There are lots of wine lovers around the world, but a few know that the history of viticulture and winemaking dates back to Noah’s times, and, especially, that Armenia has a direct connection to that story. According to legend, Noah plants first vineyard after the Great Flood at the foot of mountain Ararat, and makes beverage from grape. The beverage was very tasty and Noah himself gets “drunk” (Genesis 9:20). Many may not believe in it, but historical accounts and archeological discoveries come to prove that Armenian winemaking roots go really deep. An archeological excavation from 1939-1971 uncovered Urartian fortress Teishebaini (Karmir Blur – Red Hill, in Yerevan). Discovered huge wine cellars and big vessels partially buried in the soil evidence that they could carry almost 4,000,000 liters of wine.

In “The Histories” by Herodotus it can found out that Armenia is presented as birthplace of winemaking. Herodotus mentions that wine was taken from Armenia to Euphrates and Tigris. Modern findings are even more amazing: in 2008 world’s oldest leather shoe aged 5,500-years old was found in a cave, in Areni. In 2011 the world’s oldest winery was discovered here (6100 years old).

Keeping the best techniques and practices of winemaking, Armenian wineries nowadays produce award winning wines. Armenia is blessed to have a favorable natural environment to grow delicious grape and make aromatic varietals or blends. You can easily find a winery in Yerevan, taste various wines, and have your unforgettable and impressive “Armenia wine tour” there.

Making tasty wine demands very careful approach to the process. First of all, grape cluster shouldn’t be overladen. This influences quality and taste of wine. When a healthy product is grown enough and harvest begins, wine companies start to buy grapes and cultivate them. Though there are different mechanical equipments to reap grapes, many people in Armenia prefer to hand-pick them. Armenians believe that hand picking makes wine tastier.

When product is ready, reaping begins, and grapes are taken to the winery, poured into the tanks, then into crusher. The unnecessary mass is separated, and fruits are pumped into another tanks. After long filtering process wine is taken to cellars and kept in vessels. Every 10 days some more wine is added into vessels. Winemakers say, that vessels should be fully filled in with wine. When there is enough space in the vessel, wine will not be tasty.

To make dry wines 4 years are needed, and 1 year - for semi dry wines. It will be interesting to mention, that not every grape can be used to make wine. When there are great weather conditions, great eating grapes will grow, but not the ones used for wine. Real wine is made when grapes “struggle to grow”.

Every Armenian having even small vineyard will definitely make homemade wine, using even traditional methods to crush grapes. There is an interesting tradition named grape stomping or grape treading. After grapes are gathered altogether girls start to crush them with feet. This is not for making process hard: it’s just interesting and funny.

Whenever you are in Armenia, you can become a part of the very interesting wine events. There are many wine festivals in Armenia organized every year, during which tourists, guests and residents can get acquainted with local wine assortment, enjoy winemakers’ parade, music, songs, and competitions. Wine tours in various wineries are another chance to see winemaking process itself.  And if you are someone who wants to become a part of Armenian wine festival and discover more about Armenia then take your chance to travel with “Caucasus Holidays” and enjoy all the conveniences it provides. Bon voyage!