Shopping with Brandy: Tour to Brandy factories and markets

Shopping with Brandy: Tour to Brandy factories and markets offers a compelling blend of Armenia’s storied spirit tradition and lively street markets. For $190 per group (up to six people), you’ll enjoy a full day in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz with expert guide services, tasting opportunities, and plenty of local flavor. The tour covers the historic Noy Brandy Factory, the legendary Ararat Brandy Factory, and bustling markets—GUM and Vernissage—each offering a distinct taste of Armenian culture.

What we love about this experience is how it balances heritage and lively shopping in one smooth trip. The visits to the two distinguished brandy factories give you a peek into Armenia’s famous spirit-making history, including tastings of world-renowned cognacs. Meanwhile, exploring the GUM Market and Vernissage immerses you in local life, from fresh produce and traditional bread to handmade crafts and souvenirs. The luxury transport and personal guide ensure comfort and insight throughout, making it feel like a curated insider experience.

A potential consideration is the timing flexibility—the start depends on factory schedules, which could mean early mornings or variable hours for the factory visits. This requires some patience and flexibility on your part. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 18, so it’s best for adults craving an authentic taste of Armenia’s spirit and market culture.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates history, authentic local shopping, and premium tastings, this tour is an excellent fit. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of cultural insight with lively market experiences, and who value small group intimacy and convenience.

Key Points

• Heritage Focus: Visit two legendary brandy factories with rich histories dating back to the 19th century.
• Authentic Shopping: Explore vibrant markets where locals buy fresh produce, bread, and crafts.
• Comfort & Convenience: Travel in a high-end, air-conditioned Mercedes with free Wi-Fi and extra amenities.
• Expert Guidance: Personalized guide service enhances the experience with insights and local knowledge.
• Tastings & Souvenirs: Enjoy cognac tastings and shops for unique Armenian gifts.
• Flexible Booking: Keep plans flexible with a “pay later” option and cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Complete Experience: An In-Depth Look

When you sign up for the Shopping with Brandy tour, you’re signing up for more than just a day of sightseeing. It’s a well-rounded immersion into Armenia’s proud craftsmanship, bustling markets, and lively street life—all wrapped in a comfortable, small-group environment that puts your needs front and center.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup, meaning no worries about navigating unfamiliar streets or hailing taxis. Your guide, Gregory, or another expert, will greet you in a sleek Mercedes-Benz, equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, charging options, and thoughtful extras like umbrellas, blankets, and snacks. This level of comfort makes the difference between a stressful day and a relaxed, insightful journey.

Visiting the Noy Brandy Factory

Your first stop is the Noy Brandy Factory, ideally located in front of the Ararat Factory, close to the City Hall and Victory Bridge. Built in 1877 by merchant Nerses Tairian, this factory is a piece of living history. It’s located inside the Erivan fortress, part of Armenia’s storied defensive past, giving you a sense of the country’s resilience and heritage.

Inside, you’ll explore cellars, catacombs, and tasting rooms, gaining insight into traditional methods that have remained unchanged for over a century. The guide will explain the significance of the factory’s location and history while you sample some of their products. The shop outside offers a chance to purchase bottles directly from the producer, making it easy to bring home a piece of Armenia’s spirit.

Ararat Brandy Factory: A Legend

Next, you visit the Ararat Brandy Factory, arguably Armenia’s most famous producer. Founded in 1887 by Nerses Tairyan, it was later sold to Nikolai Shustov, who put it on the global map. By 1900, it gained international recognition, winning medals and earning the right to use the cognac label—an exclusive designation that still marks its premium status.

Inside, there’s a museum that chronicles the factory’s storied past, including its Soviet-era prominence when Winston Churchill was reportedly a fan. The tasting room allows you to sample their renowned cognacs, which are celebrated for their smoothness, depth, and aging process. You’ll also find a shop with a range of products suited for gifting or personal enjoyment.

More Great Tours Nearby

Market Experiences: GUM and Vernissage

After a deep dive into Armenia’s spirit heritage, it’s time to feel the pulse of the local markets. The GUM Market, situated on Khorenatsi Street—near the Tashir shopping center—is an unofficial central market of Yerevan. It’s a bustling hub where vendors sell fruits, dried fruits, Armenian bread (lavash), meats, and fish. The market’s history dates back to the Soviet era, and it still retains that energetic, communal atmosphere. It’s perfect for tasting fresh local produce and observing everyday Armenian life.

Just nearby, you’ll visit Vernissage, a market with a more artisanal flair. Originating in the 1980s as a space for artists to sell paintings, it evolved into a lively outdoor bazaar of handicrafts, souvenirs, and unique gifts. Here, you’ll find a variety of handmade jewelry, ceramics, and traditional textiles, making it an excellent place to pick up keepsakes or gifts. Travelers appreciate the opportunity to browse at leisure and see artisans at work.

Authentic Local Flavors & Shopping

Throughout the day, the tour emphasizes authenticity. From tasting Armenian cognac in historic cellars to shopping at markets filled with local produce, you’re encouraged to interact with vendors, ask questions, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

The guide plays a key role—sharing stories behind each product, explaining the significance of Armenian brandy, and highlighting local traditions. As one reviewer said, the guide’s willingness and knowledge made the experience stand out, making it feel personalized and insightful.

Practical Details & Value

The $190 price covers all transportation, guide services, Wi-Fi, and extras like treats and charging cables. Tickets to factories are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if desired, but the guide can help with that. The small group size (up to 6 people) ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as there’s walking involved, especially at markets. The tour is not suitable for children under 18, which makes sense given the focus on spirits and mature shopping experiences.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adults with an interest in spirits, history, and local markets. It’s ideal if you appreciate a small-group setting, personalized guide interaction, and a blend of cultural heritage with lively street life. If you love tasting unique drinks, exploring markets for authentic handicrafts, or simply want a curated glimpse into Yerevan’s soul, this tour will suit you well.

Travelers who value comfort and convenience will appreciate the Mercedes transport and thoughtful amenities, which make the long day feel relaxed rather than rushed. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer balance—not just factory visits or market browsing but a seamless combination of both.

Final Thoughts

This shopping with Brandy tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Armenia’s distinguished spirits and vibrant markets. It combines culinary delight with cultural insight, all wrapped in a comfortable, small-group setting. The opportunity to visit historic factories, taste world-famous cognacs, and shop at local markets makes it a full, satisfying day.

You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Armenia’s craftsmanship, a taste of its history, and some unique souvenirs. Whether you’re a spirit enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone looking to experience the authentic daily life of Armenians, this tour provides real value.

The engaging guides, historic factories, and lively markets ensure you won’t just see Armenia—you’ll experience it. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer quality over quantity and want a memorable, insider’s look at this fascinating country.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, your tour fee covers all transportation, traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Do I need to buy tickets to the factories separately?
Yes, tickets are not included, but your guide can assist you with purchasing them if needed.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended because there will be some walking at markets and factory visits.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 due to the nature of the visits and tastings.

Can I buy souvenirs at the markets?
Absolutely. The markets are perfect for picking up local crafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.

What’s included in the tour extras?
You’ll enjoy treats in the car, coffee or tea, free Wi-Fi, charging cables, and other amenities for added comfort.

How flexible is the schedule?
The start time depends on factory schedules, so some flexibility is necessary. You can reserve now and pay later with full cancellation rights.

Is this tour good for someone interested in history?
Yes, the factories have historic roots dating back to the 19th century, and the markets are deeply tied to Armenian daily life.

Can I participate in tastings?
Yes, tastings are included at both the Noy and Ararat brandy factories, offering a chance to sample world-famous cognacs.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for an authentic, relaxed day exploring Armenia’s legendary spirits and lively markets, this tour checks all the boxes. It offers a fine balance of history, local flavor, and comfort—perfect for travelers who want to connect with Armenia on a deeper level without sacrificing ease or small-group intimacy.

You can check availability for your dates here: