Rare Grape and Wine Tasting Experience

An Exclusive Armenian Wine Tasting for $49 in Yerevan

The Rare Grape and Wine Tasting Experience at MOONQ WINES offers an exceptional chance to explore Armenia’s unique winemaking traditions. Priced at $49 per person, this 2-hour tour takes place in the picturesque Ararat Valley, with stunning views of Mount Ararat providing a breathtaking backdrop. This private experience is perfect for those interested in indigenous grapes, especially the extremely rare Nrneni, which is grown on less than half a hectare. Since it is often booked 27 days in advance, early planning is advised.

Led by a passionate family-run winery, the tour combines insightful storytelling, hands-on participation, and a guided tasting of five award-winning wines. One of the standout features is the opportunity to label a bottle yourself, adding a personal touch to this intimate experience. The tour’s small-group or private setting ensures a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking a genuine Armenian encounter.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $49 for a 2-hour experience in Yerevan’s Ararat Valley
• Exclusive tasting of five wines, including medal-winning varieties
• Insight into Armenian winemaking, including the use of rare indigenous grapes like Nrneni
• Hands-on activity: label your own bottle during the tour
• Beautiful setting with views of Mount Ararat and tranquil landscape
• Includes a meat and cheese platter, Armenian pakhlava, and herbal tea brewed in a 19th-century Tula samovar

Starting Point and Duration Details

The tour begins at Moonq WI es3GR3+5GF, Yerevan, and lasts approximately 2 hours. The mobile ticket format makes it easy to participate, and since the experience ends back at the starting point, transportation concerns are minimal. The private tour setting ensures an exclusive atmosphere, whether traveling alone or with a small group.

Visiting the Family-Run MOONQ WINES Winery

This experience is hosted by MOONQ WINES, a small, family-operated winery renowned for crafting wines in small lots. The tour provides a personal look at their winemaking process, from selection and fermentation to bottling. The hosts share their winemaking journey, emphasizing the use of rare grapes, especially the Nrneni variety, which is a true Armenian specialty.

The boutique winery setting adds charm and authenticity, making visitors feel like guests in someone’s private cellar. The passion and expertise of the family shines through as they explain their methods and share stories from their winemaking history.

The Unique Aspects of the Rare Grape: Nrneni

A major highlight of this tour is the chance to taste wines made from Nrneni, a rare indigenous grape that is cultivated on less than half a hectare. This grape’s limited cultivation makes the wines crafted from it particularly special and difficult to find elsewhere. The IWSC 2024 Bronze Medal-winning MOONQ Nrneni 2023 is among the five wines you sample, showcasing the distinctive qualities of this indigenous grape.

Along With Nrneni, the tasting includes MOONQ Coupage 2022, which has earned a MUNDUS 2024 Silver Medal and combines Areni, Khndoghni, and Nrneni grapes. The others include MOONQ Coupage 2023, MOONQ Voskehat 2023 (a white wine), and Areni Rosé 2022. All these wines demonstrate the winery’s dedication to Armenian varieties and quality craftsmanship.

The Tasting Experience and Food Pairings

Guests enjoy a guided tasting of the five wines, which is complemented by a meat and cheese platter, crackers, and Armenian pakhlava, similar to Middle Eastern baklava. The pakhlava adds a sweet touch to the savory flavors of the cheeses and meats. After tasting, visitors are served a cup of Armenian herbal tea, brewed in a 19th-century Tula samovar from Artsakh, adding a historical and cultural element to the experience.

This combination of flavorful wines and local delicacies creates a balanced and memorable tasting. The views of Mount Ararat and the peaceful landscape enhance the sensory experience, making it not just a tasting, but a moment of relaxation and discovery.

The Art of Labeling Your Own Bottle

One of the distinctive features of this tour is the opportunity to label a bottle yourself. This hands-on activity allows guests to personalize their own wine, making it a lasting souvenir. It also offers a glimpse into the winemaking process, fostering a deeper understanding of bottle presentation and branding.

This activity emphasizes the craftsmanship behind each wine and allows participants to connect more intimately with Armenian winemaking tradition. It’s especially appealing for those who want a personal keepsake of their visit.

The Setting: Tranquil Views of Mount Ararat

The tour takes place in the famous Ararat Valley, an area known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The stunning vistas of Mount Ararat serve as a breathtaking backdrop throughout the experience, creating an aesthetic ambiance that enhances the tasting.

The quiet, natural surroundings are ideal for relaxation and reflection, making this experience more than just a wine tasting—it’s a visual and sensory journey into Armenian culture and landscape.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The tour starts at Moonq WI es3GR3+5GF, Yerevan, with most bookings made around 27 days in advance. It features free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, offering flexibility in planning. The private setting means only your group participates, making it perfect for personalized attention.

Travelers should note that service animals are allowed, and the experience is designed to suit most travelers. The 2-hour duration strikes a good balance between depth and convenience, with a relaxed pace that allows for plenty of interaction and enjoyment.

The Reviewer’s Praise for the Winery

A review highlights the family-run MOONQ winery as a “revelation” for anyone interested in contemporary Armenian winemaking. The small, handcrafted lots and focus on rare grapes like Nrneni underscore the craftsmanship and dedication that define this experience. The reviewer’s appreciation reflects the authenticity and quality of the wines and the warmth of the hosts.

The Final Word on the Rare Grape and Wine Tasting

This exclusive, expert-led tour offers an authentic glimpse into Armenian winemaking with a focus on rare indigenous grapes. It is ideal for wine lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking a personalized experience in Armenia’s beautiful landscape.

The combination of award-winning wines, hands-on activities, and breathtaking views makes this tour stand out among Armenia’s wine experiences. Priced at just $49, it delivers a rich, informative, and relaxing journey into the country’s vinicultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
The tour includes a meat and cheese platter, so it may not fully cater to vegetarians unless specified. It’s best to inquire directly for alternatives.

How far in advance should I book this experience?
Most bookings are made around 27 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended due to limited availability.

Does the experience include transportation?
No, it starts and ends at the meeting point in Yerevan, with no mention of transportation provided.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the booked time for a full refund.

What is the focus of the tasting?
The tasting emphasizes rare Armenian grapes, especially Nrneni, and includes medal-winning wines crafted by the family-run winery.

Is this experience accessible to most travelers?
Yes, it is designed for most travelers and involves a relaxed walking and tasting environment.

What makes this tour different from other wine experiences?
Its focus on rare indigenous grapes, hands-on bottle labeling, and stunning Ararat views set it apart.

Are there any specific photo opportunities?
Yes, the views of Mount Ararat and the boutique winery setting offer excellent photo moments.

Is the tour suitable for wine collectors or connoisseurs?
Absolutely, especially since it features award-winning wines and insights into small-batch Armenian winemaking.

Can I taste wines from the rare Nrneni grape elsewhere?
No, this tour provides a unique opportunity to taste wines made from Nrneni, which is rarely cultivated elsewhere.