Armenia is considered the birthplace of vines and of wine. As far back as 4000BC wine was being made in the highlands of Armenia, as testifies the archaeological site of Arenicave. Considered the world’s oldest wine making facility, these remains speak of sophisticated winemaking on a grand scale. Among other testimonies are the wine cellars near the vicinity of the capital Yerevan, dating back 3000 years. 480 large amphorae buried in the ground and stamped with year of production were unearthed there.
The vineyards of ZORAH are situated at 1400meters (4500 ft) above sea level at the foothills of Mount Ararat. Working uniquely with native varieties, the vines are planted on their own roots directly into the rocky soils which have never seen Phylloxera. The vine cuttings come from old abandoned vineyards of a nearby 13th century monastery. The high altitude, the poor soil, drastic temperature variations between day and night, and a harvest in late October all contribute to the creation of terroir-driven wines.