Van Ardi Winery: A Taste of Armenian Terroir

Van Ardi Winery is a testament to Armenia's resurgence as a prominent player in the global wine scene. Located in the village of Sasunik, near the town of Ashtarak, the winery is cradled by the majestic Mount Aragats, providing a stunning backdrop for its vineyards. Founded in 2008 by Varuzhan Mouradian, Van Ardi is a family affair, driven by a passion for crafting high-quality wines that showcase the unique characteristics of Armenian grapes. Mouradian, a former CPA from Los Angeles, returned to his homeland with a vision to blend his love for winemaking with Armenia's rich viticultural heritage. The winery's name, "Van Ardi," pays homage to Mouradian's ancestral roots in the city of Van (now in Turkey), meaning "Sun of Van". This name reflects the winery's commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future of Armenian winemaking. Van Ardi's vineyards benefit from the region's volcanic soil, high altitude (1,050m above sea level), and favorable microclimate. The winery cultivates both indigenous Armenian grape varieties like Areni, Kakhet, and Kangun, as well as international varieties like Syrah. Van Ardi uses organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyards and minimal intervention winemaking techniques to express the pure qualities of the grapes. The vineyards are even serenaded with classical, jazz, and Armenian music. Visitors to Van Ardi can immerse themselves in the world of Armenian wine through guided tours and tastings. The winery offers a range of experiences, from classic tours with cheese platters to in-depth tastings of reserve wines and lunches featuring traditional Armenian cuisine. The on-site restaurant, helmed by Anahit Muradyan, Varuzhan's wife, serves dishes that perfectly complement Van Ardi's wines. Van Ardi also hosts events such as concerts, movie nights and harvest festivals.