Yerevan Brandy Company (Ararat) Museum - Tbilisi streets. GE
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Yerevan Brandy Company (Ararat) Museum

4.7
·1k reviews·Yerevan, Armenia

Discover the rich history and exquisite taste of Armenia's iconic Ararat brandy through an immersive distillery tour and tasting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

CrowdLow
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Yerevan Brandy Company (Ararat) Museum - Tbilisi streets. GE

Yerevan Brandy Company (Ararat) Museum

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the rich history and exquisite taste of Armenia's iconic Ararat brandy through an immersive distillery tour and tasting.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Awesome tour! Our tour guide Anni was amazing - great story teller, so knowledgeable and engaging."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Tours are popular! Book online in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

🥃 Try Unique Blends

Ask about blends only available at the factory, like the Churchill or bourbon cask aged options.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ararat Brandy Making Process

The Ararat Brandy Making Process

Production halls

Discover the intricate steps of crafting Armenia's famed brandy, from grape to glass. A fascinating journey for spirits enthusiasts.

Legendary Anecdotes

Legendary Anecdotes

Museum exhibits

Hear captivating stories about famous figures like Churchill and political leaders who have visited and enjoyed Ararat.

Guided Brandy Tasting

Guided Brandy Tasting

Tasting room

Savor generous pours of exquisite Ararat brandies, often paired with dark chocolate. An unforgettable sensory experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours at the Yerevan Brandy Company (Ararat) are highly recommended and can fill up, especially during peak season. Booking online ahead of time ensures your spot and avoids disappointment. Consider which tour option best suits your interest in brandy history and tasting.

Embrace the Tasting Experience

The tasting portion is a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to savor different Ararat blends. Learn about proper tasting techniques and enjoy the accompanying chocolates. Remember to drink responsibly, as the staff emphasizes this throughout the tour.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for travel
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Yerevan, Armenia. Cognac factory “Ararat” (January 2023)

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Tours are popular! Book online in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

🥃 Try Unique Blends

Ask about blends only available at the factory, like the Churchill or bourbon cask aged options. Reddit

reddit.com

Is Ararat museum worth a visit? Any other museums for tourists in Yerevan?

reddit.com

How would you spend roughly 8 days in Armenia as a tourist?

🍫 Savor the Tasting

Enjoy the generous brandy pours and delicious dark chocolate pairing. Learn proper tasting techniques. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Guides

Guides like Anni and Lia are incredibly knowledgeable and make the tour engaging and fun. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Tours are popular! Book online in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

🥃 Try Unique Blends

Ask about blends only available at the factory, like the Churchill or bourbon cask aged options. Reddit

🍫 Savor the Tasting

Enjoy the generous brandy pours and delicious dark chocolate pairing. Learn proper tasting techniques. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Guides

Guides like Anni and Lia are incredibly knowledgeable and make the tour engaging and fun. Reddit

🚗 Consider Transport

Yerevan is walkable, but taxis are readily available for easy access to the distillery. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Yerevan Brandy Company for its engaging tours, knowledgeable and friendly guides like Anni and Lia, and the exceptional tasting experience featuring generous pours of Ararat brandy and delicious dark chocolate. The historical insights and unique anecdotes shared during the tour are also highly appreciated, making it a standout attraction in Yerevan.

"Awesome tour! Our tour guide Anni was amazing - great story teller, so knowledgeable and engaging, super polite and welcoming. Tasting was also fantastic and we picked up a few bottles they do t export that you can only get there.

Try the Churchill blend. Buy the bourbon cask aged blend.

Easily one of the best wine and spirits type tours I’ve ever done."

Eric Liguori

"We had an amazing tour! Our guide, Lia, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. I learned so much about the brandy-making process, how to select the perfect blend, and the proper way to savor the drink.

The team also emphasizes responsible drinking throughout the tour, which is a great touch.

I highly recommend taking this tour when visiting Yerevan!"

Rita Chahoud

"I have been on many winery/spirit tours. This was one of the most enjoyable tours I have done, apart from Laphroaig in Scotland which was out of this world.

The tour. Well, it introduces you to how they make the brandy, how many political leaders visit the factory ( from Yeltsin, no surprise there, to Putin and George Clooney) and how Churchill drank a bottle a day. So so and pretty boring.

Then you get to taste! The aged brandy, a generous measure, is just nectar, accompanied by dark chocolates. If you are lucky you may be sat next to visitors who do not drink. And then the value of the tour expands exponentially. Particularly if you have fun fellow drinkers.

Best museum in Yerevan by a country mile."

Simon Proudman

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable guides
Generous brandy tasting
Historical anecdotes

What People Dislike

Some find parts 'boring'

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Yerevan Brandy Company is centrally located in Yerevan. Many visitors find it easily accessible by walking from Republic Square or other central areas. Taxis are also a convenient and affordable option for reaching the distillery. Reddit

While specific parking details can vary, the distillery is in a central urban area. It's generally recommended to use public transport or taxis to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, ride-sharing apps are widely used in Yerevan and can be a reliable way to get to and from the Yerevan Brandy Company. Reddit

From Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer to reach the city center and then proceed to the Brandy Company. Reddit

Yes, depending on your starting point, the Yerevan Brandy Company is often within walking distance of many popular sites like Republic Square and the Cascade. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices can vary depending on the package and tasting options. It's best to check the official Yerevan Brandy Company website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book your tickets in advance. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your tour and tasting tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your preferred time slot. Reddit

Tour hours typically vary, and it's advisable to check the official Yerevan Brandy Company website for their current operating schedule and tour availability. Reddit

Yes, the Yerevan Brandy Company usually offers different tour options, often including various tasting experiences and levels of detail about the brandy-making process. Reddit

While same-day tickets might be available, booking in advance is strongly advised to avoid disappointment, as tours can sell out. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Tours usually last around 1 to 1.5 hours, including the guided walk through the distillery and the tasting session. Reddit

Many visitors rave about tours led by guides like Anni and Lia, who are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. The tasting experience is consistently highlighted as a favorite part. Reddit

While the tasting is a significant part, the tour itself offers a rich history and insight into the brandy-making process. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the educational aspects. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be on your feet for the duration of the tour. The distillery can be cool, so a light layer might be advisable. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted in most areas of the tour, but it's always good to check with your guide for any specific restrictions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, the tour includes a tasting of Ararat brandies, often accompanied by dark chocolate. Full meals are not usually part of the standard tour package. Reddit

Yes, the Yerevan Brandy Company is located in the heart of Yerevan, surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of Armenian and international cuisine. Reddit

While the focus is on brandy tasting, there might be small snacks available for purchase, but it's best to dine before or after your tour if you're looking for a full meal. Reddit

Dark chocolate is commonly served with the brandy tasting to complement the flavors. Reddit

The standard accompaniment is dark chocolate, which is often vegan. If you have specific dietary needs, it's advisable to inquire when booking or upon arrival. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The distillery's architecture, the aging cellars with barrels, and the tasting room offer great photographic opportunities. The exterior of the building is also quite picturesque. Reddit

Yes, you can generally take photos during the tasting, but be mindful of your surroundings and other guests. Capturing the ambiance of the tasting room is popular. Reddit

While generally allowed, it's always best to ask your guide if there are any specific areas or exhibits where photography is restricted. Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful for the cellar areas. However, most smartphone cameras are sufficient for capturing the experience. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy photographing the rows of aging barrels in the cellars and the elegant presentation of the brandy during the tasting. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Yerevan Brandy Company is primarily an adult-focused experience due to the brandy tasting, families can still find value in the historical and educational aspects of the tour. The museum exhibits detailing the brandy-making process and the history of the company can be engaging for older children interested in learning about Armenian heritage and industry. Reddit

It's important to note that the tasting portion is for adults only. Parents should consider if their children will be entertained during this segment or if one adult can supervise while the other participates in the tasting. The distillery environment itself, with its large barrels and production areas, can be visually interesting for younger visitors. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Yerevan Brandy Company offers a range of tour options, and while some premium tastings can be pricier, there are often more accessible tour packages that still provide a comprehensive experience of the distillery and a taste of Ararat brandy. Booking in advance can sometimes secure better rates. Reddit

Consider the value proposition: for the price of a tour and tasting, you gain insight into a significant Armenian industry, enjoy a guided tasting with accompaniments, and have the opportunity to purchase unique bottles. If you're looking for a memorable, culturally rich experience that includes a tasting, it can be a worthwhile investment. Reddit

🥂 Connoisseurs & Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in spirits, the Yerevan Brandy Company offers a deep dive into the world of Armenian brandy. The tours provide detailed explanations of the production process, from grape varietals to distillation and aging techniques. The opportunity to taste a range of aged brandies, including rare or exclusive bottlings, is a major draw. Reddit

Guides are often knowledgeable about the nuances of brandy production and can answer in-depth questions. The tasting sessions are designed to educate the palate, allowing enthusiasts to discern the subtle differences between various Ararat blends. Many visitors appreciate the chance to purchase bottles that may not be readily available in international markets. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Ararat Brandy Making

The Yerevan Brandy Company, home of Ararat, has a rich history dating back to 1887. The process begins with selecting the finest Armenian grapes, which are then fermented and distilled. The resulting spirit is aged in traditional Caucasian oak barrels, imparting complex flavors and aromas. Aging is crucial, with brandies aged for varying lengths of time, from 3 years for the "Ararat Three Stars" to much longer for premium selections like "Ararat Akhtamar" and "Ararat Nairi." The unique microclimate of the Ararat Valley and the pure spring water contribute to the distinctive character of Ararat brandy. Reddit

Visitors on tours often marvel at the meticulous craftsmanship involved. Guides explain how the master blenders carefully select and combine different aged brandies to achieve the signature taste profiles. This art of blending is passed down through generations, ensuring consistency and quality. The company also emphasizes the importance of responsible drinking, providing education on how to properly savor the brandy and enjoy it in moderation. Reddit

Many visitors find the historical context of the distillery fascinating, learning about its role in Armenian culture and its international recognition. The museum section showcases artifacts and tells stories of prominent figures who have visited and appreciated Ararat brandy, adding a layer of intrigue to the experience. Reddit

Experiencing the Ararat Tasting

The guided tasting is a highlight for most visitors to the Yerevan Brandy Company. It's an opportunity to experience the nuanced flavors of different Ararat blends firsthand. Guides typically present a selection of brandies, explaining their unique characteristics, aroma profiles, and tasting notes. Common offerings include the younger, fruitier blends and the more complex, aged varieties. Reddit

A popular accompaniment to the brandy tasting is dark chocolate, which is often provided to enhance the tasting experience. The bitterness of the chocolate can beautifully complement the sweetness and depth of the brandy. Visitors are encouraged to learn and practice proper tasting techniques, such as swirling the glass to release aromas and taking small sips to appreciate the finish. Reddit

Reviews frequently mention the generous pour sizes and the overall value of the tasting experience. Some visitors even discover unique blends or limited editions that are exclusively available for purchase at the distillery, making the tasting a prelude to a memorable souvenir. Reddit

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