Van Ardi Winery, Armenia

Nestled at the base of the dormant Aragats volcano in western Armenia, Van Ardi Winery has, in just a few years, earned the affection and acclaim of premium wine aficionados. This inviting and heartfelt establishment, with its sprawling vineyards spanning over seven hectares, is a spot where visitors are drawn back, time and again. Here, they can soak in the lush vistas of the mountain valley and savor the sumptuous wines crafted by skilled winemakers. The proprietor of the winery, Varuzhan Muradyan, warmly welcomes all guests, treating them to captivating tours and exceptional quality wines.

Deeply passionate about viticulture and winemaking, Muradyan pursued oenology—the science of wine—at the University of California, Davis. Spending 20 years in the U.S., he consistently sought opportunities to hone his skills and expand his knowledge. Eventually, he envisioned establishing a unique platform for wine production in his homeland, taking advantage of the ideal conditions there.

Vineyards

Planting of the initial vineyards began in 2008, with an additional area of 2.6 hectares being cultivated five years later. The new vines, planted on their own roots, thrived, leading to an abundant annual harvest. The vineyards of Van Ardi, carpeting the landscape with their stony, mineral-rich volcanic soils, are worth a special mention. These conditions prove ideal for grape cultivation.

Perched approximately 1050 meters above sea level, each hectare of land is densely populated with over 2000 grape bushes. The local climate facilitates grape ripening during a relatively short, rain-free summer period. While the weather turns dry during the hottest times of the year, winters can see temperatures plummeting to -20°C, warranting protective cover for the vines.

Five grape varieties flourish in the Van Ardi vineyards: Areni, Cachet, Kangun, Akhtanak, and Syrah. Areni, native to Armenia's Vayots Dzor region, typically thrives only there, yet Van Ardi Winery is a unique exception. Here, in the Aragatsotn province, the Areni variety has adapted and flourishes, producing plentiful clusters of grapes.

The Mouradian family believes in treating grapes as living organisms that respond to external stimuli, and thus, need to be nurtured with warmth and love. To ensure the vines yield generously, vine-dressers cultivate them accompanied by music. Classical melodies, jazz compositions, and Armenian folk tunes resonate daily over the vineyards, harmoniously blended with the chiming of bells and birdsong—an embodiment of serene harmony and tranquillity!

Production

When harvest season arrives at Van Ardi Winery, grape bunches are carefully loaded into 15 kg crates before they're promptly processed under a mesh wine press. The must then undergoes a temporary infusion in stainless steel tanks, where the temperature is stringently controlled. The grape juice is subsequently filtered and set to age in robust oak barrels imported from France and Italy. The winery boasts an average annual production volume of 40,000 to 50,000 bottles, each bearing the Van Ardi brand logo—a depiction of the sun god Shivini, revered in what is modern-day Armenia during pre-Christian times.

Restaurant

The winery's serene and tranquil ambiance sets the perfect scene for sampling remarkable local wines and familiarizing oneself with traditional Armenian cuisine. The onsite restaurant invites guests to replenish with hearty dishes comprising vegetables, meat, and greens, each carefully curated to complement Van Ardi's wine selection. If you're in the mood for lighter fare, the cheese plate is a stellar choice. The restaurant's chef, Anahit Muradyan, successfully merges age-old traditional recipes with inventive culinary explorations. Anahit is the wife of the winery's owner, Varuzhan Muradyan.

Wines

Van Ardi Winery boasts a range of pink, red, and white wines, both young and aged reserves. When you visit, be sure to explore the following wines:

Van Ardi Tor Tori: A dry red wine predominantly composed of 90% Areni grapes and a 10% addition of Syrah grapes. This aromatic wine offers a balanced flavor profile, pleasing tannins, and a long, profound aftertaste. As you sip, you'll detect hints of blueberry, cherry, plum, and black pepper.

Van Ardi Kangun: A semi-dry white wine sporting a delicate straw hue. Made from Kangun grapes under carefully temperature-controlled fermentation, this wine presents a subtle aroma of tropical fruits. Its sweet and sour taste is characterized by notes of peach, apricot, and green apple.

Van Ardi Dry Rose: A dry rose wine, fermented at low temperatures and with an alcohol content of 12%. This full-bodied wine features a buttery texture and an aroma reminiscent of ripe berries—strawberries and raspberries. This wine pairs well with both light appetizers and robust meat or seafood dishes.

Van Ardi Reserve Haghtanak: An aged red wine promising a vibrant bouquet of aromas and a rich array of flavors. You'll discern hints of cherries and prunes, followed by a tart aftertaste of oak and vanilla.

Tour Options

The proprietors of Van Ardi Winery offer three distinct tour experiences for visitors to choose from:

1. A tour with a three-course wine tasting.
2. A tour featuring tasting of three wine types, followed by a three-course lunch.
3. A special event on the winery premises, such as a celebration, banquet, or wedding ceremony. Your personal event will be enriched by a full immersion into the world of winemaking, set against the scenic backdrop of mountain valleys and endless vineyard fields. Just like the previous two options, you'll partake in a guided tour which encompasses a visit to the bell tower, the cellars, and a stroll through the vineyards. Throughout the journey, a knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about the winery and its history.

Depending on your preferences and requirements, you can choose the tour experience that best suits your needs.

Long-established as a key player in Armenia's wine market, Van Ardi Winery is celebrated not only for its exceptional wines but also for its inviting atmosphere that encourages a meaningful and culturally enriching experience. It's an absolute must-visit for those eager to savor exquisite wines from seasoned winemakers who are passionate about their craft.