Vineyards in the Ararat valley
The valley of Mount Ararat is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world, where the secret of vines was discovered in the 4th millennium BC. Greek historians such as Herodotus, Xenophon and Strabo mention Armenian fine wines being exported to neighboring countries. According to biblical tradition, at the time of Noah’s flood, his Ark came to rest at the top of Mount Ararat. When water subsided, Noah descended into the valley with his sons and planted the first vine. This is the place where ARARAT, the legendary Armenian brandy, is produced today. The Ararat valley enjoys a unique microclimate, with over 30 soil varieties 700 meters above sea-level and 300 days of sunshine a year on average. The local grape varieties used to produce ARARAT brandies – Voskehat, Garandmak, Banants, Mskhali and Kangun – are all endemic to the region.