Vayots Dzor, Armenia

Since Noah planted the first vine after the flood on the slopes of Mount Ararat, according to the Bible, Armenia was the first place in the world to produce wine. Archaeologists concur, at least in terms of the ancient tradition: a winery that dates back 6,100 years was recently found. The indigenous Areni species has remained unaltered for millennia due to its high level of disease resistance and its thick skin, which helps protect it from the cold. Vayots Dzor, where a microclimate assures 300 sunny days a year, is the easiest wine-growing region to reach from the capital, Yerevan. Most guided tours focus on the Areni Noir, an unmatched burgundy that helped Armenia become known worldwide when it was introduced in 2012.

A visit to the winery's cellar, where the wine is aged in enormous oak barrels, is part of a factory tour. This is followed by a sampling of the winery's traditional and fruit wines. Visitors can purchase coffee or tea and watch a brief documentary on the company's history and Armenian winemaking customs in an upstairs eating room. With enough notice, a lavash-making class and an on-site meal are both possible. A modest gift shop sells handcrafted items, souvenirs, and wines in addition to other goods.

Tour and Location: Areni Wine Factory, 3604, Vayots Dzor Marz, Areni Armenia