Key Points

Authentic Armenian Winery: Experience a family-run boutique winery in the scenic Ararat Valley.
Rare Grape Tastings: Taste five wines including Nrneni, a rare Armenian grape.
Award-Winning Wines: Sample the IWSC 2024 Bronze Medal-winning MOONQ Nrneni 2023 and MUNDUS 2024 Silver Medal-winning MOONQ Coupage 2022.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Learn about the winemaking process from grape selection to bottling.
Interactive Experience: Get the chance to label a bottle yourself.
Stunning Views: Marvel at Mount Ararat during a peaceful, scenic setting.
Local Delights: Enjoy a cheese and meat platter, Armenian pakhlava, and herbal tea brewed in a 19th-century Tula samovar.
Price and Duration: $56 per person for a 2-hour private tour.
Accessibility: Guided tours available in Armenian, English, and Russian with flexible booking options.
Meeting Point: Directly at MOONQ Winery in Armenia.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring MOONQ Winery in Armenia

The Rare Grape & Wine Tasting Experience at MOONQ offers a cozy, intimate look into Armenian winemaking traditions. Located in the Ararat Valley, the tour combines a tasting session of five carefully crafted wines with insights into the boutique winery’s family story. Priced at $56 per person, this experience lasts 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity for those interested in authentic Armenian wines.

The setting is notably tranquil, with stunning views of Mount Ararat creating a serene backdrop. Visitors appreciate the relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to savor each wine and enjoy the peaceful landscape. The experience welcomes small private groups, providing a personalized atmosphere that enhances learning and enjoyment.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Yerevan

Unique Armenian Grape Varieties and Award-Winning Wines

A highlight of this tour is the opportunity to taste rare Armenian grapes, notably Nrneni, which is grown on less than half a hectare. The Nrneni 2023 has received the IWSC 2024 Bronze Medal, underscoring its quality.

The tasting also features the MOONQ Coupage 2022, a blend of Areni, Khndoghni, and Nrneni grapes, which has earned the MUNDUS 2024 Silver Medal. Other wines include MOONQ Coupage 2023, MOONQ Voskehat 2023 (white), and MOONQ Areni Rosé 2022. These selections demonstrate the winery’s skill in producing award-winning wines that showcase Armenia’s indigenous grape varieties.

Behind-the-Scenes at a Family-Run Boutique Winery

The tour starts with an introduction to the family’s winemaking journey, highlighting a traditional approach that emphasizes quality and locality. Guests are guided through the winemaking process, from selecting grapes to fermentation and bottling. A special feature is the chance to label a bottle yourself, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Throughout the visit, visitors see how the winery operates on a small scale, emphasizing craftsmanship over mass production. The boutique setting offers an authentic glimpse into Armenian wine traditions, making this experience both educational and heartfelt.

Tasting and Food Pairings in a Tranquil Setting

The wine tasting is complemented by a meat and cheese platter, along with crackers and Armenian pakhlava, a sweet pastry similar to Middle Eastern baklava. The herbal tea, brewed in a 19th-century Tula samovar from Artsakh, provides a calming finish to the tasting session.

This pairing enhances the wine experience by highlighting local flavors and artisanal products. The relaxing environment allows for savoring each sip and bite while enjoying the stunning views of Mount Ararat in the background.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistic Details and Booking Flexibility

Visitors should meet directly at MOONQ Winery in Armenia for this private group experience. The tour includes a guided visit in Armenian, English, and Russian, with flexible booking options that allow for full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

The 2-hour duration fits well into a day’s itinerary, and the small group size ensures personalized attention. The experience is suitable for those seeking a relaxed, informative, and scenic introduction to Armenian wines.

Keen to taste more of Yerevan? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

The Experience’s Strengths and Considerations

The most praised aspect of this tour is the opportunity to taste rare Armenian grapes like Nrneni and enjoy award-winning wines in a peaceful setting. The stunning views of Mount Ararat and the personalized approach of a family-run winery add a special touch.

Potential visitors should note that the tour is relatively short, at just 2 hours, which suits travelers looking for a quick yet enriching experience. Since the experience is private, it offers flexibility, but it may not be ideal for those seeking a more extensive winery visit.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to wine enthusiasts eager to explore rare Armenian varietals and boutique winemaking. It’s also perfect for those interested in local culture, scenic landscapes, and personalized tours.

Travelers who value award-winning wines and authentic family stories will find this experience rewarding. It’s less suited for those seeking a large, commercial winery visit or a longer, more comprehensive wine tour.

Final Thoughts on the Armenian Winery Experience

The Rare Grape & Wine Tasting at MOONQ offers a genuine taste of Armenia’s indigenous grapes and family traditions. The small group setting and interactive elements make it memorable without feeling rushed.

While it’s a short experience, the quality of wines, especially the Nrneni, and stunning views of Mount Ararat stand out. The $56 price provides good value for those seeking an authentic, scenic, and educational introduction to Armenian wines.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers curious about Armenia’s rare varieties and seeking a personalized, scenic experience in a boutique setting.

✨ Book This Experience