At the invitation of the USAID-supported AGRI CAMP Program, Storica-Wines company, which imports Armenian wine to the USA, visited Armenia again in May 6-10, 2024, for the 4th time already.

The group of experts, sommeliers, wine buyers and marketing specialists made a trip to Armenian wineries and met with representatives of USAID wine producing beneficiaries to present opportunities for networking and market expansion.

On the day of arrival, the Storica-Wine team was hosted by Jraghatspanyan Winery LLC in Armavir marz. During the other days, they were in Ararat, Vayots Dzor and Aragatsotn marzes and enjoyed the orchards of endemic grapes, visited local wineries, got acquainted with the production methods of Armenian wines, and also tasted Tushpa wine in Ararat marz; NOA, Keush, SAVAR, Zulal wines in Vayots Dzor; as well as Van Ard and Voskevaz wines in Aragatsotn marz.

   

In addition to study tours, the guests visited the Armenian Wine History Museum, admired the 6100-year-old world’s oldest winery excavations of Areni Cave and got acquainted with the history of Armenian wine.

The Storica team’s visit to Armenia finalized with a meeting with Armenian wine producers, to which we invited the beneficiaries of the USAID-supported AGRI CAMP and RED-NEO programs. This was a great opportunity for Armenian winemakers to get acquainted with the pecularities of the US market and the preferences of American consumers.

Ara Sarkisian, the General Director of the Storica Wines presented the background of the company and noted that «Storica is trying to pave the way for Armenian winemakers to the US market». «You can’t get into the US market overnight. Long-term continuous work should be done to achieve that goal,»- he said. Mr. Sarkisian also mentioned that «although the AGRI CAMP Program provides valuable support so far, it is not enough, unfortunately. In the near future, it will be difficult to achieve tangible results without RA government involvement.»

   

L.M. Archer, a wine writer, confirmed that idea: «Working collectively is very important,» she said, and continued, -«Effort should be directed at presenting your story to the consumer through the creation and distribution of books, brochures, and other informational materials.» «Do you know what makes you remarkable?, – asked the participant Ms. Archer and gave them the answere, -«It is that you have grapes that is unique, your country is unique, your wine is unique. You must be proud of it and you should be able to tell your great story to others – the story behind the wine!”