The Yerevan Brandy Factory occupies the site of the former Yerevan fortress, on the left bank of the Hrazdan, at 2 Admiral Isakov Avenue. A historic hub of Armenian brandy production since 1887, it is home to the ArArAt brand and offers a visitor experience combining industrial heritage, aging cellars and guided tasting.

Why visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory

Armenian brandy is as integral to the country's cultural identity as the duduk or lavash. The Yerevan distillery is one of its leading producers and the only one open to visitors in the heart of the capital. A tour here grants access to aging cellars that are sometimes over a century old, and a museum showcasing the history of a brand whose Dvin and Akhtamar editions were served to Soviet leaders.

The experience brings together three dimensions rarely found in one place: a heritage building designed by Hovhannes Margaryan in 1953, active production, and guided tasting. It's also a valuable stop for understanding Armenian viticulture, with grapes sourced from the Ararat Plain, Tavush and Upper Karabakh.

History of the distillery

The company was founded in 1887 on the site of the former Yerevan fortress, at the initiative of merchant Nerses Tairyan and his cousin Vassili Tairov. The distillery flourished in 1899 when Nikolai Shoustov, a Russian vodka and liqueur producer, leased it. He purchased the plant in 1900 and renamed it "Shoustov & Sons." His brandy became the official supplier to the Russian Imperial Court and won the Grand Prize at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, earning the right to use the term "cognac" on his bottles—a practice that would remain associated with the brand despite the later protection of the French AOC.

In 1948, the establishment was reorganized into two separate entities: the Ararat spirit factory and the Yerevan brandy distillery. The latter moved in 1953 to a new building designed by architect Hovhannes Margaryan, whose silhouette still dominates the neighbourhood. Between 1953 and 1991, the plant officially produced Armenian cognac for the entire Soviet Union. Markar Sedrakian, chief technologist from 1948 to 1973, played a decisive role in defining blends and received the title of Hero of Socialist Labour in 1966.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Armenian government transferred the distillery to French group Pernod Ricard in 1998 for a reported 30 million dollars. Since 1999, production has followed the national "Armenian Cognac" standard. Products are registered in 47 countries and distributed across more than 25 markets.

The tour experience

Production areas

The guided tour typically begins with a presentation of the manufacturing stages: grape selection, distillation, barrel filling. The explanations cover the indigenous varieties used and the criteria of the Armenian standard adopted in 1999.

Aging cellars

The walk through the cellars is the highlight of the tour. Here you see the oak barrels where brandy matures, some reserved for very old blends. Guides present the so-called "peace barrels," symbolically filled during diplomatic events.

Museum and tasting

The Ararat Heritage Centre Museum and Boutique traces the brand's history through archives, vintage labels and collectible bottles. The tour concludes with a guided tasting of two to three selections, typically from the ArArAt range. Certain rare editions are sold only on-site.

Brands and collections

The distillery produces several ranges:

• ArArAt: Erebuni (30 years), Nairi (20 years), Tonakan (15 years), Akhtamar (10 years), Otborny (7 years), Ani (6 years), Dvin and Armenia. Discontinued heritage editions: Vaspurakan, Kilikia, Sparapet, Noah's Ark.
• NOY: 50 years, 30 years, Tirakal 25 years, Classic, Traditional, NOY Gift, Araspel, Uberto Gucci Treat, 140 and 135 collections.
• Other brands: Erivan Fortress, Legends of Sevan, Varpet.
• Whisky: Magarant, Mac Ingal, Old Clark (3 years).

Practical information

• Address: 2 Admiral Isakov Avenue, left bank of the Hrazdan, Yerevan.
• Access: approximately 15 minutes' walk from downtown and Republic Square.
• Duration: allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the guided tour and tasting.
• Languages: tours available in Armenian, Russian, English, and occasionally French depending on available guides.
• Booking: recommended, especially during peak season and for groups.
• Rates: vary depending on the tasting range (entry-level to premium).
• Note: the tasting portion is not accessible to those under 18 years old.

Nearby attractions

The distillery fits easily into a day exploring Yerevan. About twenty minutes by taxi, the Armenian Genocide Memorial on Tsitsernakaberd Hill offers a major historical counterpoint. To further discover Armenian heritage, the Temple of Garni is located some 30 km to the east and the Armenian Alphabet Monument an hour's drive away. The Noravank Monastery, further south, completes a classic cultural loop over two days.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

The Yerevan Brandy Factory integrates naturally into a cultural visit to Arménie, between religious heritage, ancient sites and wine traditions. To build a custom itinerary including this tour, consult our Arménie journeys.