We arrived at The Ramada Inn in downtown Yerevan at 3 a.m. Bars and restaurants were still open and lively. People were on the street, and the atmosphere was relaxed and felt safe. This capital city is clearly doing something right. Or maybe it’s the people, their resilience and quiet pride of place.
I was here to judge Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), a renowned international wine competition. We toured Armenia’s capital city and wine regions as a group, and I stayed on for a few extra days. There was a sense of innocence and optimism everywhere, and I believe I witnessed the emergence of a country long repressed.
And it all started with wine. Read this history of Armenia, its wine and people here.