5th October, sunny, even hot. In the Vayots Dzor village of Areni, there was a massive wine festival this weekend
. It is an annual event, featuring all kinds of food, the fruit of Armenia –and of course wine! Dry, semi-dry, sweet, red and white, from wine producers, small and big from all over Armenia. Pay only 3000 AMD for an empty glass, and you taste as much wine as you want, visiting the stalls of all our wine producers. As the day goes on, people become increasingly merry– dancing, singing, eating, and just enjoying their time together in the beautiful outdoors. Don’t worry. No-one gets aggressive or out of control–I was quite surprised by this myself., All the food and fruits for sale were very cheap. I bought a great bunch of grapes for just 200 AMD. Everything is very well organized !
Hire me as your driver for next year’s festival. We can start the day by visiting Noravank monastery and exploring the ancient cave Areni 1 where evidence of wine-making from 6000 years ago has been excavated. This is also where the ancient shoe you can see at the Armenian history museum in Yerevan was found. At the festival, I will stay completely sober and drive you safely home.
Not able to visit Armenia in October? Don’t worry. At any time of year I can arrange visits to the Old Bridge and Trinity Canyon wineries in Vayots Dzor. Learn the history of our Areni noir grapes, drink some excellent wine, and enjoy some great food and hospitality in the company of our wine-makers. I will arrange the whole thing.
Travel with Goris Tours to explore the best of Armenia, its people and traditions. Thanks to Alex and his family from Alaska for having me as their designated driver this weekend!
Check out this video about the wine festival. See you next year. 😉
Goris Tours 