Wine Tour in Armenia | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Wine Tour in Armenia

PRIVATE TOUR - 8 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 3629

Private Tour Highlights

  • Explore Maran Winery’s rich history and enjoy tastings of their renowned Noravank and Avagini wines.
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots cathedrals, symbols of Armenia’s spiritual and architectural heritage.
  • Discover Alluria Winery’s unique wines crafted from indigenous Armenian grape varieties.
  • Journey to Van Ardi Estate for a tasting amid breathtaking views of Mount Ararat.
  • Experience the ancient Areni Cave, home to the world’s oldest known winemaking facility.
  • Enjoy lunch and homemade wine at a local house near the medieval Amberd Fortress.
  • Participate in the Areni Wine Festival, celebrating Armenia’s winemaking traditions.
  • Wander through the Symphony of Stones near Garni, a natural wonder shaped like an orchestra of basalt columns.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Begin an unforgettable journey through Armenia’s rich wine heritage with our Wine Tour in Armenia.

This immersive experience guides you through centuries-old wineries nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Ararat Valley and beyond. From the historic Maran Winery, where traditions dating back to the 19th century blend with modern techniques, to the scenic vineyards of Alluria and Van Ardi, each stop promises not just tastings, but a deep dive into Armenia’s viticultural history. Explore cultural treasures like the Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots cathedrals, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, before indulging in exclusive tastings and gourmet pairings that highlight the best of Armenian cuisine. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, this tour guarantees to uncover the secrets of Armenian winemaking in a way that’s as enriching as it is delicious. 

Inclusions
- Transport: Mercedes Sprinter 15-17 seats
- Hotel Accommodations including daily breakfast
- Meals
- Entrance fees in accordance with the program
- Lavash master class
- Wine tastings in wineries (standard packages)
- One bottle of water per person per day
- English-speaking wine expert and guide
Exclusions

- Alcoholic beverages
- Extra personal fees
- Meals not mentioned

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 3629

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Welcome to Armenia

Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day
2

Yerevan - Maran - Zvartnots - Ejmiatsin - Alluria – Yerevan

Today, you will visit Maran Winery.

The origins of Maran date back to 1828-30, when Sargis, son of Eynat, the Prince of Khoy, and his wife Maran repatriated from Persia to the Armenian province of Vayots Dzor. In 1860, Harutyun, Sargis’s son, expanded the vineyard his parents had planted and called it Marani as a tribute to his mother. A few years later, he built a semi-industrial wine press by the vineyard. Maran Winery was officially founded in 1992. That same year, the first batch of wine, made from the Areni grape variety, was named Noravank. Due to its distinctive design and high quality, the wine immediately stood out in the market of newly independent Armenia.
In 1996, they embarked upon a new project with their colleagues from France and began exporting wines internationally. Over the years, the combination of Armenian tradition and modern technologies has given birth to their wines, each one better and more successful than the previous.

Maran Winery (Packages)

Op 1 - Included
- «Malahi» white dry
- «Bagratuni» white dry
- «Malahi» red dry
- «Bagratuni» red dry
- «Avagini Blanc» white semi dessert or «Avagini Rouge» red semi dessert
- «M. Parajanov» pomegranate sweet or «Maran Apricot» semi-sweet

Op. 2
- «Malahi» white dry
- «Bagratuni» white dry
- «Malahi» red dry
- «Bagratuni» red dry
- «Malahi» red dry reserve
- «Malahi amber» amber dry

Op. 3
- «Malahi amber» amber dry
- «Noravank classic» reserve
- «Zarm» red dry reserve
- «Malahi» white dry
- «Bagratuni» white dry
- «Malahi» red dry
- «Bagratuni» red dry
- «Malahi» red dry reserve

Ejmiatsin Cathedral and Zvartnots Cathedral Visit

You will then visit the Ejmiatsin Cathedral and Zvartnots Cathedral. We will start the excursion to the centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. Ejmiatsin is a sacred place for Armenian people and the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built in the 7th century by Nerses the Builder. Currently, there are only ruins of Zvartnots, but it has not lost its mystery over the years.

Alluria Winery Visit

Afterwards, visit Alluria Winery. The Machanyan family’s winemaking traditions started in a small village named Alyur, situated near Van. The village's name came from the river Alluria, which flowed around the village. Inspired by the family’s centuries-old winemaking traditions, we created Alluria wines from Armenian indigenous grape varieties grown in our own vineyards. The hot climate, sandy, and clay soil of St. Echmiadzin in the Ararat Valley result in a perfect harvest, which, combined with the love and warmth of our hearts, ensures the high quality and unique taste of this wine.

Alluria Winery Packages
Included:
- Tour in Alluria Wine House
- 5-7 types of wine
- Grape seed oil
- Assortment of Armenian cheese
-Bread

Return to Yeravan for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
3

Yerevan - Amberd - Van Ardi – Yerevan

We will start the tour with the capital of Armenia: Yerevan.

For ages, this city has been known as the “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. We will visit Republic Square, Mashtots Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachaturian, and the park "Cascade."

The tour continues to Amberd Fortress. The medieval fortress of Amberd (7th–13th century AD) is built on the southern slope of Mount Aragats (4091 meters above sea level) and is the only well-preserved fortress from Medieval Armenia. Lunch will be at a local house with homemade wine tasting.

Wine tours are an authentic way to discover a country’s rural and inland destinations. There’s a story behind our wines, and we love to share it. Van Ardi Estate Winery is an important stop on the Armenian wine renaissance route and opens doors for visitors to immerse themselves in wine culture. You will embark on a journey into the world of wines. A toast to that! All in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We offer visitors a range of wine tasting and spectacular private tour experiences. Choose your experience.

Van Ardi Winery Packages

Option 1 - Included
- 3 Classic Wines

Option 2
- 3 Classic Wines + 2 Reserve Wines

Return to Yerevan for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
4

Yerevan - Khor Virap - Tushpa winery - Areni cave - Momik winery - Noravank monastery – Yeghegis

Take a trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4th-18th centuries).

This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned there for about 13 years when the monastery was a prison. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain, an immortal symbol of Armenia.

You'll find Tushpa 35 km from Yerevan. Our winery is nestled below the Biblical Mt. Ararat, in Taperakan village. Our 6 hectares of vines are planted nearly 800 meters above sea level. The soil is clay-based and partially consists of sedimentary rocks. For our winemakers, it is fundamental to enhance our terroir’s influence in the end product. Only by sharing these unique qualities will our wines be protected and justified.


Tushpa Winery Packages

Op. 1 - Included
You will experience a guided wine tasting of 3 of Tushpa’s offerings after the unforgettable tour in our wine cellar. Our fantastic natural wines will also be paired with a delicious Armenian lavash, cheese platter, and homemade snacks to taste the true flavors of Armenia.

Op. 2
You will experience a guided wine tasting of 3 of Tushpa’s offerings after the unforgettable tour in our wine cellar. Our fantastic natural wines will also be paired with a delicious dinner consisting of an Armenian main dish, vegetables, sauces, homemade snacks, and a nice dessert to taste the true flavors of Armenia.

Areni Cave
Continue the tour to Areni Village and Areni Cave. The cave consists of 3 rooms, most of which are not yet explored. During the studies of the cave, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, pottery, clothing, grapes, and dried plums attributed to the years 4200-3500 BC were found. The oldest leather shoe in the world (which is more than 5500 years old) was found here. The cave also houses the oldest known wine cellar in the world (dating back over 6000 years ago).

Participation in Festival "Areni Wine"
In 2008, the "Areni Festival" Foundation initiated this event, helping to restore the old winemaking traditions typical of that region. The purpose of the festival was to promote event tourism in Armenia, as well as to make the Vayots Dzor region known abroad as a winemaking center. Visitors to the event have the opportunity to try various wines, learn from the producers about the characteristics of their drinks, and attend the grape pressing ceremony, which symbolizes winemaking.

We will continue our tour to Noravank, a 12th-century monastery situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God.

Overnight in Yeghegis ...read less

Day
5

Yeghegis - Selim pass - Noratus - Mikayelyan farm - Sevan – Dilijan

Today we are going to pass the pathways that were used by travelers of the Great Silk Road.

We will drive through the Selim Caravanserai, which served as an important center for exchange, trade, and overnight stays during the times of the Great Silk Road. Here, we can see the immortal tracks of world history.

Visit Noratus, a village located on the western shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is particularly known for its historic cemetery, Noratus Cemetery, which has one of the largest collections of Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) in the country.

Our next stop is Mikaelyan Family Farm, where unique Armenian cheese has been produced for several years by the Mikaelyan family. This family-run company specializes in the production of wine-cheese, cognac-cheese, “horac,” and parmesan-type cheeses.

Hovaz Winery

As the leopard was lost and found in Armenia, winemaking is also experiencing a renaissance in Armenia. Thus, the Wine Formula team will not only create favorable conditions for the development of our partners in viticulture and winemaking in Armenia but also contribute to wildlife preservation and highlight the importance of its protection. Another aspect of the company’s philosophy is to promote women’s significant role in the Armenian wine industry, thanks to the dedicated work of our team. Our core values are:

– Support for sustainable winemaking and viticulture
– Conservation of wildlife
– Fair price for grapes
– High level of corporate social responsibility

Hovaz Winery Packages

Op. 1 - Included Sparkling Tasting
- Participation in the final steps of sparkling wine production, a glass of sparkling wine, meat and cheese platter

Op. 2 - Standard Tasting
- A glass of white, rosé, red wines, meat and cheese platter

Op. 3 - Reserve Tasting
- A glass of white, rosé, red, red reserve wines, meat and cheese platter

Overnight in Dilijan ...read less

Day
6

Dilijan - Haghartsin - Manukyan winery – Yerevan

Today you will visit the Monastery of Haghartsin, a prominent structure of Medieval Armenian architecture.

We will drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here, we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery, situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are two monasteries; one of them is destroyed, but the other stands still. They were built in the Middle Ages, around the 10th century.

Next, we will visit the Manukyan wine and brandy company. Combining the experience of centuries-old Armenian winemaking with modern technologies and equipment, Manukyan introduces a unique culture of wine and brandy-making.

Manukyan Winery Packages:

Op. 1 - Included
- Tour in the winery
- Tasting:
- Holani red dry wine
- Holani white dry wine
- Holani rosé dry wine
- Cheese assortment, crackers, olives

Op. 2
- Tour in the winery
- Tasting:
- Anamor red dry wine
- Anamor white dry wine
- Holani red dry wine
- Holani white dry wine
- Holani rosé dry wine
- Cheese assortment, meat assortment, crackers, olives, bruschetta

Op. 3
- Tour in the winery and the glass bottle factory
- Tasting:
- Anamor red dry wine
- Anamor white dry wine
- Holani red dry wine
- Holani white dry wine
- Holani rosé dry wine
- Cheese assortment, meat assortment, crackers, olives, bruschetta

Return to Yerevan for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
7

Yerevan - Garni - Geghard – Yerevan

In the morning, take a trip to Garni.

This Pagan temple was built in the 1st century AD and is the only temple preserved from Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. The temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 1679 but restored in 1975.

Next, drive to the Symphony of Stones, located near the village of Garni, not far from the ancient Garni Temple. This stunning basalt rock formation has been shaped by nature over centuries. The rocks in the gorge have taken on various columnar shapes, resembling a natural orchestra of standing stones, leading to the name "Symphony of Stones."

Afterward, visit a local house for lunch, where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. Lavash is very thin and usually sold in very large forms. It is typically cooked in a ground oven called a "tonir." In 2015, lavash was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Heritage list. Here, you will enjoy “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese.

Then, continue your trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name comes from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ, which has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation date of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid-13th century.

A wine tour at Gevorkian Winery immerses you in history through a modern experience. Quality and tradition have always been the priorities of winemaking here. Trust us once, and you will forever enjoy the experience of tasting our broad range of wines at Gevorkian Winery.

Gevorkian Winery Packages:

Op. 1 - Included
- Ariats Voskehat white dry wine
- Ariats Areni Rose dry wine
- Ariats Kes Kakhani red dry wine
- 365 Pomegranate semi-sweet wine
- Meat platter
- Cheese platter
- Lavash chips
- Baked potatoes
- Grissini

Op. 2
- Ariats Carbinic Karasi red natural dry wine
- Ariats Carbinic Karasi white natural dry wine
- Ariats Kakhani reserve red dry wine
- Ariats Kakhani reserve red sweet wine
- Hay Pet Nat Areni Rose sparkling wine
- Meat platter
- Cheese platter
- Lavash chips
- Baked potatoes
- Grissini

Visit the fruit market "Gum." One of the most vivid places in Yerevan, Gum Market, near the Tashir trading center, opened during the Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread (lavash), pickles, and more.

Overnight stay in Yerevan. ...read less

Day
8

Day 8: International Flight Home

You will be transferred from the hotel to Zvartnots Airport for your departure flight home.

You will be transferred from the hotel to Zvartnots Airport for your departure flight home.

Yerevan, Armenia

Yeghegis, Armenia

Dilijan, Armenia

Maran Winery Shop, Vagharsh Vagharshyan Street, Yerevan, Armenia

Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Araratyan Street, Vagharshapat, Armenia

Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins Parking, Manushyan Street, Vagharshapat, Armenia

Alluria, խճուղի, Vagharshapat, Armenia

Amberd fortress, Amberd Road, Armenia

Van Ardi Winery, Ashtarak, Armenia

Khor Virap Monastery, H11, Pokr Vedi, Armenia

Tushpa Wine Cellar, Paruyr Sevak, Taperakan, Armenia

Areni-1 Cave, Str, Areni, Armenia

Noravank Monastery Road, Armenia

Yeghegis, Armenia

Selim Caravanserai, Yerevanyan Hwy, Yeghegnadzor, Armenia

Hovaz Wine Rooms, Dilijan, Armenia

Dilijan, Armenia

Haghartsin Monastery Complex, Teghut, Armenia

Lake Sevan, Armenia

Sevanavank Monastery, Sevan, Armenia

Garni Temple, Garni, Armenia

Places You'll See

  • Yerevan

    The capital of Armenia, Yereva, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, emerging as a city around 782 BC. Though this is when the city is thought to be founded, archaeological findings point out that early settlements existed as early as the 4th Millenium BC. Today, Armenia’s capital is home to 1-million people. Visitors are welcomed to stroll the lively streets adorned with Soviet-era architecture, chic shops, and tasty restaurants. Take in the city’s history with visits to the iconic Cascade stairway, the Opera House, and other points of interest.

  • Yeghegis

    Yeghegis, located in the stunning Vayots Dzor region of Armenia, is steeped in rich history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. This ancient village is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the impressive 13th-century monastery of Noravank nestled in a picturesque canyon. History buffs can explore ancient khachkars (cross-stones) scattered throughout the village, while nature enthusiasts can hike through the scenic Yeghegis River gorge or visit nearby vineyards producing renowned Armenian wines. Yeghegis offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Armenia’s cultural heritage and landscapes. 

  • Dilijan

    Known as the “Little Armenian Switzerland”, Dilijan is one of the most picturesque and pleasant parts of Armenia. Dense forests, curative mineral springs, clear lakes, and wonderful highland sceneries of Dilijan National Park are a magnet for nature lovers. Moreover, the experience of natural beauty is accompanied by the discovery of historical monuments, such as the many monasteries the region has to offer.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Yerevan : Imperial Palace

Yerevan : Opera Suite Hotel

Yerevan : Ramada Suite

Yeghegis : Hotel Arevi

Dilijan : Best Western Paradise

Testimonials

Carla and Antonio

Traveled August 2021

Pottery, magic carpets, and Turkish delights, Oh my!!

Wow! Turkey is a must vacation for anyone interested in great food, approachable and welcoming citizens, and significant world history! Istanbul is truly a secular cosmopolitan metropolis… Traffic included lol The Cappadocia region was truly a step back in time… And the hot air balloon ride is a must! Pottery, magic carpets, and Turkish delights, Oh my!!

Traveled To

Jacqueline P.

Traveled February 2019

I will use them again on my next trip!!

I will use them again on my next trip!!

Traveled To


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