In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to one of the oldest and most fascinating wine regions in the world: Armenia. Joined by Master of Wine Caroline Gilby, this episode explores why Armenia is becoming one of the most exciting destinations for adventurous wine lovers, wine travel enthusiasts and anyone wanting to learn about wine beyond the classic regions. Together, they dive into Armenia’s volcanic terroir, high-altitude vineyards, ancient winemaking history and indigenous wine grapes, including Areni Noir and Voskehat. They also discuss pre-phylloxera vines, clay amphora traditions, Armenian oak, modern winemaking evolution and why this ancient culture is entering a remarkable new chapter in wine education and global recognition. If you want to learn about wine beyond the classic regions, explore indigenous wine grapes, or discover one of the world’s most fascinating wine travel destinations, this episode is for you. 02:42 – From science to wine — Caroline Gilby MW’s transition into the wine world and the tasting experiences that changed her career. 04:37 – Why Central and Eastern European wine regions became Caroline’s lifelong focus instead of classic destinations like France or California. 07:13 – Armenia explained — mountains, altitude, volcanic soils and one of the oldest wine cultures in the world. 09:25 – Volcanic terroir and minerality — how Armenia’s soils shape freshness, acidity and linear wine styles. 10:41 – Pre-phylloxera vineyards — volcanic soils, ancient vines and the impact of Soviet-era brandy production on Armenian wine. 13:12 – Vayots Dzor explained — Armenia’s flagship wine region and home to some of the country’s most exciting producers. 13:35 – Zorah and the Areni-1 Cave — discovering the world’s oldest known organised winery. 16:26 – The “newest old world wine country” — how Armenia’s ancient wine history connects with modern precision winemaking. 19:04 – Areni Noir explained — Armenia’s signature red wine grape, often described as Pinot Noir meets Corvina. 21:01 – Voskehat explained — Armenia’s flagship white wine grape and why it is gaining attention in modern wine education. 22:42 – Indigenous wine grapes — Armenia’s hundreds of native grape varieties and the revival of forgotten vineyards. 25:11 – Wine travel in Armenia — visiting wineries like Old Bridge and exploring Vayots Dzor’s remote wine culture. 25:52 – Planning wine travel in Armenia — winery visits, tastings and local hospitality experiences at Armas Wine Tours & Tastings and Old Bridge Winery Restaurant. 27:26 – Armenian hospitality — slower-paced wine travel, local food, monasteries and authentic cultural experiences. 27:45 – The Armenia Vineyard Trail — running through vineyards at altitude and finishing with a glass of Areni Noir. 29:19 – Beyond Vayots Dzor — other Armenian wine regions and emerging grape varieties to know. 30:54 – Armenian wine vs Georgian wine — clay vessels, skin contact wines and key stylistic differences between the neighbouring wine cultures. 33:02 – Relearning lost traditions — Armenia’s efforts to revive ancient clay vessel winemaking techniques. 36:20 – The biggest transformation in Armenian wine over the last 15 years — cleaner winemaking, experimentation and growing confidence. 37:16 – Tasting Areni Noir in clay, stainless steel and Armenian oak — how different vessels shape texture and style. 38:30 – Armenian oak explained — a distinctive oak species with unique balsamic characteristics and current supply challenges. 39:30 – Why Armenian wine is still evolving — experimentation, identity and the excitement of a young modern wine industry. 40:19 – The Armenian wine moment that changed Caroline Gilby’s perspective forever. 41:28 – How to buy Armenian wine — specialist importers and producers like Zorah and Armas. 42:25 – Armenian wine prices — why these wines are not cheap and why they still represent strong value. 43:14 – Tasting Zorah Areni Noir — freshness, concentration and excitement for Armenia’s future. 44:43 – Feeling overwhelmed by wine regions and wine grapes? Caroline’s advice for building wine knowledge through curiosity and exploration. 45:20 – Armenian culture beyond wine — monasteries, museums, food, history and why Armenia is a powerful wine travel destination. 📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list Grounded in the uploaded transcript and markers.
