Krya Wines, Armenia

Nestled in the heartland of Armenia's traditional winemaking region, Vayots Dzor, Krya Wines is an artisanal winery born from the vision of an Armenian-German duo, Tatevik Gabrielyan and Jean Paul Berger. The couple, bound by a profound passion for superior wine and its artful creation, established this boutique winery.

Their Story

The love story of Tatevik and Jean Paul unfolded in Switzerland in 2012. As students of winemaking in a local university, their paths crossed, and their shared love for viticulture sparked an enduring partnership. They honed their skills working at wineries in Germany and Russia before finally deciding to settle down in Tatevik's homeland, Armenia.

In the quaint village of Vernashen in Vayots Dzor, they took ownership of a set of abandoned vineyards over seven decades old, a heritage that once belonged to Tatevik's grandfather. His land, which also housed a cheese factory, witnessed the return of Tatevik, Jean Paul, and their twin daughters. With the expansion of new land acquisitions, the family diligently transformed a once-forgotten landscape into a vibrant and promising vineyard.

Wine Production

The couple's journey in Armenia began in 2017, and the fruits of their labor soon became apparent. Their maiden harvest yielded a modest production of 800 bottles of exquisite red wine, a product they still regard as their pride and joy. Since then, their yearly production has escalated, reaching 7,500 bottles per year in 2021, with an ambitious goal to reach 70,000 bottles in the future.

Melding Armenian and European traditions, their winemaking process represents a fusion of tried and true techniques from both cultures. Wines mature in oak barrels for periods ranging from six months to a year, adding depth and complexity to their flavor profile.

Quality remains at the heart of Krya Wines' philosophy, and there are no plans to mass-market their products. Their prized bottles can be purchased directly from the winery or select high-end wine boutiques throughout Armenia. This hidden gem of Vernashen village thrives on word-of-mouth referrals and glowing online reviews.

Meaning behind Krya Wines

Krya, translated from Armenian, means 'turtle'. This emblem of wisdom, longevity, patience, and vitality embodies the winery's ethos. Just like a turtle's measured pace, every stage of the winemaking process at Krya Wines is deliberate and purposeful. Decades of knowledge and an endless passion for wine imbue every decision, from vine planting to bottle corking. And not to miss, the winery's grounds host a rather large tortoise, a charming resident that never fails to capture the hearts of visitors.

Wines

Krya Wines offers a selection of three distinct wines:

• Sev Areni, a red wine made from Areni Noir grapes, boasts a rich purple color. Its intricate bouquet offers hints of forest berries, ripe cherries, and a touch of vanilla. With high tannins, the wine exhibits a delightful tartness and concludes with a smooth, lasting finish.
• The Indigenous Blend White Dry, a white wine of a soft straw hue, is crafted from a blend of Khatun Kharji, Dolband, and Garan Dmak grapes, all carefully handpicked. It unveils a bouquet of ripe fruits complemented by citrus notes. The aftertaste leaves a hint of cherry, and the wine's structure is full-bodied and rounded.
• The 2021 Rosé, one of their recent offerings, is made from the less-common Cachet grapes. Though this grape variety isn't typical for the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia, the vines have acclimatized successfully and provide fertile yields. The unique bouquet and flavor profile of this rosé are attributed to the local climate and traditional fermentation techniques employed by Krya Wines.

Visit to Krya Wines

A visit to Krya Wines offers more than just an array of fine wines. Each wine tasting is complemented by a variety of hors d'oeuvres. The founders, Jean Paul and Tatevik, enjoy sharing the history of their winery and discussing the intricacies of winemaking in Armenia and beyond. Upon request, they're also happy to show visitors around their lush vineyards, from where their exceptional wines originate.