Vayots Dzor Areni Wine Route (Private Tour)

Travel through Vayots Dzor’s canyons and villages. Visit Areni Cave, Momik Winery, Old Bridge Winery, and end at Noravank Monastery on red cliffs. Enjoy wine, history, and stunning views.
Just two hours from Yerevan, travel into the beautiful Vayots Dzor region, famous for its wineries, vineyards, and deep canyons. On this 6–8 hour trip, explore ancient history, taste local wines, and enjoy some of Armenia’s most stunning landscapes in one unforgettable day.

Your first stop is Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most famous landmarks. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Ararat, explore the historic monastery, and learn about the story of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years.

Then you will continue to T’rchuneri (Bird) Cave in Areni, a very important archaeological site. For a long time, it was just a cave used by locals. But in 2007, excavations changed everything. Scientists found an ancient wine-making area with a wine press and traces of grapes, proving that wine was made here about 6,000 years ago. This makes it the oldest known winery in the world. They also discovered the oldest leather shoe, old textiles, baskets, pottery, and other items that show how people lived and used the cave in ancient times.

Next, you visit Momik Winery in Areni. Here you take a guided tour and enjoy a wine tasting. You will learn about Armenia’s long winemaking tradition and taste local wines made from ancient grape varieties, still grown with care by local winemakers today.

Next, you visit Noravank Monastery, which means “New Monastery,” even though it is over 700 years old. Built in the 13th century, it is located in the beautiful Amaghu Gorge near Yeghegnadzor. The monastery sits on a narrow ledge, surrounded by high red cliffs. The mix of red rocks and old stone buildings creates one of the most amazing and unforgettable views in Armenia.
Afterwards, you visit Trinity Canyon Winery. Here you take a winery tour and enjoy a local wine tasting. You will see how traditional winemaking methods are combined with modern techniques, all in a calm and beautiful vineyard setting.

Throughout the day, you travel through the heart of Vayots Dzor, where local winemakers continue to keep Armenia’s ancient wine culture alive. They carefully grow native grape varieties and follow old traditions passed down for generations. This region, easily reached via the Yerevan Highway, offers a unique mix of history, wine, and beautiful nature.

At the end of the tour, you return to Yerevan with great memories of ancient history, tasty local wines, and the beautiful landscapes of Vayots Dzor.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.