Manukyan Brandy Factory: A Taste of Armenian Tradition
Discover Armenia's rich winemaking heritage at Manukyan Brandy Factory, where tradition meets modern innovation for an unforgettable tasting experience.
The Manukyan Brandy Factory, established in 2015, represents a fusion of modern technology and traditional Armenian winemaking. Founded by Melik Manukyan, who also established a glass container factory, this winery continues his legacy. The white buildings are watched over by an eagle statue. The factory is equipped with modern steel tanks for precise fermentation, alongside ancient methods such as fermentation in soil-dug amphoras and the traditional Kakhani method. Visitors can explore the vineyards, home to both native Armenian and European grape varieties like Areni Noir, Voskeat, and Cabernet Franc. The factory boasts a cellar carved into the rock, providing optimal conditions for aging its wines and brandies. These cellars are situated 8 meters deep. The aging process occurs in oak barrels sourced from Armenia, France and the USA for a period of 6 months to a year. The passionate staff believes that wine is a lifestyle. Brandy production in Armenia has a long history, dating back over 150 years. Armenian brandy is produced using indigenous grape varieties such as Voskehat, Garan Dmak, and Kangun. The Ararat Valley, with its unique climate and soil, provides the ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The factory offers tours that include the production facilities, aging cellars, the Anamor Fortress, and tastings.
Local tips
- Book a tour in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist season.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the vineyards and factory.
- Consider visiting the Saranist glass container factory for an additional fee to see the glass production process.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as outdoor activities are weather-dependent.
- Take your time during the tasting to appreciate the nuances of each wine and brandy.
A brief summary to Manukyan Brandy Factory
- 10/1 Karmir Banakayinneri, Balahovit, 2213, AM
- +37477430822
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Taxi
From Yerevan, the quickest way to reach Manukyan Brandy Factory is by taxi. Several taxi services operate in Yerevan, including U Taxi, Taxi Viva, and Noy Taxi. A taxi ride from the city center to Balahovit typically takes around 16 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 14 km. Expect to pay between 2900 and 3800 AMD for the ride.
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Public Transport
The most economical way to reach the Manukyan Brandy Factory from Yerevan is by taking the Line 10 Minibus. The bus departs from Perekrestok Mashtoca-Amirjana and takes approximately 51 minutes to reach the National Centre for AIDS Prevention stop in Balahovit. From there, it's a short taxi ride to the factory. The bus fare is around 500 AMD.
