Rare Grape & Wine Tasting Experience at MOONQ

Experiencing wine tasting in Armenia often means sampling familiar varieties like Areni or Voskehat, but this tour at MOONQ Winery offers something far more unique. For just $56 per person, you’ll enjoy a two-hour intimate exploration of rare Armenian grapes, family traditions, and award-winning wines, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Ararat. It’s a perfect mix of authentic craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and relaxed charm.

What really sets this experience apart is the opportunity to taste Nrneni, a grape that’s cultivated on less than half a hectare and remains relatively unknown outside Armenia. Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the boutique winery’s process, with the chance to label your own bottle.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a private group experience, which means a more personalized vibe, but it also requires advance booking. It suits those who love discovering new wines and cultural stories in a quiet, scenic setting without the crowds. If you’re after a genuine Armenian wine experience with a focus on rare grapes and family-run charm, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Exclusive focus on rare Armenian grapes like Nrneni, offering a unique tasting experience.
• Behind-the-scenes access to a boutique, family-run winery’s winemaking process.
• Stunning views of Mount Ararat, creating a beautiful and peaceful backdrop.
• Tasting five wines, including internationally awarded varieties like MOONQ Nrneni 2023.
• Authentic local touches, such as Armenian herbal tea brewed in a 19th-century Tula samovar.
• Personalized experience, with options to label your own bottle and enjoy locally sourced fruits.

An In-Depth Look at the MOONQ Experience

The Setting and Arrival

From the moment you arrive at MOONQ Winery, you’re greeted with a sense of calm that echoes through the Ararat Valley. The winery’s location offers sweeping views of Mount Ararat, which dominates the skyline, providing a stunning visual cue to the importance of landscape in Armenian winemaking. The setting is serene, perfect for those looking to escape city buzz and connect with nature and tradition.

All travelers meet directly at MOONQ, making it straightforward to find without complicated transfers. The winery’s staff, led by a passionate family team, is approachable and eager to share their story, which adds a heartfelt layer to the experience.

The Guided Tour and Family Story

The experience kicks off with a warm introduction to the family’s winemaking journey. The guides are multilingual—offering explanations in Armenian, English, and Russian—which caters well to diverse groups. They share how their boutique winery focuses on crafting wines from indigenous grapes, many of which are cultivated on tiny plots like the Nrneni vineyard.

Guests gain a behind-the-scenes look at how wines are selected, fermented, and bottled. Watching the process firsthand is particularly rewarding for those interested in winemaking, as it reveals the care and attention that goes into each bottle. During the tour, you may even help label a bottle, adding a tangible keepsake to your visit.

Tasting Five Unique Wines

The highlight is undoubtedly the guided tasting of five wines, with a focus on rare Armenian varieties. The standout is the MOONQ Nrneni 2023, which has earned a Bronze Medal at IWSC 2024—a testament to its quality and uniqueness. The MOONQ Coupage 2022 (a blend of Areni, Khndoghni, and Nrneni) has also received a Silver Medal at MUNDUS 2024, highlighting the winery’s international recognition.

Other wines include the MOONQ Coupage 2023, Voskehat 2023 (a white), and Areni Rosé 2022. The variety ensures a well-rounded tasting experience, showcasing the diversity of Armenian terroir and craftsmanship.

Food Pairings and Local Flavors

Complementing the wines is a thoughtfully curated meat and cheese platter, featuring locally sourced fruits and Armenian pakhlava—a sweet pastry similar to Middle Eastern baklava. The inclusion of herbal tea brewed in a 19th-century Tula samovar from Artsakh adds an authentic touch, emphasizing local traditions.

Guests often comment on how these pairing elements enhance the wine tasting without overshadowing the flavors. The relaxed, intimate setting encourages conversation and reflection, making it more than just a tasting but a cultural experience.

The View and Atmosphere

One of the tour’s most praised features is the spectacular view of Mount Ararat. Whether you’re sampling wine indoors or enjoying the garden, these vistas lend a sense of grandeur and peace. Several reviewers mention that the scenery alone makes the experience worth the price, especially on clear days when Mount Ararat appears majestic and almost close enough to touch.

Practical Details and Value

At $56 per person, the tour feels like a fair trade for the depth of experience offered. You’re not only tasting five wines—some award-winning—but also getting a behind-the-scenes look and personal touches like labeling a bottle. The two-hour duration makes it manageable for most schedules, fitting neatly into a day of sightseeing.

Since the experience is private, it’s ideal for small groups, couples, or even solo travelers who want a personalized and relaxed encounter with Armenian wine culture. The inclusion of local fruits and herbal tea makes it feel more complete and rooted in Armenian tradition.

Considerations

A possible downside is that this experience is somewhat limited in scope—if you’re after a large-scale winery tour or extensive wine tasting, this boutique experience may feel intimate but brief. Also, since it’s a private activity, availability depends on booking in advance, especially during busy seasons.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for wine lovers eager to try something new, especially those interested in indigenous or rare grape varieties. It’s also suited to travelers wanting a cultural experience combined with scenic beauty, away from crowded tourist spots. If you appreciate family stories, authentic craftsmanship, and stunning views, this experience will resonate.

People who enjoy relaxed, intimate settings and appreciate local traditions—like herbal tea brewed in a vintage samovar—will find this particularly charming.

The Sum Up

The Rare Grape & Wine Tasting Experience at MOONQ offers a genuine glimpse into Armenian winemaking, combining rare grape varieties, family stories, and award-winning wines with breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want an authentic, personal experience that highlights Armenia’s unique wine heritage.

While it’s a short tour, the depth of knowledge, the scenic setting, and the exclusivity make it a valuable addition to any Armenia itinerary. The chance to taste Nrneni, a nearly unheard-of grape outside Armenia, makes this a memorable experience for adventurous wine enthusiasts.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking something off the beaten path, with a love for authentic culture, scenic beauty, and high-quality boutique wines. It’s a peaceful, inspiring way to connect with Armenia’s rich viticultural traditions in a truly spectacular setting.

FAQ

What is the cost of the tour?
It’s $56 per person, which covers the guided tour, five wine tastings, behind-the-scenes access, a labeling experience, and local snacks and tea.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately two hours, making it a perfect short activity that can fit into a day of sightseeing.

Where do I meet for the tour?
All travelers meet directly at MOONQ Winery, so no complicated transfers are necessary.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample five wines, including the award-winning MOONQ Nrneni 2023, MOONQ Coupage 2022 and 2023, Voskehat 2023, and Areni Rosé 2022.

Are there any physical considerations?
The tour involves walking around the boutique winery and participating in tasting, but it’s generally accessible for most visitors.

Is this experience suitable for non-drinkers?
Since it’s centered around wine tasting, non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenic views, local snacks, and cultural insights, but the core of the tour involves wine.

What language is the tour guide available in?
Guides speak Armenian, English, and Russian, ensuring clear communication for most visitors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for travelers’ schedules.

This detailed look at the MOONQ Winery experience highlights its unique appeal—an authentic, scenic, and educational journey into Armenia’s rare grape varieties and family-run winemaking traditions. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or simply craving a peaceful, picturesque moment, this tour offers a memorable taste of Armenia’s viticultural soul.