World-famous wine bloggers in Armenia (photos)

The Armenian Fund of Grape Processors and Winemakers has organized world-famous wine bloggers’ visit to the country under the funding of CBI (Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries).

The bloggers from Spain, Estonia, France and Poland had a very busy schedule over the past three days, touring the wineries of Vayots Dzor, Aragatsotn and Tavush regions and exchanging experience with the local wine manufacturers.

Apart from gaining theoretical knowledge about the Armenian wine, the guests were also offered a chance to taste various brands of the drink.

The visit turns out exceptional especially for Armand Melkonian, a French-Armenian participant whose ancestors settled in Paris after the Genocide. Raised and educated in France, Melkonian was crowned as the world’s best sommelier when he was only 31. Now, at age 78, the great wine connoisseur had his first ever chance to visit his historical homeland.

“Since early childhood, I have heard about Armenia where people are very gracious and hospitable. My mother always cooked Armenian dishes in France, so when I knew I was coming to Armenia, I decided to try the traditional cuisine by all means,” he said.

“When many years ago I was tasting the Armenian wine, I experienced a kind of sweet flavor which I didn’t like much. But the Armenian product has improved in quality now. I came here to gain a first-hand experience of the wine manufacturing in Armenia and make comparisons to later pave the Armenian wines’ way to Meilleur Sommelier du Monde, the competition where I am a jury member. That contest is attended by journalists from all over the world and followed live by thousands of people.”

The event is expected to raise Armenian wines’ marketability in Europe, promoting their export advantages in that part of the world.