By: Joshua Finley
Since its inception in 2010, WinesofArmenia.com has established itself as a leading voice in the burgeoning Armenian wine industry, bringing premium wines from Armenia to the United States. Founded by Stepan Baghdassarian, a lawyer turned wine enthusiast, the platform has become a vital distribution channel for small, high-quality wineries in Armenia. As a result, it has helped introduce the rich heritage of Armenian winemaking to an entirely new audience.
Baghdassarian’s journey into the world of wine began in 2005, when he created MyWinePlus.com, a Los Angeles-based retailer specializing in premium wines from classic regions such as Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Napa Valley. His passion for uncovering hidden gems in the wine world and introducing lesser-known regions to consumers set the stage for the creation of WinesofArmenia.com.
“I love the hunt to bring hard-to-find wines from established classic wine regions, as well as discovering new regions like Armenia,” says Baghdassarian. This enthusiasm was particularly significant in 2010 when Armenia began experiencing a renaissance in winemaking. Recognizing the potential of Armenian wines, he established WinesofArmenia.com to connect small Armenian wineries with consumers in the United States.
Armenia, often referred to as the cradle of winemaking, has a wine history that dates back over 6,000 years. However, much of its winemaking tradition was disrupted during the Soviet era, when industrial production prioritized quantity over quality. Over the past two decades, Armenian wineries have undergone a transformation, producing wines that are increasingly gaining recognition for their quality and distinctiveness.
Baghdassarian’s company has played a crucial role in this resurgence, providing Armenian winemakers with a platform to share their stories and reach international markets. WinesofArmenia.com stands out not only for its exclusive focus on Armenian wines but also for its commitment to representing small, family-owned wineries.
The platform offers a carefully curated selection of wines, from indigenous grape varieties like Areni and Voskehat to unique blends that reflect the country’s diverse terroirs. Each wine represents a piece of Armenian culture, history, and craftsmanship. By working directly with winemakers, Baghdassarian ensures that their voices and traditions are authentically represented in the U.S. market.
Baghdassarian’s efforts extend beyond distribution. As an advocate for Armenian wines, he has become a leading spokesman for the region’s burgeoning wine industry. His work includes organizing tastings, educational events, and partnerships to raise awareness about Armenian wines among consumers and sommeliers alike. Through these initiatives, he has helped position Armenia as a promising new frontier in the global wine industry.
“No one is doing what we’re doing,” Baghdassarian notes. This unique position has allowed WinesofArmenia.com to make a profound impact. It has helped transform how Armenian wines are perceived, shifting the narrative from obscurity to recognition as a source of world-class wines.
As the largest retailer of Armenian wines in the United States, WinesofArmenia.com continues to grow, driven by Baghdassarian’s passion and vision. His commitment to excellence and authenticity has not only benefited Armenian winemakers but has also provided U.S. consumers with access to a remarkable range of wines that embody centuries of tradition and innovation.
To explore the selection of Armenian wines offered by WinesofArmenia.com or to learn more about the company’s mission, visit WinesofArmenia.com. The platform’s presence on social media, including Instagram (@winesofarmenia_com) and Facebook (WinesofArmenia.com), provides additional opportunities to engage with Armenia’s rich winemaking heritage.
Through his work, Stepan Baghdassarian is not only showcasing the incredible potential of Armenian wines but is also helping to redefine their place in the global wine landscape.
Published by Elle G
