Zorah Wines

The story of Zorah Wines is a tale of rediscovery, dedication, and love for the land. It began many years ago, when Zorik first visited his ancestral homeland of Armenia in 1998. That journey marked the beginning of a life-changing path. He was deeply moved by the beauty, the soul, and the untouched power of the land. Armenia captivated him, and he immediately knew that one day he would return to plant his roots there once more. Even before the idea for Zorah Wines took shape, Zorik breathed new life into an abandoned knitwear factory in the southern city of Kapan. Through this venture, he provided work and hope to more than 250 women in a city long plagued by poverty. This initiative led to countless journeys across Armenia — journeys in which he came to know the people, the landscape, and the ancient traditions of his homeland more intimately with each passing day.

During this journey of discovery, Zorik stumbled upon a forgotten truth: Armenia was once one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, with a rich wine culture that had nearly been lost under years of Soviet rule. There, amidst the mountains and the stories of his people, a dream was born. Zorik decided to abandon his plans to purchase a vineyard in Tuscany and instead return to his origins. Together with his wife Yeraz, he embarked on a bold mission: to revive the Armenian wine tradition and create wines that reflect the soul of this magical land.

It required vision, perseverance, and a deep belief in the power of the land.
And thus, Zorah Wines was born — not merely as a winery, but as a symbol of revival, heritage, and the timeless bond between people, nature, and history.

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Terroir

The vineyards of Zorah are located in the remote village of Rind, in the heart of Vayots Dzor, at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat, and just a stone’s throw from the world’s oldest winery. Situated on rugged mountain slopes up to 1,600 meters above sea level, they are among the highest vineyards in the Northern Hemisphere. The main vineyards, at 1,400 meters altitude, are planted on own roots in rocky, nutrient-poor sandy limestone soil, untouched by Phylloxera. The cuttings are sourced from centuries-old, abandoned vineyards of a nearby 12th-century monastery.

The region experiences harsh winters and hot, dry summers with intense sunlight. Cool nights create significant temperature variations between day and night, giving the grapes freshness and depth. The extended growing season often pushes the harvest into October, allowing the wines to develop exceptional complexity.

Karasses: Ancient Tradition in Contemporary Wine

The traditional Armenian clay vessels, known as karasses, form the heart of Zorah Wines. These centuries-old vessels reflect the thousand-year story of Armenian winemaking, uniquely connecting the past and the future. For over twenty years, Zorah has studied the methods of their ancestors, rediscovering how wine was made thousands of years ago. While the karasses reference a bygone era, they simultaneously offer an inspiring perspective on new possibilities for winemaking.

At Zorah Wines, intervention is minimal: the character of the grape is preserved in its purest expression of the terroir. Natural yeasts, minimal extraction, gentle filtration, and very low sulfite levels allow the wines to fully develop their spontaneity and personality. The clay vessels themselves act as a neutral, living force—they breathe and nurture the wine, allowing it to express itself freely. The karasses are placed three-quarters underground and one-quarter above ground, referencing the archaeological site of Karmir Blur and the Golden Age of Armenian wine culture.

This unique, ancestral method provides optimal temperature control during maturation. At the same time, a subtle difference emerges between the underground and above-ground parts of the vessel, allowing the wine to slowly and naturally rotate during the aging process. The result is a wine that reflects both Armenia’s rich heritage and the distinctive expression of its terroir.

Discover the World of Zorah Wines

Zorah Wines combines centuries-old Armenian traditions with a modern approach to winemaking. The passion and knowledge embedded in every bottle reflect the region’s rich heritage and the unique expression of its grapes. The range includes carefully selected wines aged in traditional clay vessels, featuring characterful reds, whites, and orange wines. To explore more of Zorah’s exceptional wines, browse the full collection online and immerse yourself in a truly unique wine experience.