Things to Do in Areni: Tastings, Cave, Climbing

Areni is a village in the Arpa valley in Vayots Dzor Province, on the M2 highway between Yerevan and Yeghegnadzor. It is the centre of Armenian wine tourism, and the season runs from May to October. Here are seven things to do, with the practical details.

1. Taste Wine at Hin Areni

  • Two tasting rooms: one on the main highway in the village and one next to the Areni-1 cave.
  • Standard, 1,500 AMD: a Wine Bank tour and three Hin Areni wines.
  • Premium, 3,500 AMD: three Reserve wines.
  • VIP, 12,000 AMD: winery and cellar tour, Wine Bank tour, three classic and three Reserve wines, and a cheese platter.
  • Ask whether each price is per person. Reserve at tours@hinareniwine.am or by phone, and keep cash handy.

2. Visit Momik Wines

The Momik WineCube sits on a hilltop among vines. The Nazaryan family hosts, and a stone-carving masterclass is available. Opening hours of about 11:00 to 19:00 are given, and a day’s notice is expected. The tasting price is not published, so ask when you book.

3. Try Trinity Canyon Vineyards

The vineyards are in Aghavnadzor, between Areni and Yeghegnadzor. The winemaker leads a tasting of organic wines that takes about 1.5 hours, and booking sites show roughly US$32 to 34 a head. Reserve 24 hours ahead.

4. Tour Areni Wine Factory

A family winery open since 1994. It runs cellar tours and makes fruit wines such as pomegranate, and a lavash workshop is held by reservation.

5. See the Areni-1 Cave

The cave is about 2 km out of the village, off the main road. Its winery installation is about 6,100 years old. The 5,500-year-old leather shoe found in 2008 is displayed in Yerevan, at the History Museum of Armenia. Expect a small, dusty cave and take a guide if you can. Entry is about 1,000 AMD. Times vary by listing, so confirm on the day. A cave museum is planned for around the end of 2026, so check before you go.

6. Climb or Meet the Goats

Noravank (Gnishik) canyon is Armenia’s most developed sport-climbing area, with about 107 routes. The Areni sector offers eight easy routes from 5a to 6a+. Hire a qualified guide, because climbing here is called dangerous and not always permitted. Up The Rocks in Yerevan answers guide requests by email. Bring your own equipment.

The Arpa Protected Landscape, about 6,000 hectares around the canyon, is managed by the Arpa Environmental Foundation. Rangers lead the bezoar goat outings. A 2025 guide gave about 1,000 AMD per group of 2 to 10, and the foundation’s visitor centre is in Yeghegnadzor. Book 72 hours ahead.

7. Take a Clay Class

Arhestanots Studio in Areni has run clay masterclasses since 2019. Book a day ahead and ask if classes are on this season.

Travel Tips

If you taste wine, ask a hotel or tour operator for a driver, or choose a friend who will not drink. Check gov.uk and travel.state.gov for up-to-date Armenia advice before you travel.

Read more: sightseeing in Areni for the monastery, church and canyon.

Official details: Hin Areni packages and Absolute Armenia’s Areni guide . Tours: Viator wine tours .