In the Footsteps of Ancient Wine

The journey begins at Khor Virap, one of Armenia's best-known monasteries and one of the finest panoramic viewpoints overlooking Mount Ararat.

The name Khor Virap translates as “deep dungeon”. According to Armenian Christian tradition, it was here that Gregory the Illuminator spent 13 years in confinement. After his release he played a key role in Armenia's adoption of Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century. The monastic history of the site itself developed later, and one of the early churches here dates back to the 7th century.

After Khor Virap we head south to Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia's main wine-making regions.

The next stop is Areni, a village whose name today is inseparably linked with Armenian wine. Here a wine tour and tasting await us: an introduction to the local grape varieties, the traditions of wine-making and, of course, Armenian wines.

The history of wine in this region goes back thousands of years, and the next point on the route lets you literally touch that history.

We will visit the Birds' Cave, the Areni-1 archaeological complex.

It was here that archaeologists discovered an ancient winery some 6,100 years old, considered one of the oldest known pieces of evidence of organised wine-making. Areni-1 is also where the famous ancient leather shoe was found.

This place is especially interesting because the history of wine-making in Vayots Dzor stops being merely a story here: the archaeological finds show just how ancient these traditions are.

We finish the journey at Noravank Monastery, set among the high red cliffs of Vayots Dzor.

The main monastic ensemble dates from the 13th century. Noravank was one of the important spiritual, cultural and educational centres of medieval Armenia and is closely connected with the princely Orbelian family.

A special place in Noravank's history belongs to Momik, the outstanding medieval architect, sculptor and master of khachkars. The monastery's architecture, the fine stone carving and the surrounding red canyon make Noravank one of the most memorable sights of southern Armenia.

This route suits those who want to see Armenia through history, wine, archaeology and medieval architecture.

In a single day you will see Ararat from Khor Virap, get to know the wine-making traditions of Areni, visit the archaeological Birds' Cave and end the journey among the red cliffs of medieval Noravank.

It is a particularly interesting route for lovers of history, wine, archaeology, beautiful natural scenery and Armenian culture.