Armenia and Georgia are home to some of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions. Both countries are considered cradles of wine civilization. Armenia is referred to as the "birthplace of wine" as it's believed that the wine development in the Armenian valley goes back to biblical times, when Noah, after landing on the sacred Mount Ararat planted the first vine on its slopesand. Georgia is home to some of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions as archaeological evidence suggests that wine has been produced in this region for over 8,000 years, making it a significant part of Georgia’s cultural and historical identity. In recent years, their wines have garnered international acclaim, attracting enthusiasts eager to explore the distinctive flavors and rich cultural heritage behind every bottle. From this post you will learn about the top wineries in Armenia and Georgia, which are worth visiting for all wine enthusiasts. And if you want to taste local wines and visit some of the winiries mentioned below you can book our Gourmet Tour to Armenia and Georgia.
Wineries in Armenia: Van Ardi
Van Ardi Winery, established by Varuzhan Mouradian in 2008, is a boutique winery located in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia. Varuzhan Mouradian originally a successful CPA in the United States, decided to follow his passion for wine and returned to his Armenian roots to revive the country’s ancient winemaking traditions. He founded Van Ardi in Armenia in 2008, aiming to craft world-class wines that reflect Armenia’s unique terroir. His approach blends traditional Armenian techniques with modern practices. Their organic vineyards and minimal invasion winemaking help them manifest the pure qualities of local grape varieties. Varuzhan's work has helped elevate Armenian wine to international recognition. The winery’s signature wines highlight native grape varieties. The fun fact is that Varuzhan surrounds his vines with the sounds of classical music and jazz. To get acquainted with the wines and having a tour around the winery visit their official web site.
Wineries in Armenia: Karas
Karas Winery is a standout in Armenia's modern winemaking scene, blending ancient traditions with innovative techniques. It was founded by Eduardo Eurnekian and his niece Juliana Eurnekian who have been making wines in Patagonia and then founded a winery in Armenia. Located in the Armavir region, their vineyards span over 400 hectares and feature a diverse range of grape varieties, both indigenous and international. The unique volcanic soils and the use of sustainable farming practices contribute to the exceptional quality of Karas wines.
Karas is named after ancient Armenian clay amphorae ("karas"), used for wine storage for over 6,000 years. This name reflects the winery's commitment to preserving Armenia's old winemaking heritage. Despite this ancient inspiration, the winery employs cutting-edge technology, such as computerized irrigation systems, to ensure precision and quality in production. The winery is known for producing a wide variety of wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, often blending both local and international grape varieties. One of its standout features is the collaboration with world-renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland, ensuring that the wines reflect the unique Armenian terroir with modern sophistication. To get acquainted with their wines and book a visit to the winery follow this link.
Wineries in Armenia: Areni
Areni Wine Factory is one of the oldest wine facilities in this area. It was founded in 1994 in the historic wine-producing region of Vayots Dzor, home to the Areni-1 cave complex, where the world’s oldest known winery was discovered, dating back over 6,100 years. This winery is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Areni Noir grape, a variety native to the region, which thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of Vayots Dzor. Areni Winery is known for its production of traditional red wines made from the Areni Noir grape, which is often compared to Pinot Noir for its elegant, fruity profile and aging potential. The winery blends age-old Armenian techniques with modern practices to produce wines that reflect the unique character of the region. Visitors can explore the vineyards and learn about the deep historical roots of Armenian winemaking while enjoying tastings of Areni’s signature wines. Learn more about the wine factory here.
Wineries in Armenia: Voskevaz
Voskevaz Winery is a distinguished, family-owned winery located in the Aragatsotn region in the village of Voskevaz. The name "Voskevaz" is translated as "golden bunch”. The region is known for its ancient heritage, with winemaking roots dating back over 6,000 years, as evidenced by archeological finds like ancient karases (traditional clay amphorae) used for wine aging.
Established in 1932, the winery underwent a significant transformation in 1997 under the leadership of Davit Hovhannisyan and his brothers. Their approach blends ancient Armenian techniques, like the use of karases for fermentation, with modern innovations, producing wines of exceptional quality. Their flagship "Karasi Collection" is particularly celebrated for combining indigenous grape varieties, such as Voskehat and Areni Noir, with traditional clay aging methods and oak barrels. Visitors can explore its historic wine cellar, taste award-winning wines, and enjoy the unique cultural heritage through guided tours. Learn more on the official website. Read our interview with the head of the marketing department of Voskevaz winery to learn the great story of Voskevaz.
Wineries in Armenia: Old Bridge
Old Bridge Winery is a family-run winery situated in the heart of the Vayots Dzor region, near the village of Areni. The winery is known for its commitment to small-batch production and organic farming practices. Old Bridge is named after the historic bridge near the winery, which is a symbol of the region’s ancient winemaking history. The winery focuses primarily on the Areni Noir grape but also produces wines from other local and international varieties, such as Kakhet and Sangiovese. Old Bridge wines are handcrafted, with a focus on expressing the unique terroir of the high-altitude vineyards in Vayots Dzor. Visitors to Old Bridge can enjoy personalized tours, wine tastings, and insights into the traditional Armenian winemaking techniques used by the Sargisian family. You will find all the necessary information on their official website.
Wineries in Georgia: Shumi Winery
The company started its story in 1997 Shumi Winery, also located in the Kakheti region, offers a deep dive into Georgia’s winemaking heritage. It operates on the concept of preserving authentic Georgian wine culture and is home to a wine museum and vineyard park, showcasing more than 300 unique grape varieties indigenous to Georgia.
Shumi’s approach to winemaking emphasizes organic and sustainable practices. Its Saperavi and Rkatsiteli wines are celebrated for their rich flavors and robust character, while their experimental blends appeal to adventurous wine lovers. One of Shumi’s flagship products is Zigu, a blend made from rare Georgian grape varieties that harken back to ancient traditions.
The winery’s historical roots are paired with modern hospitality, offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and immersive experiences like grape harvesting during the annual Rtveli festival, a centuries-old tradition.
Wineries in Georgia: Château Mukhrani
Château Mukhrani is a historical and cultural treasure of Georgia, symbolizing the country’s rich heritage. Located near Tbilisi, it combines a magnificent castle, vineyards, wine cellars, and a unique story. The Mukhrani Castle was originally built in 1885, and its gardens were designed by French landscapers. Over time, the estate fell into decline, but restoration efforts began in 2002. Today, Château Mukhrani offers fascinating tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and even horseback riding. Special emphasis is placed on winemaking, as wines from its vineyards have been internationally renowned since the late 19th century, when they were first exported to Europe. Now, Château Mukhrani also offers diverse entertainment such as Georgian dance and wine-painting workshops. It is also a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
Wineries in Georgia: Pheasant Tears Winery
Pheasant's Tears Winery, located in the Kakheti region of Georgia, was founded in 2007 by artist John Wurdeman and winemaker Gela Patalishvili. The winery specializes in producing natural wines using ancient Georgian techniques, with a focus on organic processes and local, endemic grape varieties. The name "Pheasant's Tears" comes from a Georgian legend, where only the finest wines could make a pheasant cry tears of joy.
The winery uses traditional qvevri (large clay vessels buried underground) for fermentation, with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. Their wines include unique whites, reds, and sparkling wines, many of which are aged with prolonged skin contact to bring out deeper flavors and tannins. Pheasant's Tears is known for its artisanal approach, producing around 80,000 bottles annually and expanding to 120,000 in future vintages, making it one of the largest natural wine producers in Georgia.
Beyond wine, the winery offers a cultural experience with a restaurant that blends local Kakhetian cuisine, art, and traditional Georgian music. Their wines are exported internationally, and they have become a significant figure in the natural wine movement globally.
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