Discover Areni: Wine, Caves and History

Areni lies mostly in the widened section of the Arpa River valley and is surrounded by mulberry and fruit orchards. The settlement is known for the Areni grape variety and the wine made from it; Areni is also considered the cradle of winemaking and a leading destination for wine tourism in Armenia. Since January 4, 2026, the settlement of Areni has been part of the state-designated Areni tourist destination. If you are looking for a hotel in Areni, you can plan your trip around winemaking, archaeological traces or historic buildings.

Church, Palace and Fortress

The St. Astvatsatsin Church of Areni was built in 1321 at the commission of Hovhannes Orbelian, Archbishop of Syunik; its architect was Momik. A palace belonging to the Orbelian prince Tarsayich stood beside the church.

Another historic site is Hrasakaberd: the unexplored fortress is located in the settlement of Areni, and its ruins survive to this day. In the 12th century, it was under Seljuk control. Hrasakaberd is also designated as a hiking tourism resource.

The historic sites offer different points of interest: the church has a specific construction date and architect, while the surviving ruins and the history of the fortress’s control in the 12th century shape how Hrasakaberd is viewed.

Archaeology at Areni-1 Cave

Areni-1 Cave offers a cave experience focused on archaeology. Discoveries there include a winery dating back about 6,100 years, considered the oldest discovered so far, and the oldest leather shoe. The cave therefore offers an archaeological perspective on the winemaking tradition, while walks through vineyards and taking part in the grape harvest provide other ways to experience the area.

Vineyards and Visitor Activities

Visitors can walk through the vineyards in Areni, take part in the grape harvest and make wine themselves. The local wine identity is reflected in activities that let you not only learn about the grape variety, but also experience winemaking as a hands-on activity.

Vineyards where Areni and Voskehat grapes are grown were established in 2005 at an elevation of 1,233 meters. Nor Areni Winery was founded in the wine-growing area in 2019. Areni is known for the grape of the same name and the wine made from it; the vineyards mentioned also include the Voskehat variety.

Festival and Notable Structures

The annual Areni Wine Festival features local specialties, folk music and dancing. If you would like to plan your visit around the festival, check the dates as you organize your trip.

Another notable sight is the 40-meter-high Areni flood barrier. The concrete and steel structure has a lattice-like, sculptural design. Visitors often stop there to photograph its architecture.

Where to Stay in Areni

A stay at a guesthouse in Areni can also be combined with a meal and homemade wine. This way, the overnight stay itself can become part of the local wine experience, alongside the historic and archaeological themes that make Areni distinctive.

Discover more destinations: Chiva, Hermon, Aghavnadzor, Vayk, Jermuk.

View the regional travel overview: Vayots Dzor.