Areni Wine Festival takes you from ancient cellar to modern glass
Local wines and Armenian folk traditions in Vayots Dzor on 3 October 2026
On 3 October, the village of Areni in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region will come alive with wine, music and traditional celebrations as the Areni Wine Festival brings together local winemakers, producers and visitors from Armenia and abroad. Set in one of the country’s five wine regions, the festival offers travellers the chance to taste Armenian wines at their source, meet local producers and experience the traditions surrounded by stunning landscapes.
The setting is part of what makes the festival special. Areni sits beside the Areni-1 Cave, home to the world’s oldest known winery, dating back more than 6,100 years. The village is also home to the indigenous Sev Areni grape, a red variety that has become closely associated with Vayots Dzor and Armenia’s growing contemporary wine scene.
Areni Wine Festival
3 October 2026 – Areni, Vayots Dzor Province
Tasting is at the heart of the day, with visitors invited to discover wines from local producers and learn more about the grape varieties, techniques and traditions shaping Armenian winemaking today. For wine lovers, it is an opportunity to taste directly from producers and discover the character of Armenian wines; for travellers, it is a chance to experience one of Armenia’s most distinctive regions through its wine, food and local culture.
Alongside the tastings, visitors can see the traditional grape stomping and enjoy a programme of Armenian music, song and dance, bringing the region’s long-standing traditions to life. The combination of ancient winemaking heritage, local flavours and a lively cultural programme makes the festival a memorable way to discover Vayots Dzor in autumn.
Entry is free, while wine tasting packages are available to purchase at the festival.
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