Armenia returns to Wine Paris: 6,000 years of wine history seeking global recognition

From 9 to 11 February, twenty-three Armenian producers will showcase in the French capital a winemaking tradition dating back six millennia

For the second consecutive year, Armenia will have a prominent presence at Wine Paris, one of the planet’s most influential wine fairs. Between 9 and 11 February 2026, the Armenian national pavilion will bring together 23 wineries at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, a showcase before thousands of importers, sommeliers, buyers, and industry leaders from more than 150 countries.

Armenia’s participation is no accident. It represents a country’s effort to reclaim its position on the global wine map, combining a millennial heritage with contemporary winemaking techniques.

Wine Paris: the perfect stage for reinvention

Wine Paris has established itself as one of the sector’s leading global platforms, with more than 6,000 exhibitors from 60 countries and around 60,000 professional visitors. The fair not only offers tastings, but also masterclasses, networking opportunities, and trend analysis that shape the industry’s future.

For Armenia, being present at this event means amplifying a voice that, whilst ancient, seeks to make itself heard in a market dominated by established powerhouses such as France, Italy, or Spain.

«Participating in Wine Paris 2026 allows Armenia to amplify its voice in the global winemaking community,» explains Zaruhi Muradyan, executive director of the Armenian Vine and Wine Foundation (VWFA). «As the world’s newest and oldest wine destination, with more than 6,000 years of uninterrupted winemaking heritage, Armenia combines millennia of tradition with modern creativity and innovation.»

The discovery that changed everything

Armenia’s historical relevance in the wine world gained global momentum in 2007, when archaeologists discovered in the Areni-1 cave the oldest winemaking complex ever documented. The evidence found revealed sophisticated winemaking techniques dating back more than 6,000 years, radically transforming academic understanding of the origins of this practice.

This discovery not only rewrote wine history, but also catalysed a viticultural renaissance in Armenia. From being a country with residual wine production following decades of Soviet domination, it went on to reclaim its legacy as the cradle of winemaking.

«Here, wine is part of our history, fermented, celebrated, and offered to the gods in hidden caves thousands of years ago,» notes Muradyan. «Today, we reconnect with this universal spirit, crafting wines that embody ancestral character with a modern touch.»

A unique terroir: altitude, own-rooted vines, and 450 native varieties

Armenia possesses unique viticultural conditions. Its high-altitude vineyards, where vines seem to literally touch the sky, bring distinctive characteristics to its wines. Additionally, the country preserves own-rooted vines (ungrafted vines), preserved for centuries thanks to their natural resilience and geographical isolation—something increasingly rare in Europe following the devastation caused by phylloxera in the 19th century.

But perhaps most remarkable is its genetic diversity: Armenia has more than 450 native and indigenous grape varieties. Amongst them stands out Sev Areni, considered the great ambassador of Armenian wine for its elegance, complexity, and notable adaptability, even in the face of climate change challenges.

The 23 wineries that will represent Armenia

The national pavilion (located at stand 4B239) will bring together producers reflecting the diversity of the Armenian wine landscape, from artisanal projects to larger-scale operations:

Altterra Wines, Alexandrea Winery, Armenia Wine Company, Hin Areni Winery, Gevorkian Winery, Jraghatspanyan Winery, Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory, Kataro Wines, Khachen Wines, Krya Wines, Lusarev Wines, Qotot Wines, Manukyan Wine, Manukyan Wine and Brandy, Northern Terroir, Old Bridge Winery, Vedi Alco, Voskevaz Wine Cellar, Van Ardi, Voskeni Wines, Keush, Hovaz, and Karas.

This selection underscores the balance between tradition and innovation that characterises Armenia’s viticultural resurgence.

2026: a key year for Armenia

The presence at Wine Paris is only the beginning. Armenia will also host the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious wine competitions. This event will offer international professionals the opportunity to immerse themselves in Armenian terroir and experience «a journey from the origins of winemaking to the future of fine wine,» as the organisers describe it.

For a country seeking to position itself as an emerging wine tourism destination, these events represent a unique opportunity to show that its historical legacy is not merely archaeological heritage, but a living tradition that continues to evolve.