Armenia

In Armenia, the world's oldest winery has been discovered - an ancient cave with preserved clay vessels for wine, known as "karas." These Armenian karases have become a symbol of the revival of winemaking in the country. During the Soviet era, Armenia became a leader in producing the famous "Armenian cognac," which caused winemaking traditions to fade. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenian diaspora businessmen started returning to the country, infusing new life into winemaking. Karas Winery laid the foundation for this renaissance, while the energetic Armenian from Italy, Zorik Garibian, resurrected ancient grape varieties and began vinifying them in karases. The theme of the resilient spirit of Armenians unfolds in a small winery from Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian region within the territory of Azerbaijan. This winery was compelled to start anew after being displaced due to another military conflict in the region.