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Welcome to Vayk Winery
Vayk Group Winery set out to craft premium Armenian wines that capture the essence of the historic Arpa Valley—one of the world’s oldest recorded winemaking regions. We began with 12 hectares of Areni Noir vineyards and have grown to 33 hectares (81 acres), adding select local and international varieties while staying true to our heritage.
The northwest-facing slopes, arid climate, mineral-rich soils, and 300+ sunny days create the perfect terroir for Areni Noir grapes, cultivated here for over 5,000 years. Over two decades, we have refined a winemaking process that blends traditional Armenian methods with modern techniques to produce distinctive wines that showcase the unique flavors of the Arpa Valley.
We are committed to environmental sustainability—avoiding pesticides, preserving the natural terrain, using modern irrigation, and operating entirely on solar power.
As a family-owned winery, we employ only the local workforce and take an active role in our community through festivals and events where our wines are celebrated. Since 2018, we have expanded from local markets to international exports, sharing the taste of Armenian wine with the world. We invite you to enjoy our wines and share your experience with us.
Our Story & Heritage
The vision for Vayk Group Winery was born in the mid-1990s, in the heart of Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region — a land celebrated for its rich agricultural traditions and the timeless beauty of the Arpa Valley.
Founder Ashot Zakaryan, a mechanical engineer with a deep love for the land, saw potential where others saw only steep, dry slopes. With ingenuity and determination, he transformed these rugged hillsides by creating water-preserving irrigation systems, turning once-barren plots into thriving orchards and vineyards.
In 1996, the first apricot orchards took root, soon followed by the planting of Areni Noir, Armenia’s legendary indigenous grape. Over the years, the estate flourished into 60 hectares of orchards — apricot, plum, apple, and walnut — complemented by modern refrigeration and packing facilities. Our winery also produces world-renowned Armenian dried apricots, sun-dried using traditional methods, enjoyed both locally and abroad.
Construction of the winery was completed in 2000, with two dedicated years of research to design a winemaking process that would honour the soul of our grapes. The first vintage, from our own vineyards, was released in 2001 — a graceful marriage of time-honoured Armenian techniques and modern winemaking craftsmanship. Today, our wines are celebrated across Armenia and beyond. In 2014, Ashot’s youngest son, David Zakaryan, a graduate of the American University of Armenia, joined the family business, carrying the vision forward.
Over the years, Vayk Group has been honoured by Armenian presidents, ministers, and beloved cultural figures, yet our greatest recognition comes from our community. We hire exclusively from the local workforce, support agricultural students through internships, and take pride in our role as a steward of sustainable horticulture and agrotourism in Vayots Dzor.
Rooted in the land. Shaped by tradition. Inspired by the Arpa Valley. This is Vayk Winery — where every bottle tells the story of our home.
Vineyards
The Arpa River Valley in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region has been a cradle of winemaking for over 6,000 years. Just 10 miles from our estate, near the village of Areni, archaeologists unearthed a remarkably preserved wine press, clay vessels, and wine residues dating back 6,100 years. When we began cultivating the north-facing slopes near Vayk in 2000, we uncovered our own connection to this ancient tradition — fruit-bearing vines, clay amphorae, stone presses, and tools from the 11th century — confirming that winemaking has shaped the culture and economy here for centuries.
Since 2000, we have cultivated 33 hectares (81 acres) of vineyards. Around 20 hectares are planted with Areni Noir, our signature red grape, and 5 hectares with Voskehat, Armenia’s noble white variety prized for its vibrant, aromatic character.
Our vineyards stretch between 1,250 and 1,400 meters above sea level, most along the left bank of the Arpa River in gravelly soils threaded with clay, nourished by pure mountain spring water and over 300 days of sunshine each year. A smaller parcel rests on the slopes of an ancient volcanic foothill, producing fruit with distinct mineral notes. We practice sustainable land management, employ drip irrigation, and continually refine our clone selection. As one of the largest and most advanced estates in the Arpa Valley, we work with local and national partners to promote Armenian viticulture and preserve this remarkable heritage for generations to come.
Winemaking
1. The Harvest
Our winemaking begins in the vineyards, where ripeness is judged not only by precise sugar and acidity levels, but also by tasting the fruit. Areni Noir grapes are gathered in the cool, early hours of late October, while Voskehat is picked in mid-September. We harvest entirely by hand, using small 5 kg bins to protect the berries and preserve their freshness.
2. Destemming and crushing
Within hours, the grapes arrive at our winery and are gently chilled to 10°C to safeguard their aromas. Every cluster is hand sorted by our team to ensure only the finest fruit continues. After destemming, the berries are inspected again by hand before being gently crushed, preserving the integrity of the skins.
3. Fermentation
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing us to capture the purest expression of each variety. Areni Noir ferments slowly at 20–22°C with twice-daily cap management for balanced extraction, while Voskehat ferments at a cool 10–12°C to retain its delicate aromatics. We are also perfecting a rosé crafted from Areni grapes.
4. Aging and bottling
Following fermentation, our red wines rest in carefully selected oak barrels for a minimum of six months, developing complexity and depth. Whites and semi-sweet reds mature in stainless steel to preserve their fresh, vibrant character. Bottling takes place in early spring, sealing each wine’s story from vineyard to glass.
Vayots Dzor: Cradle of Armenian Winemaking
The Vayots Dzor region, carved by the Arpa River and framed by mountains, has nurtured vines for over 6,000 years. Just miles from our estate lies the Areni-1 cave, where archaeologists uncovered the world’s oldest known winery, dating to 4100 BC. Today, these same valleys and slopes yield grapes of rare character.
Our vineyards sit between 1,250 and 1,400 meters, where warm, sun-filled days give way to cool nights, preserving natural acidity and developing complexity. Gravelly soils laced with clay, volcanic slopes, and pristine mountain water create a terroir that is both challenging and rewarding — perfect for the Areni Noir and Voskehat that define our region.
We tend the land with care, avoiding pesticides, conserving water through drip irrigation, and running our entire operation on solar power. This harmony with the environment reflects the enduring bond between the people of Vayots Dzor and the vines that have defined their culture for millennia.
