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Areni Wine Festival

Areni Wine Festival image

Local girl participates in the annual grape-stomping. (Photo by Hrant Sahakyan, My Armenia Program)

In 2011, archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest winery dating back 6,000 years in Areni Cave. Armenian winemakers today are reinvigorating the world’s oldest wine sector, using indigenous varieties and world-class methods to create award-winning labels. Each October Armenian winemakers and tens of thousands of visitors gather in Areni village to celebrate the harvest and heritage during the annual Areni Wine Festival.

Join the festivities, located at the base of a stunning cliff facing scenic Areni village. The festival includes a parade of winemakers, competitions, folk music and dances, local vendors selling crafts and foods, and—most importantly—a lot of wine tasting.

Festival date

October 2, 2021 - Areni

The festival's backdrop is the Areni village where archaeologists discovered items dating to the Chalcolithic Period (4500-3500 BCE).

Photo by Hrant Sahakyan, My Armenia Program

In 2018, over 20,000 people enjoyed some of Armenia's best wine and cheese.

Photo by Hrant Sahakyan, My Armenia Program

Two children drop grapes into a vat which will be used for grape-treading, a historic method of wine-making where grapes are trampled by barefoot participants to release the juices and begin fermentation.

Photo by Hrant Sahakyan, My Armenia Program

Local girls prepare for the festivities, including the parade of winemakers, songs and dances.

Photo by Hrant Sahakyan, My Armenia Program

Visitors can purchase an optional ticket for unlimited tasting of the over 100 wines available.

Photo by Hrant Sahakyan, My Armenia Program

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