Vayots Dzor
History
Located at the southeastern end of Armenia, the region of Vayots Dzor is home to a rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can find evidence of ancient, medieval, and modern societies throughout Vayots Dzor. The province is the leader in Armenian wine production in export and cultivation. The region is home to several grape varieties that make many exceptional wines.
In 2007, the discovery of the Areni-1 cave in the village of Areni led archeologists to unearth fermentation vats, a wine press, pottery shards, and storage jars at least 6,100 years old. Although the current resurgence of the Armenian wine industry may be young, these findings show that viticulture is buried not only in the land but also in the local's heritage. Visits to destinations such as the Yeghegnadzor Regional Museum allow travelers to learn more about the history of winemaking in the region. In addition, the remarkable views in the province offer many ideal locations for a refreshing sip of wine, making it hard to tell which is more enchanting--the history, geography, or the wine.
Geography
The countryside in the region is primarily mountainous and rocky, and the volcanic soil is brimming with basalt, tuff, obsidian, and other healthy minerals, allowing for the local vineyards to thrive. The gorges in the area create rivers and streams that provide a natural irrigation system for much of the terrain. The region ranges from 2,788 feet (850 m) in the valley to 11,555 feet (3,522 m) at its tallest summit. Vineyards in the area are grown between 3,937 feet (1200 m) to 5,905 feet (1800 m) above sea level. The weather in Vayots Dzor varies between three different classifications. Villages such as Jermuk and Bardzruni have a warm, humid continental climate. At the same time, Areni and Aghavnadzor see a colder semi-arid climate, and finally, there is a hotter, more humid continental climate in Rind and Yeghegnadzor.
A hilltop vine withstands the test of time alongside its brethren in Areni village in the Armenian Vayots Dzor Province | Zenith Studio / Tigran Hayrapetyan. Reprinted with permission from the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia.
Many of the wineries of Vayots Dzor are blending modern technology with ancient winemaking traditions. Some still use giant clay pots called karas, some of which can hold up to 240 gallons and resemble large eggs. Visitors can view these karas in the Areni-1 cave and scattered throughout the region. Many villagers still have them in their homes. Standing next to one is worth the trip to Vayots Dzor alone. For the wineries that choose to modernize moderately, some have shifted to barrels made of local Artsakh oak for storing. The more innovative wineries adapt more modern machinery and techniques that blend innovation while centering on the region's rich history.
Grape Varieties: Areni, Tozot, Voskehat, Khatuni, Chilar, Karmir Kot
Producers: Hin Areni, Zorah, Trinity Canyon Winery, Keush, Oshin, Noa, Hekiat, Koor, Yacoubian-Hobbs, Qotot, Moukh, Old Bridge
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