Explore
Discover the oldest known winery on Earth, dating back roughly 6,100 years to 4100 BCE.
Areni-1 Cave houses a remarkably intact Late Chalcolithic wine production facility. The dry cave microclimate perfectly preserved the original clay structures and organic residues for millennia.
This area proves that early humans practiced advanced winemaking techniques 6,100 years ago. You will see the entire ancient production line in one concentrated space.
10 minutes
These large clay pots sit embedded in the cave floor. Early humans used them for fermenting grapes. Notice the dark organic residue inside the vessels. Chemical tests here confirmed the presence of malvidin, an indicator of ancient wine.
5 minutes
This is a sloped, hard-packed clay basin where workers crushed grapes by foot. The design channeled the fresh juice directly into the adjacent vats below. This setup demonstrates an advanced ancient method similar to traditional winemaking.
5 minutesRead nearby placards
Archaeologists found these ancient jars holding dried vines, seeds, and grape skins. The stable, cool cave air kept these organic materials perfectly preserved. Look for the nearby informational placards detailing the botanical findings of the Areni grape variety.
