Areni stands out as Armenia’s premier wine region, famous for its ancient winemaking traditions and breathtaking landscapes. This small but mighty area offers a rich mix of history, spirituality, and, of course, wine. Whether you’re a casual taster or a dedicated oenophile, the tours here promise authentic experiences — like tasting wines made from grapes grown on millennia-old vines, visiting monasteries perched on cliffs, and exploring archaeological sites like Birds Cave. Among the many options, we particularly enjoy tours that combine wine tasting with visits to iconic sites such as Khor Virap and Noravank, giving you a well-rounded Armenian adventure. (Check out our recommended From Yerevan: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour for a classic full-day trip.)
In this list, you’ll find a variety of wine-focused excursions, from group day trips and private luxury tours to multi-winery explorations. Some tours emphasize cultural highlights like ancient monasteries and archaeological sites, while others focus on sampling the best of Armenia’s contemporary wineries. Whichever suits your style, each one offers a taste of Armenia’s unique vinicultural heritage. Now, let’s dive into the details of each top-rated tour.
1. From Yerevan: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour
At number one, this full-day tour takes you from Yerevan to some of Armenia’s most iconic sights. You start with a guided visit to the 17th-century Khor Virap Monastery, famous for its stunning views of Mount Ararat. Then, you’ll sample wine at Hin Areni winery, a standout for its authentic Armenian wines, then visit the Birds Cave, where archaeologists uncovered the world’s oldest leather shoe. The tour also includes a stop at Noravank Monastery, notable for its intricate stone carvings and the only 2-storied church in Armenia.
This tour is rated 4.8/5 with 149 reviews, reflecting its popularity. It offers a balanced mix of history, archaeology, and wine tasting, making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Armenia’s heritage. The 10-hour day is packed but manageable, with plenty of opportunities for photos, walks, and tasting. The tour’s value lies in its expert guidance and diverse itinerary, making it perfect for first-timers or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded tour combining cultural sites, archaeology, and wine, this is an excellent choice — great for history buffs and wine lovers alike.
2. Group tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Jermuk, Areni wine tasting
Rated 4.7/5 with 54 reviews, this 12-hour group excursion is perfect for those who enjoy meeting fellow travelers while exploring Armenia’s highlights. The day starts at Khor Virap Monastery, then moves to Noravank for more breathtaking scenery and cultural insight. The highlight for many is the visit to Jermuk’s mineral water gallery and waterfall, where you can relax amid nature’s calm. On the way back, there’s a stop at Areni Winery for wine tasting, making sure you sample some of the best local vintages.
This tour balances history, nature, and wine in a single day, ideal for travelers who want a bit of everything without the hassle of planning. It’s slightly longer at 12 hours, so good stamina and a sense of adventure are recommended. The inclusion of Jermuk’s mineral waters adds a refreshing element. The tour is priced at $38 per person, offering good value given the comprehensive itinerary.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a full cultural and natural experience with a strong wine component, all in one day.
3. Tatev (Shaki waterfall), Noravank, Areni wine tasting, Khor Virap
Rated 5/5 with only 3 reviews, this private tour combines Armenia’s highlights with a touch of adventure, including the longest aerial tramway in the world to Tatev Monastery. You’ll visit Khor Virap, sample wines in Areni, explore Noravank, and see the seasonal Shaki Waterfall, making for diverse scenery and experiences. The private setting means more flexibility and personalized attention, perfect for couples or small groups.
The 12-hour itinerary emphasizes comfort with new, spacious vehicles and experienced drivers, ensuring safe travels through Armenia’s mountainous terrain. The private aspect makes it a bit pricier at $230 for up to 4 people but offers a tailored experience for those wanting a more intimate connection to the sites.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a private, luxury experience that combines sightseeing, wine tasting, and the thrill of the Wings of Tatev cable car.
4. Wine tour Areni Noravank Khor Virap Areni cave
Rated 5/5 by a small group, this 6-hour private tour is perfect for those with limited time. It covers key sites like Khor Virap, Areni winery, Areni-1 Cave, and Noravank, with wine tasting at Areni. The focus on private transportation and comfortable cars makes for a relaxed day, with flexible timing.
What sets this tour apart is its efficiency — hitting major highlights without feeling rushed. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you get behind-the-scenes insights into Armenia’s ancient wine traditions and archaeological treasures. For around $130, this offers good value for a private experience, especially suited for couples or small groups eager to see the essentials.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick but immersive taste of Armenia’s religious, archaeological, and vinicultural wonders.
5. Khor Virap, Areni winery, Noravank, Jermuk city, waterfall
Rated 5/5 with 2 reviews, this 10-hour group tour mixes religious sites with natural beauty and wine. Starting at Khor Virap, visiting the Areni Winery, then Noravank, it also includes a scenic stop in Jermuk to see the waterfalls. The combination makes for a diverse day, especially appealing if you want a variety of Armenian experiences.
The tour is straightforward, with a good balance of sightseeing and tasting, suited for travelers who prefer guided group tours or are new to Armenia. It’s priced at $171 per group up to 3, offering a solid value in a full-day format.
Bottom Line: Good for those who want a mix of religious, natural, and wine experiences with a small group vibe.
6. Wine tour: 4 wine factories & wineries in one day
Rated 5/5 with 2 reviews, this 7-hour wine-focused tour visits four distinct wineries in Armenia, including Tushpa Wine Cellar, Areni Wine Factory, Momik WineCube, and Old Bridge Winery. The tour is conducted in a comfortable Mercedes, with a focus on tasting and learning about Armenian winemaking.
This experience is ideal for wine lovers who want to compare different production styles and flavors, from traditional to modern. The tour’s small group size maximizes personalized attention, and the price of $330 reflects a premium experience with multiple tastings. It’s best suited for serious wine enthusiasts who appreciate variety and in-depth exploration.
Bottom Line: A top choice for dedicated wine connoisseurs eager to sample multiple wineries in a single day.
7. Wine route
Rated 5/5 with just 1 review, this 8-hour tour combines visits to Noravank, Momik wine cubes, Trinity canyon vineyards, and Old Bridge winery. It’s designed for wine lovers who want to enjoy organic and traditional Armenian wines amid scenic surroundings, topped with a hearty lunch.
The focus on vineyards like Trinity canyon emphasizes organic practices, making it appealing for eco-conscious travelers. The tour includes multiple tastings and cultural highlights, making for a comprehensive, relaxed day.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a mix of vineyard visits, wine tasting, and scenic landscapes in a smaller group setting.
8. From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Areni Winery, and Noravank Tour
Rated with no reviews yet, this 9-hour tour hits Armenia’s key highlights. You visit the Khor Virap Monastery, tour the Areni Winery, and see Noravank, with an archaeological stop at Birds Cave. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of religious sites, wine, and archaeology.
The tour offers flexibility with its itinerary and covers some of Armenia’s most photographed sites. It’s suitable for those who want a guided experience without the private premium price.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a classic Armenia day trip with historic and wine highlights.
9. Private: Khor Virap, Noravank, Birds Cave, wine degustation
Rated zero reviews but promising, this private 8.5-hour tour offers a tailored experience. Highlights include Khor Virap, Noravank, and Birds Cave, with a focus on wine tasting at Areni.
The private setup allows flexibility to customize stops and spend more time at each site. The focus on archaeological and religious sites paired with wine tastings makes it ideal for couples or small groups who want exclusivity and personalized insights.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a customized, intimate Armenia experience centered on history and wine.
10. Private Day Trip: Areni Wine, Noravank & Tatev
Rated without reviews, this private day tour takes you through Areni wine tasting, Noravank Monastery, a scenic Tatev cable car ride, and the prehistoric Karahunj site. It’s tailored for travelers wanting a flexible, personalized itinerary that combines culture, history, and wine.
The flexibility makes it a favorite for those wanting to customize their Armenia experience. The inclusion of the Tatev cable car and Karahunj adds memorable highlights beyond wine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a bespoke trip with multiple highlights in one day.
11. Private tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni cave and winery
Rated equally private, this 9.5-hour tour emphasizes spectacular views of Mount Ararat, Armenian wine tasting, and archaeological sites like Areni Cave. It offers a detailed exploration for those needing flexibility and a deep dive into Armenia’s sites.
The guide’s local knowledge enriches the experience, providing insights into Armenia’s religious and cultural history. The inclusion of Khor Virap and Areni cave makes it a comprehensive cultural package.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers seeking a detailed, private immersion in Armenian spirituality, archaeology, and wine.
12. Private tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, wine tasting, Birds Cave
Rated zero reviews, this flexible private tour focuses on Khor Virap, Noravank, the Birds Cave, and wine tasting. It offers a personalized approach, perfect for families or small groups wanting to avoid large tours.
The highlight is the archaeological site of Birds Cave, giving you a rare glimpse into ancient Armenian history. The custom itinerary allows you to spend more time at your favorite sites.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a private, customizable Armenia experience with archaeological and wine highlights.
13. Vayots Dzor Wine Route Day Tour, discover Areni’s Wineries
Rated 5/5 with just one review, this 12-hour day trip explores multiple Areni wineries. It’s designed for those eager to understand Armenia’s winemaking tradition by visiting several vineyards in one day.
The focus on scenic vineyards and tasting makes it perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting to compare different producers and styles. The pace is steady but manageable, with enough time to savor each stop.
Bottom Line: Excellent for dedicated wine lovers seeking an in-depth exploration of the Areni wine region.
14. Wine tour to Khor Virap, Areni winery, Noravank
Rated 5/5 with a small group, this 7-hour tour combines Armenia’s archaeological sites and history with wine tasting. You start at Khor Virap, visit Areni, and then see Noravank, all with scenic views of Mount Ararat.
It’s a good choice for those who want a shorter, more focused experience that still covers the essential sites and wines. The intimate group size enhances the overall experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a compact, engaging Armenia tour with a focus on history and wine.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Areni
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, budget, and time. For a comprehensive experience that combines history, archaeology, and wine, the full-day From Yerevan: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour offers excellent value. If you prefer a private, tailored experience, consider the Tatev and Noravank private tour. For those obsessed with sampling multiple wineries, the 4 winery tour provides an in-depth tasting journey.
Budget travelers might prefer the shorter, focused tours like the Areni Cave and Winery, while wine enthusiasts looking for the ultimate tasting experience should consider the Vayots Dzor Wine Route. And if you want to experience Armenia’s natural beauty alongside its wines, tours combining monasteries with waterfalls and scenic drives are plentiful.
Final Thoughts
Areni offers a variety of wine tours that cater to different tastes — whether you’re after a quick immersion or an in-depth exploration. Options range from group outings and private luxury trips to multi-winery tasting adventures. For first-time visitors, a comprehensive tour like the From Yerevan trip provides a perfect intro, while seasoned wine lovers might prefer the 4 winery tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak harvest season in the fall. Whichever tour you choose, Be sure to savor each sip, enjoy the remarkable scenery, and soak up Armenia’s warm hospitality. The region’s long history of winemaking makes every glass a toast to thousands of years of tradition.