If you’re considering a visit to Armenia and have a soft spot for wine, the Wine Tasting & Tour of Altterra Wines Factory might just be worth your time. From what we’ve gathered, this experience offers a genuine look into Armenia’s winemaking traditions, combined with some engaging tastings. It’s not a sprawling, tourist-heavy production line — instead, it’s a more intimate, educational peek into what makes Armenian wines special.
We particularly like that it’s led by a winemaker, which gives it a personal touch and authentic insights you won’t get with a self-guided tour. Plus, tasting wines straight from the tanks is a unique opportunity, offering a real sense of the wine’s development. On the flip side, the 1.5-hour duration means it’s a quick visit, so if you’re after a more in-depth experience, you might need to look elsewhere.
This tour feels suited for curious travelers who want a practical introduction to Armenian wine in a friendly setting. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in organic practices and enjoy pairing wine with local cheeses. It’s not ideal if you’re seeking a large-scale tour or a highly recreational experience, but for genuine insight and tasting, it hits the right notes.
Key Points
- Personalized experience: Led by the winemaker, offering authentic stories and insights.
- Tank tasting: Unique opportunity to sample wines directly from the production tanks.
- Focused duration: Lasts about 1.5 hours, perfect for a quick visit.
- Educational content: Learn about Armenian wine heritage, organic practices, and fermentation.
- Wine and cheese pairing: Tasting of five premium wines with a curated cheese board.
- Location convenience: Just a 30-minute drive from Yerevan, making it accessible for day-trippers.
What is the Experience Like at Altterra Wines?
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to taste wine mid-production, this tour offers just that — tasting five wines straight from the tanks. It’s a bit like peeking behind the curtain of a busy kitchen, but in this case, the kitchen is a winery. This part of the experience is often highlighted as a favorite among visitors, as it allows you to experience the wine at various stages, giving you a sense of how flavors develop.
The factory is run by a passionate winemaker, who is eager to share stories about Armenian winemaking traditions and the specific practices at Altterra. Expect some insights into their organic approach and fermentation techniques, which are increasingly relevant in today’s wine scene. We’ve seen others mention that hearing directly from the person behind the wine makes the experience feel more genuine.
The guided tasting in the dedicated room offers a chance to sample five carefully selected wines, including a natural sweet wine and a red reserve. The pairing with local cheeses adds a nice touch, making it a more relaxed and flavorful experience. It’s not overly fancy, but the curated selection and pairing help elevate the tasting beyond just sipping wine at random.
The Itinerary and Flow of the Tour
The tour typically starts at the NOA Winery (also known as AWA Winery), which is conveniently located just outside Yerevan. You’ll meet your guide here, and from there, the journey to the Altterra Wines factory begins. The journey is short, about a 30-minute drive, making it easy to fit into a day trip.
Once at the winery, your first stop is the factory tour. The winemaker will guide you through the process, explaining their organic practices, fermentation, barrel aging, and the philosophy driving their craft. This part of the tour is where you get a behind-the-scenes look, which many find quite informative.
Next, the highlight — tasting wines straight from the tanks in the production area. This is the moment to appreciate the different flavors at each stage of fermentation. The tasting is designed to be educational, helping you understand how each wine evolves.
Afterward, you’ll move to the tasting room for a guided wine and cheese pairing. You’ll sample five Premium wines, including some of their award-winning options. The curated cheese board, featuring local delicacies, complements the wines and makes for a satisfying tasting session.
Finally, there’s usually an opportunity to purchase wines directly from the winery at exclusive factory prices, which is a real perk if you want to take some Armenian wine home.
Practicalities and What You Need to Know
The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours. It’s a fairly compact visit, so if you’re tight on time but want a taste of Armenian wine production, this fits well into a busy schedule. The tour is available in multiple languages — Armenian, English, and Russian — ensuring good accessibility for international visitors.
Cost-wise, the value seems reasonable given the scope: guided tour, tank tastings, five wines, cheese pairing, and the chance to buy wine directly. It’s not a large-scale commercial tasting, so you might find it more personal and authentic. Plus, booking with the option to reserve now and pay later adds flexibility, which is always a plus.
Regarding group size, the tour’s intimacy depends on the number of participants, but it’s designed to be manageable and engaging. The guide and winemaker are usually attentive, making this a pleasant experience whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group.
The Experience for Different Types of Travelers
This tour is best suited for those genuinely interested in wine — especially those curious about Armenian indigenous varieties and organic viticulture. It’s perfect if you want a learning experience that’s not overly commercialized but still offers quality tastings and insights.
While not specifically geared for families with kids, it could be suitable for older children or teenagers with an interest in wine or agriculture, but keep in mind it’s primarily an adult-oriented experience. For travelers seeking a fun, relaxed afternoon with a focus on the craft rather than a party atmosphere, this tour hits the right tone.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Sum Up
If you’re after a straightforward, informative introduction to Armenian winemaking, the Altterra Wines Factory tour delivers. The personal touch of a winemaker guiding you through the process, combined with the chance to taste wines directly from the tanks, makes it stand out. The pairing with local cheeses and the opportunity to buy wine at factory prices add value to the experience.
This tour works best for travelers who appreciate authentic stories, organic practices, and a manageable pace. It’s not a large-scale commercial tasting, but that’s part of its charm — providing a genuine, educational look into what makes Armenian wines special. If you’re in the Yerevan area and want a short, meaningful visit into Armenia’s wine world, this could be just what you’re looking for.
Wine Tasting & Tour of Altterra Wines Factory
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 1.5 hours, making it a quick yet informative visit.
Where does the tour start?
It begins at NOA Winery, with the guide meeting you there. The coordinates are 40.11948013305664, 44.3676872253418.
What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are conducted in Armenian, English, and Russian.
Can I reserve my spot in advance?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.
What is included in the tasting?
You’ll taste five wines, including some of the winery’s premium options, paired with a curated cheese board.
Is there an opportunity to buy wines?
Absolutely, you can purchase wines directly from the winery at special factory prices.
Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s primarily geared toward adults interested in wine. It might suit older children if they have an interest, but it’s not specifically family-focused.
What makes this tour unique?
Tasting wines straight from the tanks, guided by the winemaker, and learning about Armenian wine heritage in a personal setting.
Are the wines organic?
Yes, the winery emphasizes organic practices, which is highlighted during the tour.
Would you recommend this tour?
If you’re looking for a real, personal introduction to Armenian wine with a friendly atmosphere, this is a solid choice.
