Juliana Del Aguila Eurnekian is the Owner & President of Karas Wines in the Ararat Valley, Armenia. She’s dedicated to elevating two of the world’s most promising wine regions: Patagonia, Argentina, and Armenia’s Ararat Valley. Born in Buenos Aires, she studied psychology at the University of Buenos Aires, trained as a sommelier, and completed the Owner/President Management program at Harvard Business School.
She leads Bodega Del Fin Del Mundo in Patagonia and Karas Wines in Armenia, where her work focuses on crafting high-quality wines, championing sustainability, and strengthening local communities. Proud of her Armenian heritage, Juliana splits her time between both regions, determined to showcase their unique identities and place them firmly on the global wine map. Her vision bridges tradition and innovation, bringing the story of Armenia—the cradle of wine—and Patagonia—the end of the world—to consumers worldwide. Media Inquiries: info@karaswines.com | https://karaswines.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
What makes Karas unique is that it was never just about wine, but about legacy, vision, and rebuilding something history nearly erased.
My great-grandparents fled Armenia during the genocide and rebuilt their lives in Argentina. Decades later, when Armenia regained independence, my great-uncle returned to the Ararat Valley with a dream: to plant vineyards, create jobs, and revive the art of winemaking where, according to the Bible, Noah planted the first vine after descending from Mount Ararat.
At the time, few believed in Armenia’s wine potential. Under Soviet rule, winemaking had been forgotten and only brandy was known abroad. But he believed—bringing in experts, investing in technology, and preparing the rocky land. Just as we prepared to release our first wines under the name Karas, the Areni-1 cave was discovered—the world’s oldest known winery, with clay amphorae (“karases”) dating back 6,200 years. It felt like history was meeting us where we stood.
Now I’m continuing his path—reconnecting with my roots and carrying the story forward. Each vintage is an honest expression of our volcanic soils, blending ancient practices like fermenting in karas with modern winemaking. Along the way, we’ve rediscovered indigenous grapes like Areni and Sireni, and proven how curiosity, tradition, and love for Armenia can create wines as unique as the land itself.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
If there were no limits of time, money, or resources, I would focus on three things: research, reconnection, and storytelling.
First, I’d establish a world-class Center for Wine and Vine Investigation. At Karas, we’ve already begun with ampelographic studies, experimental vineyards, and institutional collaborations, but Armenia’s potential is just starting to be revealed. With more than 120 identified endemic grape varieties, this land offers a rare chance to rediscover a forgotten wine world and carry it into the future.
Second, I’d explore the migratory journey of the vine. Leading my family’s winery in Patagonia, I’m fascinated by how vines travel across time and continents—adapting, transforming, and carrying stories in their roots. Connecting Armenia and Argentina through projects that reflect both the emotional and agricultural journey of the vine is a dream of mine.
Finally, I’d invest in sharing these stories with the world—from Armenia’s ancient winemaking roots to the discoveries unfolding today, and the parallel narratives in Argentina. A docuseries or multimedia platform could weave together history, science, culture, and personal journey—not just to showcase what we do, but to inspire connection.
Ultimately, I believe in merging art, wine, history, gastronomy, and personal journey. That’s what I strive for today—and without limits, I’d amplify that vision on a global scale.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Our Areni-Sireni Reserve Blend is the wine that defines us.
Areni, Armenia’s most emblematic grape, takes its name from the Areni-1 cave—the world’s oldest known winery. It reflects the elegance, freshness, and character of our volcanic Ararat Valley, and over the years we’ve become specialists in expressing its full range, from youthful and vibrant to structured and age-worthy.
Sireni entered our story through growers in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), where we first discovered its bold power and potential. We planted it at Karas, where it adapted beautifully, and in 2016 crafted our first Areni-Sireni Reserve: each variety fermented separately in karas (traditional clay amphorae), then blended and aged in French and Armenian oak. Armenian oak, once used only for brandy, now brings a unique voice to our wines.
The 2020 war severed our ties to Artsakh, and our Sireni vineyard in Karas may be the only one left in Armenia. That loss makes this wine even more meaningful. It is more than a blend—it’s a tribute to heritage, resilience, and the enduring bond between Armenia and Artsakh. Every bottle carries history, survival, and hope. Read this wine review here.
Bonus Question: Why Winemaking?
Because I believe winemaking is a means. A means to tell stories, to express identity, to preserve traditions, and to create joy.
For me, wine is a language. It speaks of place, of people, of emotion. Through winemaking, I get to share where I come from, what I care about, and how I see the world, without needing to say a word. It’s a form of creative expression that connects soil and soul, memory and future.
It allows me to honor the past, my ancestors, our lands, our culture – while also imagining and building something new. And in that balance between heritage and innovation, I find endless inspiration.