Bottle Your Own Local Sparkling Wine

Experience the Art of Armenian Sparkling Wine in Dilijan

If you’re visiting Armenia and love wine, the Bottle Your Own Local Sparkling Wine tour at Hovaz Wines offers a unique glimpse into traditional winemaking, right in the heart of Dilijan. For just $21 per person, you get to learn how sparkling wine is crafted using the same method as Champagne, with the chance to cork and label your own bottle to take home. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this experience combines hands-on participation with tasting and local culinary delights, making it a memorable and educational outing.

Two things we especially appreciate are the opportunity to directly engage with the winemaking process—from understanding the traditional method to personally corking your own bottle—and the pairing of sparkling rosé with local cheese and meats, which enhances appreciation for Armenian flavors. It’s a fun, authentic activity that feels more like a cultural celebration than just a tour.

One consideration to keep in mind is that this experience is quite focused—it’s geared toward those interested in wine, hands-on activities, and local traditions. If you’re hoping for a broad winery tour or a large group experience, this might feel a bit intimate or specialized.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy immersive, authentic experiences—particularly wine lovers, curious novices, or anyone looking for a personalized activity in Dilijan. It’s also ideal for those wanting a meaningful souvenir, as you’ll leave with your own corked and labeled sparkling rosé.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Hands-On Experience: Cork and label your own sparkling wine bottle, making for a memorable souvenir.
• Traditional Method: Learn the same process used in Champagne, Armenia’s local twist on sparkling wine.
• Expert Guidance: Led by Nelly, a professional local guide who explains each step clearly.
• Pairing & Tasting: Enjoy your glass of sparkling rosé with local cheese and meats, elevating your tasting experience.
• Authentic Culture: Discover the history and current development of Armenian winemaking, especially with the Areni Noir grape.
• Flexible & Convenient: Meeting at the central Dilijan tasting room and ending there, with options to reserve in advance and cancel up to 24 hours prior.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting in the heart of Dilijan, the Hovaz Wines Tasting Room provides a cozy yet accessible setting for your sparkling wine journey. The location’s centrality makes it easy to incorporate into your day, whether you’re wandering through the town or exploring nearby sights. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by Nelly, who guides you through the process of making sparkling wine using the traditional method—the same technique that made Champagne famous.

This method involves a second fermentation in the bottle, resulting in those characteristic bubbles. We loved the way Nelly explained the process in simple, relatable terms, emphasizing how Armenian winemakers have mastered this craft while supporting sustainable viticulture and wildlife conservation. It’s clear that Hovaz Wines isn’t just about making good wine but doing so thoughtfully.

The highlight of the tour is the removal of the lees—the natural leftover yeast particles that accumulate during fermentation. Watching this process demystifies sparkling wine production and underscores the craftsmanship involved. Afterward, you’ll have the chance to cork and label your own bottle, a satisfying hands-on task that adds a personal touch to your souvenir. The opportunity to purchase your bottle afterward means you leave with a truly handcrafted product.

Finally, the tasting session is a relaxed, communal affair. You’ll sip a glass of Hovaz’s sparkling rosé, made from the local Areni Noir grape, paired with a local cheese and meat board. Nelly will guide you through the proper tasting techniques, helping you appreciate the subtle nuances of Armenian sparkling wine—a perfect way to understand why this wine is gaining recognition.

The overall duration is reasonable, making it suitable for a morning or afternoon activity. The small group size ensures personalized attention and allows you to ask plenty of questions, which we found both engaging and informative.

The Value of Learning & Tasting

For just $21, this experience offers a lot of value. You’re not only learning a traditional technique but also taking home a handmade bottle to share or keep. The pairing with local foods enhances your understanding of Armenian cuisine and wine culture, making the experience both educational and sensory-rich.

Several reviewers describe the experience as “authentic” and “well-organized”, with one mentioning how they appreciated “learning how they produce sparkling rosé using the same method as in Champagne.” The opportunity to cork your own bottle appears to be a big hit, especially as a memorable souvenir.

While the experience is quite focused on sparkling wine and winemaking techniques, it’s perfect for those genuinely interested in wine, local traditions, or interactive activities. It’s not a large-scale winery tour or a tasting of multiple wines, but rather a focused, educational craft that leaves you with a tangible reminder of your Armenian adventure.

Practical Details & Tips

• Transport & Location: Meeting point is at the central Dilijan Hovaz Wines Tasting Room, easy to find within the town.
• Duration: Expect around 1 to 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
• Group Size: Typically small, ensuring personalized attention and interaction.
• Cost & Value: At $21, the experience includes guide, tasting, food pairing, and your own corked bottle—quite reasonable for a hands-on activity.
• Reservations & Cancellation: You can reserve in advance with the option to pay later; cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.
• Restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18; indoor smoking is not permitted.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to understand Armenian winemaking techniques firsthand, curious travelers wanting a personalized souvenir, or those interested in sustainable local traditions. If you’re seeking a fun, authentic experience that combines crafting with tasting, this tour hits the mark. It’s less suitable for those looking for a broad winery or vineyard tour, as it’s quite focused on sparkling wine and the hands-on bottling process.

The Sum Up

The Bottle Your Own Local Sparkling Wine experience at Hovaz Wines in Dilijan offers something genuinely special for travelers willing to get involved. It combines a hands-on approach, local flavor, and expert guidance into a compact, affordable package. You leave not only with a personalized bottle of sparkling rosé but also with a deeper appreciation for Armenian winemaking traditions and sustainable practices.

If you’re after an activity that’s both educational and fun, with the bonus of taking home a handcrafted souvenir, this is a perfect choice. It’s especially well-suited for small groups, wine lovers, or travelers interested in authentic cultural experiences that go beyond just tasting.

FAQs

What is included in the experience?
You get guide-led instruction, a tasting of Hovaz’s sparkling rosé, a local cheese and meat board, and the chance to cork and label your own bottle to take home.

Can I purchase the bottle I cork myself?
Yes, you have the option to buy your personally labeled and corked bottle after the experience.

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 years old, and pregnant women are also advised against participating.

How long does the experience last?
The activity typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, making it easy to include in your day’s plans.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can reserve and pay later, with cancellation possible up to 24 hours before the event.

Where does the experience take place?
It begins and ends at the Hovaz Wines Tasting Room in central Dilijan, Armenia.

Is the experience conducted in English?
Yes, guides speak Armenian, English, and Russian, so language barriers are minimal.

Exploring Armenia’s wine traditions through this personalized activity offers a delightful mix of learning, tasting, and crafting. It’s a memorable way to connect with local culture and bring home a truly handcrafted souvenir—an experience that’s worth every penny.

You can check availability for your dates here: