Hovakim Saghatelyan is the winegrower at Trinity Canyon Vineyards in Armenia. He was born in 1965 in Armenia on a sunny Sunday. After completing school, he served in the Soviet Army and took part in the Chernobyl rescue operations. Trained as a civil engineer and accountant, he lived in the United States from 1999 before returning to Armenia to co-found Trinity Canyon Vineyards in 2008, where he has served as Executive Director ever since.
Through close collaboration with experienced winegrowers and winemakers, Hovakim transitioned from an amateur enthusiast to a dedicated professional. His work is deeply rooted in an appreciation for the cultural, daily, and spiritual significance of wine in Armenian life. Media Inquiries: hovakim@trinitycv.com | https://trinitycv.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
Trinity Canyon Vineyards holds a unique place in modern Armenian winemaking as the country’s first certified organic winery. Since the beginning, we’ve shown that Armenia can meet strict US and EU organic standards—while rediscovering and reviving centuries of tradition.
The story began in 2004, when my two friends and I—hence “Trinity”—opened The Club, a now-legendary restaurant in Yerevan. Obsessed with wine but frustrated by the lack of quality options, we challenged local winemakers until one finally said, half-jokingly: “Why don’t you make your own?” So we did.
We bought half a hectare in Vayots Dzor, just two miles from the Areni-1 “Birds’ Cave,” the world’s oldest known winery. I left my life as an accountant in Los Angeles, returned to Armenia, and led the project. What started as a wild idea grew into a movement—dusting off forgotten traditions, challenging old assumptions, and helping ignite Armenia’s modern winemaking renaissance.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
Wine has a way of opening doors—and hearts. Winemaking often begins with a dream—and mine evolved into something even deeper. As our vineyard has grown, so has my dream: to create a place not just for making wine, but for healing souls—a spiritual rehabilitation center, a sanctuary for people who have lost their sense of happiness and direction in this complex world.
I envision our vineyards and winery becoming a sort of beehive—buzzing with quiet purpose. A place where work, nature, rest, and healing come together to offer something truly unique: a second chance at joy. Here, guests could reconnect with themselves, experience meaningful work, and find peace in the rhythms of the vineyard and cellar. It would be a place where wine, soil, and soul are in harmony—where people could truly begin a new chapter of their lives. Because at the end of the day, wine isn’t just a drink. It’s a connection—to the land, to history, and to each other.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Of course, asking a winemaker to choose one wine out of twelve is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child—or apostle. Go for the Trinity 6100 Areni Noir. The name says it all: 6100 is the age—yes, age!—of winemaking in our region, and this wine is made from Areni Noir, Armenia’s most ancient and iconic grape.
Our 2018 vintage, made entirely from organically grown fruit, won gold at the Millésime BIO competition in Montpellier in 2020. It’s a bottle that brings together ancient terroir, modern craftsmanship, and a big heart, affirming our belief that authenticity and quality go hand in hand, that what’s in our hearts ends up under the cork.
By the way, legend has it that our ancestors in the villages used to drink about two liters of this wine a day and lived long, happy lives. I don’t recommend the two-liter part (unless it’s a really good day), but the sentiment stands. Read my review of the Areni Noir “6100”
Bonus: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve written three books and recorded three albums —each a reflection of my personal philosophy on what it means to be human, and a winemaker, in today’s world. Basically, I’m what happens when a philosopher and a winemaker walk into the same body.
Some of my peers call me the “romantic philosopher of Armenian winemaking.” I’ll take it. But labels aside, what truly matters is that I’ve found a way to live with meaning and joy—and I get to share that through stories, songs, and every bottle we craft from our organically farmed, own-rooted ancient vines.
Legend says the biblical Noah, the very first winemaker, planted the first vine after descending from Mount Ararat to our blessed land. I like to think we’re carrying on his work—one vintage at a time.