Experience the Art of Making Sparkling Wine with Hovaz Wines in Armenia
Imagine holding a freshly corked, personalized bottle of sparkling rosé, crafted with your own hands—sounds delightful, right? The Bottle Your Own Local Sparkling Wine experience offered by Hovaz Wines in Armenia gives you just that opportunity. This hands-on activity is more than just a tasting; it’s a genuine peek into Armenian winemaking traditions, infused with local charm and a touch of personal craftsmanship.
What makes this tour shine? First, you’ll learn the traditional Champagne method of creating sparkling wine, which is fascinating if you’re a wine geek. Second, you get the rare chance to label, cork, and take home your own bottle, adding a personalized souvenir to your trip. Third, the experience is paired with local cheese and meats, giving your taste buds a true Armenian flavor profile. The only caveat? If you’re not much of a wine drinker or under 18, this experience isn’t for you, given the nature of the activity.
This experience suits those who appreciate authentic craftsmanship, enjoy learning about local traditions, or simply want a memorable, interactive wine moment during their Armenian adventure.
You can check if your dates are available here:Good To Know
- Hands-on wine crafting: You get to cork and label your own bottle, making it a memorable souvenir.
- Traditional method: The sparkling wine is made using the same process as Champagne, giving you insight into high-quality wine production.
- Local pairing: Each tasting includes a selection of Armenian cheese and meats to complement the sparkling rosé.
- Expert guidance: Led by Nelly, a professional local guide, ensuring an informative and engaging experience.
- Sustainable focus: Hovaz Wines supports eco-friendly practices and wildlife conservation.
- Accessible and flexible: Private groups, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible cancellation policies make it traveler-friendly.
Interested in wine? More Dilijan vineyard visits we've reviewed
A Deep Dive into the Tour
Meeting in Dilijan’s Heart: The Hovaz Wines Tasting Room
The experience begins at the central Hovaz Wines Tasting Room, conveniently located in Dilijan. You’re greeted by Nelly, whose friendly, professional demeanor instantly puts you at ease. She provides a brief introduction to Armenian winemaking and the tradition behind sparkling wines, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Learning the Traditional Champagne Method
The core of this tour revolves around understanding the traditional method—or méthode champenoise—used in Champagne, France. You’re shown how this method involves fermenting the wine in bottles, creating natural carbonation. Nelly carefully explains the process, emphasizing the importance of patience and precision. Seeing this process in action allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a fine sparkling wine.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Lees and Their Removal: A Critical Step
Participants get an up-close look at the lees removal process—a crucial step in sparkling wine production. Lees are the natural yeast particles leftover after fermentation, which can influence taste if not properly removed. You’ll observe how the lees are delicately extracted from the bottles, which ensures the final product is clear and crisp. For those interested in winemaking, this step is often overlooked but is vital for quality.
Corking and Labeling Your Personal Bottle
The highlight for many guests: cork and label your own bottle. Under Nelly’s guidance, you’ll hand-cork a pre-filled bottle of Hovaz’s sparkling rosé, then personalize it with a label. It’s a simple act but transforms into a satisfying achievement; you leave with a tangible, personal souvenir of your Armenian adventure. The process is straightforward, making it accessible even for first-timers.
Tasting with Local Flavors
Once your bottle is ready, you’ll settle in for a tasting of Hovaz’s sparkling rosé, crafted from the native Areni Noir grape variety. You’ll learn how to properly taste sparkling wine, recognizing its subtle nuances, and how the local terroir influences the flavor. The wine is paired with a local cheese and meat board, providing a well-rounded sensory experience. This pairing enhances the wine’s fruitiness and adds a savory layer to the tasting.
The Local Winemaking Scene
Nelly shares insights into Armenia’s evolving wine industry, highlighting the importance of sustainability and conservation efforts by Hovaz Wines. The tour gives a glimpse into a winery that values tradition while embracing modern and eco-friendly practices, making it an educational experience for the socially conscious traveler.
Value for Money
At just $21 per person, this experience offers considerable value—combining education, hands-on activity, and a tasting in a compact 1.5-hour window. The chance to leave with a personalized bottle makes it even more worthwhile, especially if you’re a fan of unique, craft souvenirs.
Practical Details and Tips
- Location & Meeting Point: The Tasting Room is centrally located in Dilijan, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
- Duration & Timing: The activity lasts about 1.5 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.
- Price & Value: For $21, you get guided instruction, a tasting, local snacks, and your own labeled bottle—this is a fair price considering the personalized experience.
- Language & Accessibility: Conducted in Armenian, English, and Russian, with wheelchair accessibility ensuring inclusivity.
- Reservations & Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—adding flexibility for your trip planning.
What to Keep in Mind
- The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or those under 18 due to alcohol consumption.
- Indoor smoking is not allowed, so plan accordingly if you’re sensitive.
- It’s best suited for those curious about wine-making, cultural traditions, or seeking a hands-on activity during their stay.
Authentic Insights from Reviews
Guests have appreciated the genuine, hands-on nature of this activity. One review highlights how “you get to know the traditional process in a relaxed setting,” and another mentions how “corking and labeling your bottle made it feel truly personalized.” The presence of Nelly, the guide, was also frequently praised for her professionalism and knowledge, making complex processes easy to understand.
The tasting was described as “refreshing and light,” perfect for pairing with local snacks, and many noted that leaving with a self-made bottle provided a lasting memory of their trip.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?
This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just sipping wine—they want a cultural, educational, and interactive activity that involves hands-on participation. It’s perfect for small groups or private bookings, especially if you’re interested in Armenian tradition, sustainable practices, or craftmanship.
If your goal is to take home a meaningful souvenir and learn about the ancient art of sparkling wine-making, this is a smart choice. It’s also a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation of Armenia’s vinicultural scene, even if you’re not a wine expert.
However, if you’re looking for a large-group, high-energy tour or a purely visual experience, this might feel a bit subdued. Also, those not of drinking age or with dietary restrictions should note the limited suitability.
FAQ
Can I purchase the bottle I cork and label myself?
Yes, you have the option to purchase your personalized bottle at the end of the experience.
How long does the activity last?
The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.
Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
Can I join if I don’t speak Russian or Armenian?
Yes, the tour is conducted in Armenian, English, and Russian, so language should not be a barrier.
Are children allowed?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 18 due to alcohol restrictions.
What is included in the price?
You get a guide, a glass of sparkling rosé, a cheese and meat board, and the opportunity to cork and label your own bottle.
Is this activity environmentally friendly?
Hovaz Wines emphasizes sustainable winemaking and wildlife conservation.
What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for standing and hand-on activities.
What is the best time to do this?
Check local availability, but generally, the morning or early afternoon works well for a relaxed experience.
Final Words
The Bottle Your Own Local Sparkling Wine experience at Hovaz Wines offers more than just a tasting; it’s a slice of Armenian culture encapsulated in a hands-on activity. It’s a perfect blend of tradition, education, and personal achievement that turns a simple wine tour into a memorable story you’ll tell long after your trip ends.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone seeking a meaningful souvenir, this experience delivers genuine value and insight into Armenia’s vibrant winemaking scene. It’s an activity that’s as educational as it is fun, wrapped in the charm of Dilijan’s scenic surroundings.
If you’re eager to learn, create, and taste with a local expert, this tour deserves a spot on your Armenia itinerary.
You can check if your dates are available here: