Tierras de Armenia (Karas Wines, Armavir)
An Argentine-Armenian venture revitalizing Armenia's Ararat Valley through international expertise, volcanic terroir, and global grape varieties under the Karas Wines brand.
Tierras de Armenia CJSC is located in the Armavir region of Armenia, founded in 2003 by Argentine-Armenian entrepreneur Eduardo Eurnekian. The winery produces wine under the Karas Wines brand, with Argentine chief winemaker Gabriel Rogel and French consulting winemaker Michel Rolland. The project focuses on international grape varieties—Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat—grown on volcanic soils in the Ararat Valley, establishing Armenia's presence in premium international wine markets.
- Located in Armavir province in the Ararat Valley, not Vayots Dzor
- Founded in 2003 by Eduardo Eurnekian, an Argentine-Armenian businessman
- Produces wine under the Karas Wines brand
- Chief winemaker Gabriel Rogel (Argentina) and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland (France)
- Focuses on international varieties: Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat
- Vineyards grow on volcanic soils in the Ararat Valley
- Positioned for international export markets across Europe and beyond
History & Heritage
Tierras de Armenia CJSC was founded in 2003 by Eduardo Eurnekian, an Argentine-Armenian entrepreneur, as part of a broader investment in Armenia's agricultural and economic development. The project brought Argentine winemaking expertise to Armenia's Ararat Valley, engaging renowned French consulting winemaker Michel Rolland and Argentine chief winemaker Gabriel Rogel to establish the Karas Wines brand. Armenia itself holds one of the world's oldest winemaking traditions, with archaeological evidence of wine production dating to 4100 BCE near the Areni-1 cave.
- Founded 2003 by Eduardo Eurnekian, Argentine-Armenian businessman
- Karas Wines brand established as the primary commercial label
- Michel Rolland (France) serves as consulting winemaker; Gabriel Rogel (Argentina) as chief winemaker
- Areni-1 cave contains world's oldest known winery (4100 BCE), reflecting Armenia's deep winemaking heritage
Geography & Climate
Tierras de Armenia operates in the Armavir region of Armenia, with vineyards situated in the Ararat Valley on volcanic soils. The valley's volcanic geology provides excellent drainage and mineral complexity suited to international grape varieties. The Ararat Valley benefits from a continental climate with significant sunshine hours and the influence of Mount Ararat, creating conditions favorable for the ripening of Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat.
- Located in Armavir province, Ararat Valley
- Volcanic soils provide drainage and mineral character well-suited to international varieties
- Continental climate with high sunshine hours supports full ripening of red varieties
- Proximity to Mount Ararat defines the landscape and regional identity
Key Grapes & Wine Styles
The Karas Wines portfolio centers on international grape varieties rather than indigenous Armenian grapes, reflecting the winery's Argentine and French winemaking influence. Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat form the core of production, grown on the volcanic soils of the Ararat Valley. The winemaking approach draws on the expertise of Michel Rolland and Gabriel Rogel to produce wines positioned for international markets.
- Core varieties: Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Tannat
- Winemaking led by Gabriel Rogel (chief winemaker, Argentina) with Michel Rolland (consulting, France)
- Volcanic Ararat Valley soils contribute mineral character to finished wines
- Portfolio targets premium international positioning under the Karas Wines brand
Notable Producers & Brands
Tierras de Armenia CJSC operates primarily under the Karas Wines brand, which serves as the company's flagship label for domestic and international markets. The winery was established by Eduardo Eurnekian and benefits from the winemaking direction of Gabriel Rogel and Michel Rolland, whose involvement lends international credibility to the project. Karas Wines is documented across multiple wine databases and export catalogs as one of Armenia's internationally recognized wine producers.
- Karas Wines is the primary brand of Tierras de Armenia CJSC
- Eduardo Eurnekian founded the company as part of broader Armenian investment
- Michel Rolland and Gabriel Rogel bring French and Argentine expertise to the project
- Karas Wines is listed in the Armenia Export Catalog and recognized on international wine platforms
Wine Laws & Classification
Armenia's wine classification framework remains developing compared to European DO systems. Tierras de Armenia operates under Armenian wine regulations governing varietal composition, geographic origin, and minimum alcohol standards. The Armenian government has pursued greater alignment with European GI frameworks to support export growth, and producers like Karas Wines operating in Armavir contribute to the development of documented regional production standards.
- Armenian wine regulations specify minimum alcohol, varietal labeling, and geographic origin requirements
- Armavir is a recognized production region within Armenia's developing appellation framework
- Export-oriented producers contribute to Armenia's push for European GI recognition
- International winemaking partnerships support compliance with European market entry standards
Visiting & Culture
The Tierras de Armenia winery and Karas Wines facilities are located in the Armavir region, accessible from Yerevan. The Ararat Valley offers visitors views of Mount Ararat alongside the winery experience. Armenia's broader wine tourism infrastructure includes visits to Yerevan, the Areni-1 archaeological site in Vayots Dzor, and various monastery complexes. The nearest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan.
- Located in Armavir region, Ararat Valley, accessible from Yerevan
- Zvartnots International Airport (Yerevan) is the nearest international gateway
- Armenia's wine tourism also encompasses the Areni-1 cave site and Vayots Dzor region
- Mount Ararat provides a defining visual backdrop to the Ararat Valley winery landscape
Karas Wines from Tierras de Armenia reflect the volcanic soils of the Ararat Valley and the influence of international varieties. Syrah and Malbec contribute dark fruit, spice, and structure, while Cabernet Franc adds herbal and red fruit character. Tannat brings firm tannins and depth. The winemaking approach under Michel Rolland and Gabriel Rogel emphasizes balance and international accessibility.