Saturday, October 3
11:00 - 20:00
Areni Village
Tasting: 5,000 AMD
Date
October 3
Saturday, 2026
Start
11:00
Entry from 11:00 AM
Location
Areni Village
Vayots Dzor
Event
Wine Festival
Free admission
About the Festival
The Most Anticipated Autumn Festival
The Areni Wine Festival takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Areni village, Vayots Dzor Province—about 110 km south of Yerevan. Admission is free, and the wine tasting package costs approximately 5,000 AMD.
The festival features both commercial wineries and local home winemakers. Visitors can explore gastronomic and craft pavilions alongside live music performances. The drive from Yerevan takes about two hours.
Distance
~110 km from Yerevan,
about a 2-hour drive
Tasting Package
~5,000 AMD
Nearby Attractions
Noravank Monastery (~15 minutes), Areni-1 Cave, Shaki Waterfall
Private Tour
+374 43 58 27 58 · [email protected]
Events
A day to remember all year long
Ancient Armenian winemaking heritage combined with regional economic and tourism development:
Traditional grape treading
Tasting of the finest wines
Local cuisine
Concert program
- Official Opening Ceremony & Grape Treading: The festival kicks off with a traditional ritual as young women tread freshly harvested grapes in wooden tubs using their feet, accompanied by folk music.
- Winemakers’ Fair: Dozens of pavilions are set up across the grounds, featuring wines from major producers (such as Hin Areni and Areni Winery) alongside the finest homemade wines from local residents.
- Competitions: Professional tastings and contests take place throughout the event, including the “Golden Barrel” award for best winemaker, as well as competitions for best homemade wine and best souvenir.
- Cultural & Entertainment Program: Enjoy live traditional and modern music all day long, along with theatrical performances, folk dances, and interactive games.
- Gastronomic Pavilions: Pair your wine with authentic Armenian dishes, including traditional barbecue (khorovats), local cheeses, and freshly baked gata.
About the Festival
What to Expect at the Festival
About the Festival
Why Areni?
Areni is far more than a village hosting a wine festival—it is the cradle of ancient winemaking traditions.
At the edge of the village, inside the Areni-1 cave complex, archaeologists discovered a 6,100-year-old winery. Thanks to the cave’s dry microclimate, a clay grape-treading basin, fermentation vats, grape seeds, and vine remains were preserved in remarkably good condition, making it the oldest known winery in the world.
The local signature grape takes its name directly from the village. Areni Noir is an endemic Armenian variety grown in the high-altitude valleys of Vayots Dzor. Known for its medium body and vibrant acidity, it frequently delights first-time visitors. With winemaking deeply rooted in almost every household, the local home-winemakers’ pavilions offer an exceptionally authentic and welcoming atmosphere.
Useful Information
How to Get to Areni
Areni is located about 110 km south of Yerevan toward Yeghegnadzor and Syunik. While the drive typically takes around two hours, expect delays on festival day due to morning traffic.
By Car
The most flexible option, with well-paved roads all the way. The drawback is that designated drivers must refrain from tasting wine. Parking near the village fills up quickly, so plan to arrive before noon.
By Public Transport
Minibuses heading to Yeghegnadzor pass directly through Areni. While budget-friendly, it is less reliable on festival day due to high demand and uncertain evening returns. Be sure to double-check departure points and schedules ahead of time.
By Taxi
A practical choice for small groups sharing expenses. Arrange your return trip with your driver in advance, as finding a ride back from Areni in the evening can be challenging.
About the Festival
Admission & Tasting Packages
Admission to the festival grounds is completely free. However, sampling wines at the official winery pavilions requires purchasing a designated tasting package.
Package Price
5,000 AMD
A branded glass wine goblet, a special fabric pouch, and a festival information booklet.
11:00 – 20:00
Package Includes
Package
Includes
Admission
About the Festival
With Best Tour
No fixed group departures are scheduled for October 3. A customized private tour itinerary is offered instead, which is better suited to the flow of the festival day. Unlike group tours, a private vehicle is not bound by a strict timetable, allowing you to spend unhurried, full hours in the village.
Typical Festival Day Itinerary
- Morning departure from Yerevan.
- En-route stop at Noravank Monastery, located just 15 minutes from the village (best visited before the main crowds arrive).
- Rest of the day dedicated to the festival.
- Evening return to Yerevan (without requiring any group member to drive).
For travelers interested in a richer experience, a two-day option can also be organized, incorporating Shaki Waterfall and Tatev Monastery along the route.
The service cost is calculated based on group size and the selected itinerary.
Make a reservation
Contact
Have any questions?
For details and bookings, feel free to call or write via email. As spots sell out quickly during festival weeks, booking in September is strongly recommended.
Phone / WhatsApp
Working Hours
Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00
Office
17 Grigor Lusavorich St / 7 Agatangeghos St, Yerevan, Armenia
Limited Availability
Due to high demand for guesthouses and tours during the Areni Wine Festival, reservations must be made in September to avoid sold-out availability and long queues.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Areni Wine Festival 2026 take place?
The Areni Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the village of Areni, Vayots Dzor Province. The festival is held every year in early October at the end of the grape harvest.
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Admission to the festival is free. To sample wines, you can purchase a tasting package for approximately 5,000 AMD, which includes a glass goblet and tasting coupons. Bring cash, as not all pavilions accept payment cards.
How do I get to Areni from Yerevan?
Areni is about 110 km south of Yerevan, approximately a two-hour drive. Options include a private car, minibuses bound for Yeghegnadzor, a taxi with a pre-arranged return trip, or an organized tour. Traffic becomes heavy near the village during the morning on festival day.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
No entry ticket is required, and tasting packages can be purchased on-site. However, you should arrange your transportation and lodging in the region in advance if you plan to stay overnight.
Is the festival family-friendly for children?
Yes. It is a village-wide celebration featuring food stalls, craft markets, and live music, rather than just a bar-style venue. Keep in mind, however, that it is a long day with a two-hour drive each way from Yerevan.
What else can I see near Areni on the same day?
Noravank Monastery is about a 15-minute drive from the village and is best visited in the morning before the crowds arrive. The Areni-1 Cave, where the world’s oldest known winery was discovered, is located right at the edge of the village.
What is the weather like in Areni in early October?
Early October in Vayots Dzor is usually mild, with daytime temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and cooler evenings. The festival is outdoors, so bring an extra layer for the end of the day.
Can Best Tour organize a private tour for festival day?
Yes, upon request. Best Tour does not run scheduled group departures on October 3, but organizes private itineraries built around the festival’s schedule. The cost depends on the group size. Call +374 43 58 27 58 or email [email protected].
What to See on the Same Day
Autumn in Armenia
Noravank - Areni - Shaki Waterfall - Tatev
