8–9 hours· Family-friendly
Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni Wine Region
The classic view of Ararat from Khor Virap, a 13th–14th century monastery in a red canyon, and the villages where Armenia's best-known red grape grows.
View tour →Price on request
Experience · 8–10 hours
Armenian Wine Experience in Areni
The cave where archaeologists found a 6,000-year-old winery, a tasting in Armenia's best-known wine village and Noravank in its red-rock gorge.
Overview
Wine in Armenia is far older than the modern bottles suggest. In the Areni-1 cave in Vayots Dzor, archaeologists found a wine press, fermentation jars and grape remains dated to about 4100–4000 BC. The results were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science in 2011, and the site is still the oldest known winery in the world.
This day takes you to the village of Areni and its vineyards, about 1.5–1.75 hours south of Yerevan. You visit the cave, taste local wines made from the indigenous Areni grape and others, and finish at Noravank Monastery in the gorge above. Tastings are arranged with a local winery once availability is confirmed, and the exact winery is named in your written quote.
Highlights
- Areni-1 cave, where the world's oldest known winery, about 6,000 years old, was excavated
- A wine tasting with a local Vayots Dzor winery, arranged once availability is confirmed
- Vineyards of Areni, home of the indigenous red Areni grape
- Noravank Monastery and the red cliffs of the Amaghu gorge
- Optional stop at Khor Virap with its view of Mount Ararat
Suggested itinerary · arranged on request
Suggested itinerary
09:00
Pick-up in Yerevan and drive south
Your driver-guide meets you at your hotel. The road runs south across the Ararat plain, past vineyards and apricot orchards.
09:45
Khor Virap (optional)
A 45-minute stop at the monastery where, by tradition, Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before Armenia adopted Christianity. On clear days Mount Ararat rises just behind it. You can skip this stop to spend more time in Areni.
11:30
Areni-1 cave
Visit the cave on the banks of the Arpa river. Excavations here, which began in 2007, uncovered a shallow clay wine press, fermentation jars and grape seeds dated to about 4100–4000 BC, and a leather shoe roughly 5,500 years old. Your guide explains what was found and where.
12:30
Areni village and vineyards
A short look at the village, its 14th-century Surb Astvatsatsin church and the vineyards along the river valley.
13:15
Wine tasting and lunch
A tasting at a local winery, arranged with the winery once availability is confirmed. Lunch with regional dishes can be arranged at the winery or a nearby restaurant, depending on the day.
15:30
Noravank Monastery
Drive about 15 minutes up the narrow Amaghu gorge to Noravank. Its 13th- and 14th-century churches are known for the carving of the architect and sculptor Momik and for the two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin church.
16:30
Return to Yerevan
Drive back to Yerevan, arriving in the early evening.
Timings are indicative. The order, pace and stops are agreed with you.
Route
- 1Yerevan
- 2Khor Virap (optional stop)
- 3Areni-1 cave
- 4Areni village
- 5Noravank Monastery
Ways to take this tour
Wine and Ararat plain
Adds Khor Virap in the morning and keeps a relaxed pace in Areni, about 9–10 hours.
Wine without Noravank
Focuses on the cave, the village and a longer tasting and lunch, about 7–8 hours.
Main attractions
- Areni-1 cave (Birds' Cave)
- Areni village and Surb Astvatsatsin church
- A local winery in Vayots Dzor (confirmed in your quote)
- Noravank Monastery
- Khor Virap Monastery (optional)
Optional experiences
- A second tasting at another winery or a brandy producer (on request, subject to availability)
- Timing the trip for the Areni Wine Festival in early October
- Picnic among the vineyards in late summer or autumn (on request)
Practical notes
- We never promise a specific winery in advance. Tastings are arranged with a local winery once availability is confirmed, and the name is in your written quote.
- The Areni-1 cave has an entrance fee. Current fees are confirmed when you request your quote.
- The drive is about 1.5–1.75 hours each way. With a driver at the wheel, you can taste without worrying about the road back.
- Noravank and Khor Virap are active religious sites. Covered shoulders and knees are appreciated.
- If you plan to buy wine to take home, check your airline and destination country's allowance before you fly.
What's included
Inclusions such as vehicle, guide, entrance tickets and meals are agreed with you and confirmed in your written quote before anything is booked.
Who it suits
For adults who enjoy wine, history and food. Walking is light. Non-drinkers can join for the cave, the monastery and the food, and non-alcoholic drinks can be requested for the tasting.
Best season
All year. September and October bring the grape harvest and autumn colour. The Areni Wine Festival is usually held in the village on the first Saturday of October; check the date for your year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Areni-1 really the oldest winery in the world?
It is the oldest known winery found so far. Radiocarbon dates put the wine-making installation at about 4100–4000 BC, and the chemical analysis was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science in 2011.
Which winery will we visit?
Tastings are arranged with a local winery once availability is confirmed. We name the winery in your written quote rather than promising one in advance.
When is the best time for a wine trip to Armenia?
Any time of year works for tastings. September and October are the most atmospheric, with the harvest under way, and the Areni Wine Festival is usually held on the first Saturday of October.
How far is Areni from Yerevan?
About 1.5–1.75 hours by car each way in normal conditions. Noravank is about 15 minutes further up the gorge.
Can children come on this tour?
Yes, the cave and Noravank are interesting for children, and non-alcoholic drinks can be requested for them at the tasting. The day is long, though, so younger children may prefer the Khor Virap, Noravank and Areni day trip at an easier pace.
Request a Quote
Request This Tour: Armenian Wine Experience in Areni
Every tour is tailored to your dates, group size and preferences. Send a request and we will reply with an itinerary and a written quote.
Sending a request is free and does not commit you to anything.
Thank you, your request has been sent.
We will reply by email, usually within one to two working days. Nothing is booked or charged until you approve a written quote.
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