Hin Areni Winery: A Taste of Armenian Heritage
Experience Armenia's ancient winemaking traditions at Hin Areni Winery, where history and flavor come together in every glass.
Hin Areni Winery, established in 2013 by the Karapetyan family, stands as a modern testament to Armenia's deep-rooted winemaking heritage. Located in the village of Areni, in the Vayots Dzor region, an area known as the cradle of Armenian winemaking, the winery combines state-of-the-art technology with time-honored techniques. The region's unique terroir, characterized by sedimentary and volcanic soils at an elevation of 1215-1250 meters, contributes to the distinctive character of the wines produced here. The winery specializes in single-varietal wines crafted from the indigenous Areni Noir and Voskehat grapes. These grapes, cultivated in the winery's 32-hectare vineyards, benefit from the region's long, dry summers, vivid sunlight, and high daytime temperatures, which contrast with cool nights to encourage a lengthy growing season. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the winemaking process, from hand-picking and careful selection of grapes to fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging in oak barrels sourced from the fertile hills of Artsakh. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of experiences, including standard, premium, and VIP tours, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of Armenian winemaking. The winery also features a restaurant where guests can savor traditional Armenian cuisine paired with Hin Areni wines. A visit to Hin Areni Winery provides an immersive experience, blending ancient history with contemporary wine culture, making it a must-see destination for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Just a short distance from the winery lies the Areni-1 cave complex, where the world's oldest winery was discovered in 2007. This archaeological site, dating back to 4100 BC, offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of winemaking and the region's rich cultural heritage. The cave's discovery of fermentation vats, a wine press, storage jars, and pottery shards further solidifies Areni's significance as the cradle of winemaking.
Local tips
- Visit the Areni-1 cave complex, the world's oldest winery, to deepen your appreciation for the region's winemaking history.
- Try the local cuisine at the Hin Areni Winery restaurant, which pairs perfectly with their exquisite wines.
- Consider booking a tour package from Yerevan to combine your visit with other historical sites in the area.
- Attend the Areni Wine Festival in early October to experience the region's winemaking culture.
A brief summary to Hin Areni Winery
- H40, Areni, 3604, AM
- +37411521111
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
- Thursday 9 am-9 pm
- Friday 9 am-9 pm
- Saturday 9 am-9 pm
- Sunday 9 am-9 pm
Getting There
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Taxi
From the village center of Areni, a taxi is a convenient option to reach Hin Areni Winery, located on the outskirts. The ride is short, typically costing around 500-1000 AMD. Taxis can be arranged through your accommodation or by using a local taxi app. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.
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Walking
If you are staying in Areni village, Hin Areni Winery is accessible by foot. From the center, head east towards the edge of the village. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and offers scenic views of the surrounding vineyards. No special access fees are required.
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Public Transport
From Yerevan, take a minibus (marshrutka) to Yeghegnadzor. From Yeghegnadzor, take another minibus or taxi to Areni village. The minibus from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor costs approximately 1000-1500 AMD. The taxi from Yeghegnadzor to Areni is around 1500-2000 AMD. Once in Areni, the winery is a short taxi ride or a 15-20 minute walk from the village center.
