About this experience
The main goal of this excursion is to journey into the world of Armenian wine. But we won't miss a couple of symbolic landmarks along the way. You will visit a private winery, a large wine factory, and a modern Wine History Museum: learn about Armenia as a hub of winemaking culture, explore the production, hear about our famous wines, and of course, taste them with experts. Explore the medieval Sagmosavan Monastery and see the huge stone alphabet!
What to expect
Just a 45-minute drive from Yerevan and you will find yourself in a picturesque region with a view of Mount Ararat to the south and the dormant volcano Aragats to the north. On its slopes, you will visit cultural landmarks and two interesting wineries.
Sagmosavan Monastery of the 13th century on a cliff in the Kasakh River gorge. You will hear about a local priest who saved villagers during the Mongol invasion. Decode the features of architecture and enjoy the landscapes.
Alley of Letters. On the plateau with huge stone letters, I will tell you about the great thinker and linguist Mesrop Mashtots, the significance of the Armenian alphabet for the people, and its mystical connection to Mendeleev's table. And of course, help everyone find the first letter of their name.
Small family winery. Its founder returned to his historical homeland from California and applied his knowledge and experience in producing original wines. A wine expert will show you the vineyards (depending on the season) and marani (cellars), explain the organization, features, and achievements of the winery. In the end, you will be treated to a tasting of signature wines with a cheese assortment.
One of the largest and most successful wineries in Armenia. You will be given a tour of the workshop, distillation room, and cellar. How did winemaking appear in Armenia? What traditions do grape growers maintain? What are the latest technologies used? How are sparkling wines made and how do bubbles appear? You will hear the answers, and then learn how to taste wine and talk about it correctly.
Wine History Museum. It's not just halls with ancient exhibits— it's a museum of wine traditions, flavors, and aromas. Here you will trace the path of wine from biblical times and discover its aspects related to rituals and ceremonies. You will see a leather shoe that is 5500 years old and learn what it has in common with wine.
Additional options
- If desired by the group, we can organize a delicious lunch with national dishes at the restaurant by the winery.
- We will gladly recommend an atmospheric wine restaurant in Yerevan and reserve a table for you— where you can have dinner after the excursion.
- Moreover, we can arrange an evening with a wine tasting in the company of a sommelier. Cost - 20,000 drams per person (5 types of wine and light snacks included).
Organizational details
The excursion is conducted for a minimum of 2 people. Please, before paying for a single person's order, check with the guide if the tour will take place on that day.
What is included in the price and what is not
- Transportation costs, guide accompaniment, tickets to the Wine History Museum are included
- Additional fees apply for tours with tastings at the winery and at the factory (from 5,000 to 20,000 drams per person)
- Lunch organization is discussed in advance, taking into account the wishes of all group participants. The cost of a fixed menu starts from 6,000 drams (15€).
How the excursion goes
- On the website, you pay 22%, the rest is paid to the guide in local currency on the spot
- Excursions at wineries and the museum are conducted by guides and experts on-site. In other locations and on the way, you will be accompanied by me or another guide from our team.
- Depending on the season and the schedule of the factories, the program may vary slightly (you will be informed in advance)
There is also an option to book the services of a professional photographer and videographer: take pleasant photos for memory or social media, shoot a trendy short video, or even have a creative photoshoot. You can discuss all the details with our photographer before the trip and ask questions. From each location, you will receive about 5 photos and a short video. The cost of the service is 60,000 drams.