Nestled among the sun-kissed hills of southern Armenia lies Areni, a village as charming as it is historically rich. Celebrated today for its flourishing winemaking traditions and remarkable archaeological discoveries in the nearby cave that shares its name, Areni continues to enchant travelers with its unique fusion of nature, history, and culture.
In ancient times, the village was known as Arpa and held a prominent role in the Vayots Dzor region. Its importance stemmed largely from its strategic location at the mouth of a gorge—making it both a defensive outpost and a resting place for weary travelers. This advantageous positioning encouraged rapid growth, and by the 13th century, the local prince had moved his residence to Arpa, elevating the village’s status even further.
Today, Areni stands as one of Armenia’s most vibrant centers of viticulture. The village is home to a rare grape variety found nowhere else in the world, proudly referred to as “truly Armenian.” In fact, it was the name of this grape—Areni—that the village adopted in 1946. If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in this corner of Armenia, be sure to sample the local wines, admire the artistry of traditional stone carving, and explore the nearby cave, where history whispers from the shadows.
Much like the greater Vayots Dzor region, Areni has earned its reputation as one of Armenia’s leading winemaking hubs. Here, the art of crafting wine is not merely an industry—it is a way of life, passed down through generations. Almost every household makes wine, and despite the village’s modest size, there are no fewer than nine officially registered wineries in Areni alone.
Among the most renowned is Hin Areni, where winemakers draw upon two native grape varieties: Voskehat and Areni. According to local lore and archaeological evidence, wine has been made from the Areni grape in this very region for over six thousand years. A visit to Hin Areni offers more than just a tasting—the staff gladly walk guests through each stage of the winemaking process, from vine to bottle.
Another gem on the local wine map is Momik WineCube, a boutique winery run by the Ghazaryan family. In 2024, it was named one of Europe’s most beautiful wineries—a well-deserved accolade. Here, wine is aged in traditional oak barrels and karases—clay amphorae used since antiquity. The owner, who is also a skilled stone carver, sometimes offers workshops in her craft, providing a deeper cultural experience alongside a sip of Areni’s finest.
Since 2009, Areni has hosted one of Armenia’s most beloved annual events: the Areni Wine Festival. Held every autumn, the festival transforms the village into a vibrant celebration of Armenian heritage. Expect traditional music, lively dancing, and, of course, plenty of wine tastings. A highlight of the event is the chance to take part in the age-old ritual of grape stomping—an experience that delights both locals and visitors alike.
Perched on a scenic elevation once occupied by the ancient settlement of Arpa stands the Church of the Holy Mother of God, an architectural treasure dating back to 1321. This sacred structure was designed by the famed Armenian architect Momik, whose mastery of stone is evident in every detail of the church.
What sets this church apart are its intricate and symbolic bas-reliefs. Above the main entrance, the Virgin Mary is depicted seated with the infant Christ in her lap—a tender image that welcomes worshipers and visitors alike. Inside the dome, four columns bear carvings of the four Evangelists. Three are rendered in symbolic animal form: an eagle for John, a winged ox for Luke, and a winged lion for Mark. Only Matthew appears in human guise, as an angel.
Just beside the church lies a modest yet poignant collection of khachkars—carved stone steles bearing crosses surrounded by elaborate floral and geometric motifs. Each khachkar is a testament to Armenia’s deep spiritual heritage and its unparalleled artistry in stone.
Areni Cave—also poetically called the Bird Cave, a name inspired by the myriad bird nests dotting its walls and ceilings—is a spellbinding archaeological complex located just outside the village of Areni in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor Province, about 12 kilometers from the town of Yeghegnadzor.
The entrance to this subterranean marvel is hidden in a narrow crevice carved into the limestone cliffs on the left bank of the Arpa River. Estimates of the cave’s area vary, ranging from 400 to over 600 square meters, and its interior is a labyrinth of passageways and chambers—many of which were sealed off over 5,000 years ago, their secrets long buried by the dust of time.
Perched at an altitude of approximately 1,080 meters above sea level, the cave has revealed layer upon layer of cultural sediment. Among them is a particularly fascinating stratum dating back to the Chalcolithic (Copper-Stone) Age—roughly between 4200 and 3500 BCE—when clay-built structures once stood in what is now a shadowy underworld. On the cliffs nearby, in the Amaghu Gorge, archaeologists have identified the remains of ancient fortresses and a castle—testaments to the once-thriving settlements that guarded this rugged terrain.
Discoveries made in Areni Cave have redefined the history of human civilization in the Armenian Highlands. The findings suggest that life flourished here at least 800 years earlier than previously believed, placing Armenia’s early development on par with that of southern Iran. The most stirring discovery came with the unearthing of remarkably well-preserved human remains—adults and children alike—from the Chalcolithic period. Curiously, while the children’s skeletons were intact, the adult remains were found dismembered, hinting at ancient burial rituals and spiritual beliefs still shrouded in mystery.
In 2008, during an archaeological expedition in the cave, a world-shaking discovery was made: a perfectly preserved leather shoe, buried alongside goat horns in a carefully prepared pit. Its preservation was thanks to the cave’s cool, dry microclimate and the thick layer of compacted sheep dung that acted as a natural sealant. Radiocarbon dating revealed the shoe to be over 5,500 years old—crafted sometime between 3627 and 3377 BCE. To put that into perspective, the shoe predates Stonehenge by four centuries and the Great Pyramids of Giza by nearly a millennium. Unlike most known prehistoric footwear, typically made from woven plant fibers, this shoe was fashioned from tanned leather using advanced techniques in both design and construction. It now resides in the National Museum of Armenia, a silent relic of humanity’s first steps into craftsmanship.
Areni Cave has also yielded another archaeological wonder—the world’s oldest known winery, dating back approximately 6,000 years. The cave’s ancient winemaking installations include a wine press, storage jars, fermentation vats, and ceremonial drinking cups. The remains of grape skins, seeds, and even grapevines were found alongside these artifacts, all preserved by the cave’s climate. Archaeologists also uncovered metal knives, seeds of over 30 fruit species, cereals, straw, dried grass, reeds, clothing, twine, and even desiccated prunes. Together, these discoveries paint a vivid picture of early industrial winemaking, suggesting Areni was once a center of large-scale wine production.
Though archaeological digs continue within Areni Cave, a portion of it is open to the public. Even this small section offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the prehistoric past—especially when explored with a knowledgeable guide. Visitors can marvel at shards of millennia-old pottery and learn about the winemaking techniques that once flourished here in the darkness. The cave welcomes guests daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.
Areni lies roughly 110 kilometers from Yerevan. While the journey from the capital requires a transfer—first by bus to Yeghegnadzor, then by minibus to Areni—it is well worth the effort. The trip typically takes between three and four hours. For a more convenient and enriching experience, many travelers opt for guided tours departing from Yerevan, which include round-trip transportation and expert narration along the way.
