Chiva: Wine, Horticulture and Nature Observation

Government Decision No. 1945-N of December 25, 2025, places Chiva within the officially designated tourist destination of “Areni” in Armenia. The village is associated with horticulture and livestock farming; its main agricultural products are consumed locally and in Yerevan. This gives you several different priorities to consider when planning your trip: activities centered on local produce, cuisine, and wine, as well as opportunities for nature observation.

Agriculture, Fruit, and Cuisine

In 2021, the guesthouse served homemade dishes made with locally grown produce. That year, tastings of more than 30 fruit varieties were held in the guesthouse garden. This makes the connection between agriculture and cuisine tangible through specific dishes and fruits. If you would like to include these offerings in your travel plans, ask in advance whether meals and tastings will be available at the time of your visit.

Wine and Hands-On Activities

By 2021, the Ghazaryan family’s winemaking methods had been passed down through generations. In 2021, the family gastrobar produced about two tonnes of wine annually. In 2019, a gastrobar was added to the “Noravank” guesthouse, offering on-site wine tastings.

In 2021, guest workshops included cheesemaking, gata, khorovats, dolma, harissa, and baking lavash in a tonir. Activities in the garden and related to winemaking were also mentioned: guests could pick fruit and vegetables themselves; grape crushing and insights into winemaking in the Ghazaryan family’s home were seasonal. Visits to apple and walnut orchards associated with the guesthouse were also among the activities described. Workshops offer a different experience from harvesting and winemaking activities, which are more dependent on the season. Before your trip, ask about current availability; the grape-crushing activity is also seasonal.

The “Noravank” Guesthouse

As of October 2021, the “Noravank” guesthouse in Chiva had been operating since 1999; in 2006, it was converted into a traditional guesthouse. Before booking, confirm that it is currently operating and ask whether wine tastings and the guest activities described are still available.

Nature Observation

In 2019, Chiva had wildlife observation huts for two to three people each. At the time, the huts offered internet access and limited solar-powered electricity; current services may differ. If you are planning a stay that includes nature observation, ask in advance about current operations and available services.

In 2019, wildlife observation huts in Chiva and Shatin had orchard areas where brown bears, bezoar goats, wild boars, foxes, and hares could be observed. The species information applies to the huts in both places; individual sightings are not guaranteed. This makes the focus different from the culinary and seasonal activities centered on gardens, cuisine, and wine. When choosing your destination, you can weigh which of these interests matters most for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Aghavnadzor, Vayk, Jermuk, Areni, Hermon

Return to the overview of the wider region: Vayots Dzor.