Shopping with Brandy: Tour to Brandy factories and markets

If you’re visiting Yerevan and have a soft spot for good drinks, lively markets, and authentic Armenian culture, this shopping and brandy tour could be just what you need. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines history, flavor, and local life in a relaxed 4.5-hour package, all in the comfort of a sleek Mercedes-Benz. While it’s tailored for those who appreciate a good story behind their drink and enjoy a bit of shopping therapy, it also offers plenty of insights into Armenia’s proud tradition of brandy-making and bustling market scenes.

What we love about this tour? It’s the chance to sample legendary Armenian brandies like Ararat and Noah right at the factories, the lively exploration of markets like GUM and Vernissage, and the seamless, comfortable transportation that makes everything feel relaxed and enjoyable. A possible downside? The tour doesn’t include factory entry tickets, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. This experience is perfect for curious travelers who want a taste of Armenia’s drink heritage and authentic shopping spots without the hassle of planning each detail.

Who is this tour best for?

It’s ideal for wine and spirit enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those who prefer private, guided experiences that blend education and leisure. If you love discovering local flavors and markets with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers genuine value.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Brandies: Visit two iconic factories with tastings that reveal Armenia’s renowned cognac craftsmanship.
• Vibrant Markets: Shop for local produce, crafts, and souvenirs at GUM and Vernissage—great for gift-hunting.
• Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy a luxurious ride in a private Mercedes-Benz with extras like free Wi-Fi and photo service.
• Flexible & Private: Tour is customizable with a private group, offering a personalized experience.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Armenian history through visits to factories housed inside historical sites, like the Erivan fortress.
• Cost & Value: For $190 per group, the combination of tastings, sightseeing, shopping, and private transport offers a compelling package.

Exploring Armenia’s Brandy Heritage

The tour kicks off with visits to Noy Brandy Factory and Ararat Brandy Factory, two of Armenia’s most storied producers. Their history alone is fascinating—Noy was founded in 1877 by Nerses Tairian, with a little help from the artist Ayvazovsky. Walking through the plant, you can imagine the decades of craftsmanship behind each bottle, especially in the vaulted cellars and catacombs that keep the aging cognacs. The tasting room is a highlight, where you can savor the distinctive Armenian cognac, which boasts a reputation that even Winston Churchill appreciated.

The Ararat Brandy Factory, established in 1887, has played a pivotal role in Armenia’s reputation for premium cognac. During the Soviet era, it was a staple in Kremlin and a favorite of many Russian elites, and legend has it that Churchill himself was a fan. Today, the factory maintains its legendary status with a museum, tasting room, and a shop offering bottles for souvenirs or gifts.

Tour Tip: Many visitors mention the knowledgeable guides, like Gregory and Mrs. Ani, who add depth with their stories. One reviewer praised Ani’s enthusiasm, saying, “Everything was excellent, and her friendliness made the experience even better.”

Market Exploration: GUM and Vernissage

After the factories, the tour moves to GUM Market—Yerevan’s unofficial heart of shopping. It’s a lively, sprawling complex where vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and dried fruits to Armenian bread—lavash—and local meats and fish. The market’s history is tied to the Soviet past, with the old building replaced by a modern warehouse after the fall, but it retains its authentic vibe. Here, you’ll find local products directly from farmers, giving you a taste of everyday Armenian life.

Vernissage is next, a sprawling open-air market near Republic Square, with roots dating back to the 1980s. Originally a spot for artists selling paintings, it expanded into a hub for Armenian handicrafts, souvenirs, and jewelry. Visiting Vernissage is a perfect chance to buy unique gifts—think handwoven textiles, ceramics, or traditional jewelry—while soaking up the lively atmosphere of vendors calling out their wares.

Insight from reviews: Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to find authentic gifts, mentioning that Vernissage is a “great place to buy gifts for family and friends” and highlighting the friendly stall owners who love sharing their stories and traditions.

The Itinerary Breakdown

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Pickup and Start

Your guide will fetch you from your hotel or designated Yerevan location, making sure you’re comfortable from the get-go. The tour operates on a flexible schedule, aligned with factory hours, so timing may vary slightly.

Noy Brandy Factory (Approx. 1 hour)

Located near Victory Bridge and the City Hall, the Noy factory’s setting inside the historic Erivan fortress adds to its charm. You’ll explore cellar rooms and catacombs where aging cognac is stored, gaining insights into Armenian distilling methods. The factory’s shop offers bottles for purchase, perfect if you want to bring home a piece of Armenian heritage.

Ararat Brandy Factory Visit (Approx. 1 hour)

This legendary factory isn’t just about tasting; it’s about experiencing a piece of Armenia’s history. The museum here narrates the story of how the renowned cognac was recognized globally, especially after winning medals in France. The tasting room is a treat, offering samples that reveal the complexity behind each sip.

Market Shopping: GUM (Approx. 40 minutes)

Walking through GUM, you’ll see the hustle of vendors selling fresh produce, Armenian bread, and local delicacies. Many reviews highlight the quality of the dried fruits and bread—you might find yourself tempted to buy a bag of fresh lavash to enjoy later.

Vernissage (Approx. 40 minutes)

This market is a colorful contrast to the indoor GUM, with open-air stalls full of handcrafted goods. It’s a favorite spot for souvenir shopping, especially for gifts that reflect Armenia’s culture and craftsmanship.

Return to Yerevan

The tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to your hotel, allowing you to relax and reflect on your Armenian experiences.

Practical Details & Extras

The tour’s inclusion of free Wi-Fi, photos, and extras like a thermos, chargers, umbrellas, and even a blanket makes it feel personalized and well-thought-out. These thoughtful touches ensure you stay comfortable and capture memories without extra fuss.

While transportation, guide service, and market visits are included, tickets to the factories are not—so be prepared for that additional expense. The private group setup ensures a personalized experience, with guides speaking English, Russian, or Armenian based on your preference.

Pricing & Value Analysis

At $190 for a group of up to six, this tour offers considerable value when you consider the private transportation, guided tastings, and shopping opportunities. Private tours typically cost more, but the all-inclusive approach means you avoid hidden fees and can customize certain parts of the experience.

The Sum Up

This Shopping with Brandy tour provides an excellent introduction to Armenia’s iconic brandy-making and vibrant markets. It’s ideal for those wanting a blend of history, flavor, and local culture, all wrapped in a comfortable and flexible private experience. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a gift hunter, this tour offers genuine insight into Armenia’s proud traditions.

The knowledgeable guides, the chance to taste legendary cognacs, and the lively markets make it a memorable part of any Yerevan trip—especially if you enjoy discovering the stories behind your favorite drinks and finding authentic souvenirs.

FAQs

Do I need to buy tickets for the factories?
Yes, tickets to the factories are not included, so you will need to purchase them separately on-site.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with visits, shopping, and tastings all included within this timeframe.

Is transportation included?
Yes, a private, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle is part of the package, ensuring comfort throughout your day.

Can I customize the tour?
It’s a private tour, so guides are typically flexible and can adapt the schedule slightly based on your preferences.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially since there’s walking involved at markets.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 18 due to the tastings and adult-oriented activities.

This tour offers a fantastic mix of Armenia’s spirits, shopping, and local flavor—perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, relaxed day with a touch of luxury.

You can check if your dates are available here: