Areni

Areni is a picturesque village located in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia, historically significant as the former capital of Syunik. The village is home to a remarkable palace built by Prince Orbelyan, along with a 3-arch bridge, which still retains its foundational layers today. In 1321, the stunning St. Mother of God Church was erected in Areni by the renowned architect Momik.

Areni is also celebrated for its winemaking heritage. Recent archaeological excavations have uncovered a 6,000-year-old winery featuring five wine cellars. Within this underground complex, archaeologists discovered a wine press used for stomping grapes, fermentation and storage containers, as well as drinking cups, grape vines, skins, and seeds.

While evidence of wine production dates back 7,000 years, this site is the earliest winery and wine cellar discovered to date. The findings suggest large-scale wine production, potentially marking the origin of retail winemaking. Archaeologists propose that early ancestors used wine in ceremonies to honor the deceased. It is believed that wine was offered as a gift, placed and consumed within tombs. Wine-pressing tools have been found installed in burials, and drinking cups have been located around graves, corroborated by illustrations from that era. According to Armenian and US scientists, these findings provide the oldest and most reliable evidence of wine production on the planet, dating back 6,100 years. This discovery marks the first complete archaeological site dedicated to wine production.

One of the notable varieties of wine produced in Areni is named after the village and is considered one of the best in Armenia. A tour of the Areni wine factory, complete with wine tastings, offers a delightful stop for visitors to relax and savor the region’s rich winemaking tradition.