In a time when Armenian winemaking is capturing widespread attention, a new wine label has hit the market, quickly making a name for itself due to its distinctive style and compelling story. Bold Wines stands out from other Armenian wines as it is made in garages, following the tradition of “Garagiste (garage) winemaking” that began in Bordeaux, France in the 1990s. The idea behind the movement was to break free from traditional winemaking conventions and take a more rebellious approach, which resonated with Tatev Khachatryan, the founder of Bold Wines.
Although this method is not yet popular in the Armenian winemaking scene, Khachatryan believed it was the ideal way to bring her dream as a modest wine enthusiast to life. “After almost 14 years of tasting wines, traveling through various regions, and studying at the EVN Wine Academy, wine has become a lifestyle for me,” she told the Weekly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that was challenging for many, things were quite different for Khachatryan and her friends. She took initial steps and started crafting wine in one of her friend’s garages, where she experimented with just two barrels of Areni grapes.
“It was a simple start, but it really defined the idea to create something truly special — a wine that reflects passion, experimentation and the courage to break free from traditional winemaking rules,” Khachatryan said.
The story of Bold Wines is of a dreamer who, without inherited vineyards or family traditions, simply followed a personal quest to stand out with quality, innovation and creativity. The concept is all about freedom and the fearless spirit of youth. “As a young enthusiast, I believe winemaking is a personal journey — one that should reflect passion, authenticity and a willingness to break the rules. It’s about creating an experience that’s as bold and adventurous as the wine itself,” Khachatryan said.
The mission of Bold Wines is to create wines that not only taste good but also have a compelling story attached. Bold Wines aims to inspire other Armenian winemakers to explore new possibilities and focus less on the challenges.
Despite producing wine since 2019, it took another five years before Khachatryan felt confident enough in the consistency of the quality. In 2024, she finally went to market. “This is a cornerstone for me. Over the years, I’ve been searching for my unique signature and style as a winemaker, and I believe I’ve found it,” she said. She believes that a big part of ensuring the wine’s consistency is working closely with the farmers. As she doesn’t own any vineyards of her own, she is constantly involved in the process, taking control over key aspects of vineyard management.
She also believes that the garage concept is crucial in maintaining this consistency, as it provides hands-on control over every step of production. “It’s this level of personal involvement that guarantees the quality and consistency of my wines,” she explained. One potential challenge that comes up with such a distinct concept is that it may target a smaller crowd. Khachatryan admits that Bold targets wine enthusiasts who appreciate uniqueness, as well as those looking for something different. If you are curious, brave and open to explore new flavors, Bold should be on your new wine list. “Our label might intrigue you, but it’s the bold spirit in every bottle that keeps you coming back,” Khachatryan said.
Bold’s key element is that it doesn’t see a divide between tradition and innovation. Its winemaking process honors tradition with a new approach, experimenting and pushing boundaries. While Bold started out in a garage, it has produced a total quantity of 1060 white bottles and 1260 red bottles.
Yet Khachatryan’s vision extends far beyond, with an aim to expand its range and explore new grape varieties, all while staying true to the original concept. Currently, the wines are made with Areni and Voskehat grapes from the Aghavnadzor region, but Khatun Kharji, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which represent the second stage of the wine’s bubbly experiments, will also be available for wine lovers soon.
Khachatryan is eager to introduce her new sparkling wines to the market, which are also made using the traditional method. She hopes to have her own small vineyards where people can gather, experience the winemaking process and connect with the story. Mainly, she aims to shed light on Armenian wine in a new way, using the garage concept as a foundation for something bold, fresh and exciting.
Just like the early garagistes who revolutionized wine in Bordeaux and later in California, Bold Wines is taking its own steady path, pushing boundaries and remaining committed to innovation and quality.
While exploring Yerevan’s vibrant wine scene, you can come across Bold Wines at wine bars such as Invino, Decant, Urban, Wine Republic, Asador, Epicure and French Bubbles, with more locations expected to carry the sparkling wines soon.
Hena Aposhian
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