Armenia Wine Tour: History's Longest Happy Hour
Overview
So, you fancy drinking wine where it was actually invented? (Sorry, France. Sorry, Italy. Armenia did it first, 6,000 years ago). Join Tipple Tours for a week-long grape-fuelled adventure, where you'll sip in caves older than your nan, snack by lakes bluer than your Monday morning mood and make friends with locals who treat wine like holy water. From the neon-lit jazz bars of Yerevan to the monk-haunted monasteries carved into mountains, this trip blends history, hedonism, and a heroic amount of wine.
Why This Tour Exists
Armenia invented wine 6,100 years ago. That's not marketing hyperbole — archaeologists literally found the world's oldest winery in a cave here, complete with fermentation vats and drinking vessels. For millennia, everyone assumed wine came from Georgia or somewhere Mediterranean. Then science happened, and Armenia quietly reclaimed its throne. This tour exists because we believe the birthplace of wine deserves more than a footnote in history books. We take you to the Areni-1 cave where it all began, through the Ararat Valley beneath that Biblical mountain, and into family wineries where indigenous grapes like Areni and Voskehat are producing wines that rival anything from Western Europe.
Weird Facts You'll Learn
The stuff that makes this tour genuinely different.
The Cave Also Had Skulls
The Areni-1 cave — world's oldest winery — also contained 20+ human skulls arranged in ceramic vessels. Apparently, ancient Armenians liked drinking wine surrounded by their ancestors. Literally.
Noah's Vineyard
According to the Bible, Noah planted the first vineyard on Mount Ararat after the flood. Armenians consider Ararat theirs (Turkey currently possesses it), making Armenia the Biblical birthplace of wine.
Churchill's Brandy Habit
Winston Churchill allegedly drank a bottle of Armenian brandy daily. Stalin sent him cases regularly. Churchill reportedly said, 'Why do I drink Armenian brandy? Because every day I drink a bottle and I'm still alive.'
Local Legends & Stories
The tales that locals tell — handed down through generations.
The Areni Grape's Origin
Local legend claims the Areni grape was a gift from the gods to help Armenians survive their troubled history. Scientists say it's genetically unique. Both explanations work.
The Khor Virap Monk
St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years in a pit at Khor Virap monastery — surviving, legend says, because a local woman secretly lowered bread and wine to him. The monastery still makes wine today.
Sip Sense: What to Taste
Your cheat sheet to what you'll be drinking.
Areni
Armenia's flagship red. Elegant, complex, reminiscent of Burgundian Pinot Noir but with its own distinct character. The grape that put Armenia on the modern wine map.
Voskehat
Translates to 'Golden Seed' — Armenia's premier white. Mineral-driven with stone fruit and honeyed notes. Ages beautifully if you can resist drinking it immediately.
Karmrahyut
A rare red that produces deeply colored, tannic wines. Found almost nowhere outside Armenia. If you see it, drink it.
Pro Tip
Armenian hospitality is legendary — and overwhelming. Pace yourself. The brandy comes out before, during, and after every meal.
Why This Tour is Special
- Visit the world's oldest winery in Areni Cave (6,000 years old!)
- Mount Ararat and Lake Sevan — your Instagram will explode
- Over 30 wines at 12 wineries
- Ancient monasteries and UNESCO sites
- Free bottle of wine daily
- Optional grape spa — bathe in wine!
The Tour-o-Meter
What to expect on this adventure
Armenians have been making wine for 6,000 years. We're doing our best to catch up.
Cognac's Armenian cousin. Don't mention the French.
More monasteries than you can shake a prayer book at. Conveniently located near wineries.
Ancient caves, mysterious traditions and enough surprises to confuse your travel insurance company.
You'll arrive hungry. You'll leave requiring a larger aircraft seat.
Occasional walking between enormous lunches. Nothing too alarming.
Expect spontaneous hospitality, unexpected feasts and conversations conducted entirely through enthusiastic hand gestures.
We prefer actual Armenia to shops selling fridge magnets made in China.
Upcoming Departures
22–30 May 2027
10 spots left
✓ Your own room included — no single supplement
4–12 September 2027
12 spots left
✓ Your own room included — no single supplement
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Armenia
Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport. Look out for us holding a Tipple Tours sign and we promise not to laugh at your travel tracksuit.
Transfer to your hotel in Yerevan.
Dinner and pub crawl with your fellow wine pilgrims. Nothing bonds strangers like clinking glasses and questionable karaoke!
Overnight in Yerevan (yes, beds are included!)
Yerevan: Brandy, Friendly Folk & Jazz
Breakfast - fuel up, you’ll need it!
City tour: Republic Square, Cascade Complex aka the famous giant outdoor staircase of doom but with great views. You can even take an escalator if you’re feeling lazy! Victory Park, Opera House, Freedom Square, and the History Museum where you will discover Armenia has been making wine since before calendars existed.
Winery stop at Gevorkian - swirl, sniff, sip, repeat.
Evening on Saryan Street aka Wine Bar Row. Expect locals who can out-toast you, live jazz and the strong possibility of befriending a taxi driver who insists on being your best friend and taking you home to meet his family.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Aragatsotn Region: Rich Viticultural Heritage
Breakfast.
Head out to Aragatsotn, land of vineyards and mountain views so stunning you’ll forget your hangover.
Stop at the Armenia Wine Factory. Here shiny machines meet ancient grape wisdom.
Visit the Wine Museum: archaeology and alcohol = school trip of dreams!
Boutique stop at Van Ardi Winery - founded by a man who swapped Silicon Valley coding for vineyard life. Here, you’ll taste reds with Mount Ararat photobombing every sip.
On the way back: tour and tasting at the Yerevan Brandy Factory. You’ll finally learn the difference between brandy, cognac, and “oops I drank too much.”
Optional: Wine & Grape Spa - grape facials, wine baths, basically Cleopatra but tipsier.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Armavir Region: Spiritual Experiences & Wine
Breakfast.
Visit the ruins of Zvartnots Temple (7th century, UNESCO site, still standing after more than a millennium of earthquakes.
Winery visit at Alluria (small, boutique with excellent whites) and Voskevaz, where the cellar looks like something from Indiana Jones.
Head to Echmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest Christian cathedral in the world. Optional prayer for your liver.
Evening back in Yerevan with free time. Translation: another bar crawl, another round of “just one more.”
Overnight in Yerevan.
Vayots Dzor: A Centre of Winemaking
Breakfast.
Drive south into Vayots Dzor, home to more vineyards than you can point a corkscrew at.
Stop at Noa Winery (founded with Swiss wine know-how) and Tushpa Winery, family-run, all heart and seriously smooth reds.
Visit Khor Virap Monastery, perched in front of Mount Ararat like a postcard that came to life.
Explore Areni-1 Cave, the world’s oldest known winery (circa 4000 BC). It’s also the birthplace of the hangover.
Overnight at Areni Wine Art Guesthouse in the village of Areni. Expect vineyard views, homemade food and music from a tone deaf one armed man playing the accordion.
The Smell of Wine and the Taste of Cheese
Breakfast.
Visit Noravank Monastery, a masterpiece perched in a dramatic canyon. Even your least spiritual friend will say “WOW.”
Winery visits: Old Bridge (top reds, epic views) and KRYA Winery (family-owned, run by people who treat grapes like royalty).
Drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world.
Cheese tasting with the Mikaelyan family who have invented more cheese flavours than Ben & Jerry’s has ice creams. Highlights: wine-soaked cheese, brandy-washed cheese, nut-studded cheese. Bring stretchy trousers!
Overnight at Tsaghkunk Guest House, hosted by chef Yuri who is famous, award-winning and possibly the nicest man alive.
The Melody of Stones
Breakfast.
Tour and tasting at Manukyan Brandy Factory for a liquid breakfast of champions!
Visit Garni Temple, Armenia’s Greco-Roman gem. Bonus: watch locals bake lavash bread in a traditional tonir oven. Then eat it, stuffed with cheese and herbs with wine. Honestly, you will want to weep!
Next: Geghard Monastery, a jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage site carved partly into a mountain.
Return to Yerevan for dinner and more drinks.
Overnight in Yerevan.
The Final Wine Tasting Push
Breakfast.
Stop at Sardarapat Memorial, a huge sculptural complex honouring Armenia’s resilience.
Winery visits at Jraghatspanyan and Karas, two powerhouses of modern Armenian winemaking.
Return to Yerevan for the Farewell Dinner, a feast of food, wine, toasts and heartfelt goodbyes. Expect singing, laughing and possibly crying into your glass.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Farewell to Our Winos
Breakfast.
Free morning for shopping, photos or buying an extra suitcase for all your wine.
Airport transfer.
End of tour but not the end of our group WhatsApp which will be buzzing with “remember that time…” for years to come.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Practical Info
Getting There
Fly into Armenia's main airport. We'll send arrival details and transfer options once you book. The tour starts and ends in Yerevan.
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes, layers (cellars are cool), something smart-casual for dinners, and room in your bag for wine souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring and early autumn avoid the summer heat. September-October means harvest time and fresher vintages to taste.
Good to Know
Duration: 9 days. Maximum 12 guests. We handle logistics so you can focus on enjoying yourself. Dietary needs accommodated with notice.
This Tour is Perfect For
Joining On Your Own?
Many guests join Tipple Tours solo. Small groups mean strangers quickly become travel companions. You won't be required to share a room with someone you don't know.
Perfect for Friends & Couples
Tipple Tours are even better when shared. Our tours are designed for relaxed conversations, long dinners and plenty of shared travel stories.
Tour Gallery
Keep Me Posted
Not ready to book? No problem. Leave your details and we'll tell you about new dates, availability and any special offers.
Got Questions?
Not sure if this tour is right for you? Chat with Matt directly.
I'm Interested, But Need ConvincingFrom
£1,200
per person
Big Adventures. Small Deposits.
Secure your place for just £99 and spread the rest
Split into 2, 3 or 4 instalments at checkout
Only £99 deposit to book
Pay in instalments · Secure payments
What Happens After Booking?
Instant confirmation email
Full itinerary & packing tips sent
Group intro before departure
Secure payments via Stripe & PayPal
✓ Deposit from £99 per person
✓ Pay in instalments available
✓ Real humans, not bots
Want a private experience?
Custom day trips & multi-day itineraries available
Enquire About Private Tours →Private & Custom Armenia Experiences
Want the ancient wine country to yourself? We offer private Armenia wine tours and can build custom itineraries around your interests — whether that's exploring the Areni-1 cave, visiting family wineries in Vayots Dzor, or combining wine with monasteries and mountain scenery.
Private Wine Tours
Our Armenia wine tour is available as a private booking. Just you, your group, and a dedicated guide exploring 6,100 years of winemaking history. Perfect for couples, small groups, or serious wine enthusiasts.
Custom Itineraries
Got specific interests? We'll build a bespoke Armenia trip. Ancient monasteries, cognac factories, hiking in the Caucasus, village homestays — tell us what you love and we'll create something unique.
Armenia is a year-round destination, but autumn harvest season (September-October) offers the most immersive wine experience.
You Might Also Like
More adventures for wine lovers and curious travellers
Ready to Book Your Spot?
Small groups. Limited departures. They tend to fill quickly.
Secure your place with just £99 · Pay the rest in instalments
No need to pay £1,200 upfront