Armenian Wine in Aragatsotn Province
Aragatsotn Province is a true gem for wine enthusiasts and those who appreciate authentic Armenian wine. It’s blessed with a continental climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, dry, sunny summers – the perfect conditions for growing diverse grape varieties. This region has a centuries-old rich history of viticulture and is home to some of the country’s well-known wineries. The cellars around Ashnak village are proof that the Aragatsotn province flourished in Armenian wine-making, especially during the Middle Ages. Several cellars were found with rectangular floor plans and about 1.5 meters thick basalt stones of different sizes. Wine production was finalized and carried out in the cellars and temples. Monastery complexes and churches of the Middle Ages in Ashnak had rich gardens and powerful cellars for producing wine.
Approximately 742 acres around Ashnak village have cellar ruins adjacent to stone-fenced lands. Cellars found there have been residential and industrial facilities, the base of which is the lime-plastered pit. In the hollow part, people loaded grape mass in lime-covered canvases. The walls and the floor of the industrial parts of the cellar have been covered with waterproof mortar.
A museum in the village of Sasunik, in the Aragatsotn province, contains a comprehensively researched history of Armenian wine-making. The museum is called the Wine History Museum of Armenia, and it bridges the gap between the past and the present by revealing to its visitors the centuries-old traditions of growing grapes and making wine in Armenia. The museum was created using ancient monuments and bibliographic and ethnographic data.
Here, Armenia’s evolution of viticulture and wine-making is showcased through artifacts, interpretations, and cutting-edge interactive solutions. The main exhibition hall, situated 8 meters deep within underground basalt rocks, meticulously details the chronological development of wine-making in Armenia and explores wine’s connection to various aspects of Armenian history and culture.
As of now, some of the most renowned wineries in the Aragatsotn province are:
- Armenia Wine
- ArmAs
- Van Ardi
- Voskevaz
- Stork Wines
Armenia Wine
exemplifies the perfect blend of tradition and modernity in Armenian wine-making. Located in Aragatsotn’s volcanic and diverse climate, the winery benefits from unique geographical conditions ideal for growing vines at altitudes ranging from 850 to 1850 meters above sea level. The harvest season, starting in August and ending in October, involves meticulous hand-harvesting and selection processes, ensuring only the finest grapes are used.
Advanced destemming techniques preserve the integrity of the berries. Specializing in indigenous grape varieties like Kangun and Rkatsiteli, Armenia Wine produces a range of high-quality wines, from dry to semi-sweet. The company is committed to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation, striving to revive and perfect Armenian wine-making traditions. Additionally, it positionins itself as a leader in the region’s wine and brandy production.
Van Ardi
In 2008, driven by a passion for wine-making, Varuzhan Mouradian and his family left Los Angeles to create Van Ardi in Armenia’s ancient Aragatsotn region. As Armenia’s first boutique winery, Van Ardi plays a key role in the country’s wine renaissance. Situated at 1,050 meters above sea level, the vineyards benefit from rocky volcanic soils and a favorable microclimate, yielding healthy vines and exceptional wines. Varuzhan, a former CPA, now wears many hats as the founder, winemaker, and creative director, while his wife, Anahit, leads the culinary experiences, and their eldest daughter, Ani, manages marketing and tours.
Embracing organic and biodynamic practices, Van Ardi produces Armenian wines that capture the essence of Armenian grape varieties, nurtured with love, music, and tradition. Van Ardi wines are enjoyed worldwide, bringing a taste of Armenia to numerous countries.
Voskevaz Winery
A prominent establishment in Aragatsotn founded in 1932, stands out with its distinctive ‘wine castle’ architecture. Visitors are treated to a unique experience, exploring Armenian wines made from indigenous grape varieties such as Areni, Kangun, and Voskehat. Voskevaz is celebrated for its exceptional wines, crafted using traditional techniques, offering wine enthusiasts a delightful journey of discovery.
The winery skillfully blends modern techniques with ancient traditions, using 19th-century pitchers and Armenian oak barrels. Since its revival in 2004, Voskevaz has gained international recognition for its innovative wine-withering techniques and high-quality wines, consistently earning awards at global competitions.
ArmAs Winery
Established in 2007, revitalizes Armenia’s wine-making heritage with its elegant wines derived from the country’s rich regional identity. Known as the birthplace of the vine, Armenia hosts the oldest known wine-making ruins, dating back 6,100 years. Winemaker Emilio Del Medico honors this legacy by producing award-winning wines from estate-grown native varieties.
Situated against the majestic Mount Ararat, ArmAs Estate spans 180 hectares, transformed from rocky terrain into a picturesque landscape of vineyards, orchards, and a world-class winery. ArmAs wines are distributed and enjoyed worldwide, including in Japan, France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK, etc.
