery again and again.

We will then continue toward Lake Sevan, the second-largest alpine freshwater lake in the world and the largest in the Caucasus. This massive mountain lake covers a vast area of Armenia’s territory and is located about 1900 meters above sea level, near the village of Tsaghkunq.
The Gegharkunik region is known not only for Lake Sevan and the endemic "Ishkhan" trout. We will travel to the village of Artsvakar, near Gavar, to taste the unique cheeses made by the Mikaelyan family. Arman Mikaelyan and his wife Marina produce more than 10 different types of cheese, including varieties flavored with wine, brandy, nuts, and many other combinations.

Tonight, we will stay in an extraordinary place where good taste and comfort come together. Owners Yura and Ani have created a warm, welcoming center for their guests.
Accommodation at Tsaghkunq Guest House. (B/-/-)

Drink of the Day at Old Bridge Winery: Old Bridge Voskehat 2023 White, Old Bridge Areni Noir Rosé 2023 Rosé, Old Bridge Areni Noir 2020 Reserve Red, Old Bridge Areni Noir 2021 Reserve Red, Old Bridge Areni Grape Vodka Aged Grappa
Drink of the Day at Krya Winery: Krya White Indigenous Blend 2023, Krya Rosé 2023, Small Krya Red Dry 2022

Tour Duration: 7–8 hours
Driving Distance: 190 km

Day 7|The Melody of Stones

Tsaghkunq – Manukyan Brandy – Pagan Temple – Cave Monastery – Yerevan 

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will head to the Manukyan Brandy Factory. With the slogan "Manukyan Wine," the company entered the wine production market in 2016 with the aim of reviving Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions. Their main goal is to produce high-quality wine using local raw materials, European technologies, and the most modern methods. At the heart of their work is a dedication to deeply rooting family traditions.

It is well known that, due to Armenia’s unique geography, grape varieties from each region have distinct flavors and aromas. Thus, every wine is quite different from the others. "Manukyan Wine" products are made from materials that have passed strict quality control.

At the Manukyan Brandy Factory, you will find state-of-the-art fermentation units, ancient winemaking techniques, statues and exhibitions, an exceptional cellar, and a distinctive brandy distillation machine.

We will then head to Kotayk Province and the village of Garni to visit the Pagan Temple of Garni, a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. It was built in the 1st century AD. After Armenia declared Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, the temple was probably used as the summer residence of the kings.
Wine and lavash are two authentic parts of Armenian culture that we will experience in Garni. We will have the opportunity to observe the preparation of the national Armenian bread “lavash” in an underground oven called a “tonir.” Once the lavash is ready, we will enjoy it with Armenian cheese, herbs called “durum,” and a glass of wine.

Afterward, we will continue to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Geghard is another stunning ancient Armenian monastery, partially carved into the mountain.

Return to Yerevan.
Accommodation at a hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Drink of the Day at Manukyan Brandy Factory: "Anamor" dry red wine, "Anamor" dry sparkling wine, "Holani" dry red wine, "Holani" dry white wine, "Holani" dry rosé wine.

Tour Duration: 4–5 hours
Driving Distance: 140 km

Day 8|Departure

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free morning before departure. Transfer to the airport.
Flight back home. (B/-/-)