Shopping with Brandy

A Taste of Armenia: Shopping with Brandy Tour in Yerevan

If you’re visiting Yerevan and have a couple of hours to spare, the Shopping with Brandy tour offers an engaging way to explore Armenia’s iconic spirit, brandy, along with its vibrant markets. For just $75 per group, you get a 4 to 5-hour private experience that combines visiting historic distilleries, learning about Armenian brandy’s legendary status, and shopping at local markets. What’s more, the tour is designed for small groups of up to six people, making it intimate and flexible.

What we love about this experience is how it balances educational insights with authentic Armenian shopping. The tour includes visits to Noy Yerevan and Ararat brandy factories, both steeped in history and tradition. We also appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and WiFi in the vehicle, which means you can relax and stay connected throughout. Plus, the stops at local markets give you a genuine taste of everyday Yerevan life.

One thing to consider is that admission tickets for the factories are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget accordingly if you plan to explore the museums or tasting rooms in depth. Also, this tour is best suited for those who enjoy learning about local spirits and shopping for authentic Armenian products—if you’re after a more sightseeing-heavy experience, you’ll find this more focused on cultural and culinary immersion.

This tour is ideal for wine and spirit lovers, curious travelers who want an intimate, personalized peek into Armenia’s famed brandy history, and anyone eager to buy unique souvenirs at lively markets. It’s a thoughtful way to combine history, taste, and local color into one memorable outing.

Key Points

• Private and personalized: Only your group participates, ensuring a tailored experience.
• Educational visits: Learn about Armenia’s legendary brandy traditions from experienced guides.
• Convenient transportation: Includes hotel pickup, WiFi, and air-conditioned vehicle for comfort.
• Market shopping: Explore local markets, perfect for finding authentic Armenian crafts and foods.
• Pricing and value: At $75, the tour offers a well-rounded cultural experience, though tickets for some sites are extra.
• Flexible timing: Lasts around four to five hours, ideal for a half-day adventure.

Exploring Armenia’s Brandy Legacy and Local Markets

The Shopping with Brandy tour begins easily enough with hotel pickup—no fuss, no hassle. You’ll be driven in a comfortable, WiFi-equipped vehicle through the streets of Yerevan, heading toward two of Armenia’s most famous brandy factories: Noy Yerevan and Ararat. Both sites are steeped in history, dating back to the late 19th century, and are still producing spirits that are highly regarded worldwide.

Noy Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory

Our first stop is the Noy Yerevan Factory, situated right across from the Ararat Factory and near the city hall and Victory Bridge. Founded in 1877 by merchant Nerses Tairian, this factory is a living relic of Armenia’s long-standing tradition of winemaking and distilling. The guide explained how the plant is located inside the historic Erivan fortress, built in the 16th century, adding a layer of historic ambiance to the visit.

Inside, you’ll find an excursion through the cellar and catacombs, giving you a glimpse into the aging process, and end with a tasting room. While the admission ticket isn’t included, the experience of exploring this historic factory is special. The shop outside offers a chance to pick up some brandy, wine, or vodka, perfect for gift-giving or personal keepsakes.

Ararat Brandy Factory and Museum

Next, we visited the Ararat Museum, home to the legendary Ararat brandy. Established in 1887, the factory gained international fame after winning medals at the 1900 France “Blind Tasting”, earning the right to label its spirit as cognac—a term still protected and celebrated here.

The guide shared stories of how Winston Churchill supposedly favored this cognac, and how the factory was a source of national pride during the Soviet era, where it was even shipped to the Kremlin. The museum offers insightful displays about the factory’s history and production process, plus a tasting room where you can sample some of the finest Armenian cognacs. Be prepared: admission tickets aren’t included, but the experience is rich and informative.

Local Markets: GUM and Vernissage

After soaking in the history and tasting the spirits, the tour takes you to Yerevan’s bustling local markets. The first stop is the GUM Market on Khorenatsi street, a lively place with stalls offering fruits, dried fruits, Armenian bread (lavash), and fresh meat and fish. This market, dating back to Soviet times, is a window into everyday Armenian life and a prime spot to pick up authentic local products.

Next, you’ll visit Vernissage, a well-known outdoor market near Republic Square. Originating in 1980 as a place where artists sold paintings, it evolved into a hub for handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts. You’ll find artwork, jewelry, traditional crafts, and unique Armenian souvenirs—perfect for bringing home a piece of Armenia.

Practical Considerations and Highlights

The tour duration of about four to five hours makes it a perfect half-day excursion, especially if you’re looking to combine history, taste, and shopping. The group size of up to six ensures you get personalized attention and the chance to ask plenty of questions.

The cost of $75 includes hotel pickup, bottled water, snacks, WiFi, and private transportation—a good value for a tailored experience that covers so much ground. Note that admission tickets for the factories are not included, so you’ll want to plan for additional expenses if you wish to visit the museums or taste the products in detail.

What Travelers Say

From reviews, we see that visitors appreciate the guide’s knowledge and the personalized attention. Comments like “Grigori was such a wonderful tour guide, very courteous, knowledgeable and pleasant to talk to” highlight the quality of local guides. Others emphasize how “amazing and highly informative” the experience felt, with a special mention of the high level of hospitality.

The shopping stops at markets are also well-loved, offering a chance to buy authentic Armenian souvenirs at a relaxed pace. Travelers mention the stunning views and the excellent selection of spirits, making this tour a perfect mix of education and leisure.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is best suited for those interested in Armenian spirits—especially brandy and cognac—and who enjoy learning about local traditions. It’s also ideal if you like small, private groups and want a personalized experience. If you’re keen to explore local markets and shop for authentic products, this tour hits all the right notes.

Travelers who appreciate guides who are knowledgeable and friendly will find this a rewarding way to start or deepen their understanding of Armenia’s famous liquor heritage. It’s also great for foodies and collectors looking for unique souvenirs and insights into Armenian craftsmanship.

The Sum Up

The Shopping with Brandy tour in Yerevan offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines history, tasting, and local shopping in a relaxed, private setting. For the price, you get a deep dive into Armenia’s legendary brandy tradition, an authentic look at local markets, and the chance to sample some of the finest spirits Armenia has to offer.

It’s perfect for wine and spirit enthusiasts, curious travelers eager to explore Armenia’s culinary heritage, or anyone who wants an intimate, informative tour that balances education with fun shopping opportunities. The personal attention from guides like Grigori makes it even more special, ensuring you leave with not just souvenirs but also stories and insights to cherish.

If you value authentic experiences, enjoy learning about local traditions, and prefer small-group adventures, this tour is an excellent choice to enrich your Yerevan visit.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes guide service, hotel pickup, bottled water, snacks, WiFi in the vehicle, private transportation, and fuel surcharge. However, admission tickets for the factories are not included in the price.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, making it suitable for a half-day outing.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup from your Yerevan accommodation.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so you might want to plan to eat before or after the tour.

Can I buy spirits or souvenirs during the tour?
Absolutely. There are shops at each factory and markets where you can purchase brandy, cognac, and local crafts.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 7 days in advance to secure their spot, especially since it’s a private tour.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, cash or cards for purchases, and a camera. The tour provides small comforts like blanks and umbrellas, but it’s good to come prepared.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While mostly aimed at adult interests, families with older children interested in history and tasting are welcome.

Are there any restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but check for any specific health or mobility issues that might affect your experience, especially considering the walking in markets and factory visits.

This private tour offers a unique blend of Armenia’s historic spirit-making, vibrant market life, and personalized service, making it an enriching addition to your Yerevan adventure.