Supporting Armenia’s family of winemakers

Gevorg Manukyan’s path to winemaking in Armenia began in the most unexpected of places: the halls of the History Museum of Armenia. With a background in finance and banking, Gevorg had had little experience with viticulture but a visit there with international guests changed the course of his life.
As the museum guide recounted the story of the ancient city of Teishebaini, he paused to highlight the indigenous Voskehat grape seeds. For Gevorg, this moment sparked childhood memories of his grandfather crafting wine at home from the very same grape. Inspired, he began to delve into the world of winemaking, exploring centuries-old traditions and modern methods alike.

This spark quickly grew into a family passion, leading Gevorg and his family to purchase equipment, build a wine press and experiment together to produce their very first bottles of wine.

“It was a success,’’ Gevorg recalls. During long new year holidays, the Manukyan family would greet their guests with their wine. “But it was not a business idea, just yet.’’

It wasn’t until 2016 that the family firmly decided to follow their passion, and what started as a personal journey soon turned into a promising business venture.

Next chapters

We met Gevorg during the busiest time for any winemaker: the harvest season. For those in the industry, this period is marked by intense labour but also by a sense of celebration. It was no different at Manukyan Wine.

As Gevorg explained, the harvest is about much more than just winemaking techniques: the grapes, the equipment, the winemaker, or even the winery itself. What truly sets this time apart is the people, their emotions and the soul they pour into the process.

“Perhaps it is this human element that is the most vital ingredient of all,” he adds.

Manukyan Wine has ambitious plans to transform its winery into a welcoming destination for all. “In our village we have created a place where families and friends can come together and enjoy themselves with nice wine and exceptional Armenian cuisine,” explains Gevorg.

“It’s very important for us to offer a space where people can exchange their time for meaningful experiences and create good memories,” he adds.

In the calm of Armenia’s beautiful landscape, the Manukyan family’s story is one of teamwork, determination and progress. With new equipment and fresh ideas, their work continues. So that in every bottle, one can find a bit of family, a bit of Armenia, and a lot of hard work.

Taking opportunities to grow

Today, Manukyan Wine produces 20,000 bottles a year, sourcing the finest grapes from local vineyards. The company, situated in the picturesque village of Kosh near Yerevan, employs around 30 people, all contributing to the vibrant winemaking tradition.

Manukyan Wine is one of hundreds of businesses to benefit from the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) through the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line.

Through this programme the EBRD provides financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via local partner financial institutions. SMEs can then use this financing to upgrade their equipment and processes to meet EU standards. What is more, the EU offers an incentive grant of up to 15 per cent of the value of the loan upon the successful completion of those investments. The company purchased fermenters and refrigeration systems via Ameriabank in 2023. The EBRD’s Advice for Small Businesses programme, with EU funding, has also helped the company to develop a marketing plan and launch a new website.

“When you are striving to build something and suddenly an opportunity for support arises,” notes Gevorg, “it is not only helpful but also a cause for gratitude. There are numerous tools and technologies available, yet it’s not always possible to afford everything. Programmes like these are invaluable for people working in winemaking and other sectors.”