Armenia holds an ancient and celebrated place in the history of winemaking, often considered the birthplace of viticulture. According to Armenian legend, Noah planted the first vineyard at the foot of Mount Ararat after the Great Flood, revealing the taste and influence of wine to humanity.
A goat, supposedly the first to try the wild grapes, became unruly, introducing people to the effects of wine. Noah’s vineyard was just the beginning of Armenia’s winemaking heritage, which has continued for over 6,000 years.
Archaeological evidence confirms Armenia’s longstanding role in winemaking. In 2011, the world’s oldest known winery, dating back 6,000 years, was discovered in the Areni Cave Complex in Vayots Dzor, where grape seeds and winemaking tools were found.
The ancient Kingdom of Urartu, which flourished in the 8th century BC, referred to Armenia as “the land of vineyards,” with inscriptions dedicated to the god Khaldi celebrating grape planting. Historians like Herodotus noted that Armenia supplied wine to Babylon, underscoring the quality and demand for Armenian wine in antiquity.
Throughout history, Armenian winemaking spread to neighboring regions, influencing Georgia, Persia, and even Rome. In the 1st century BC, a royal Armenian winemaker named Pargev created a distilled alcohol for King Trdat, which was gifted to the Roman Emperor Nero, who praised its unique taste. Despite centuries of political challenges, Armenia has preserved its rich winemaking tradition, making it one of the oldest wine cultures in the world.
