We’re following up on our 2023-34 winter bucket list for Armenia with part II, so that you can experience Armenia during the next few months to the fullest. In this second installment of our winter bucket list, we’ve included several indoor cultural activities you can have across Armenia, plus one outdoor. We hope you enjoy!
Make Custom Jewelry Using Recycled Materials
When in Dilijan, consider taking a masterclass in turning recycled materials into wearable fashion items and other accessories that you can take home with you. At Made-Vel-e’s workshop, you’ll use different materials like clay, recycled paper, recycled plastic, recycled fabric, wool, and felt to create something beautiful. All their workshop leaders are local people from Dilijan who have been trained through Made-vel-e’s adult education program, and who would love to share their crafts with you. You can also stay overnight here atDurr 32, a beautiful guesthouse located just below the workshop.
Bottle Your Own Local Sparkling Wine
Consider ending your day in Dilijan at the Hovaz Wines Tasting Room to learn how they produce their sparkling rosé wines. First, you’ll get to know the traditional method of making sparkling wine, the same one used in Champagne, France. Then you’ll see how the leese, or the leftover yeast particles produced naturally during the fermentation process, is removed from bottles that are ready to be corked. After removing the leese, you’ll have the opportunity to cork and label a bottle yourself by hand, which you can later purchase and take home with you! Your experience here will end with a professional tasting with their in-house sommelier.
Horseback Riding Adventure Through Villages and Nature
In the Lori province, you can experience the magic of the winter season on horseback. Starting from Debed village, you’ll cross a tributary of the Debed River and continue through the region’s beautiful, green wildlife. Along the way, you’ll see cultural and historic heritage sites, like a medieval chapel and a 12th century khachkar, or traditional Armenian cross-stone. Before heading back to the village, you’ll stop for a typical village meal (think local cheeses and yogurt, vegetables, bread, wild greens, and eggs) in the heart of nature with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Professional Armenian Costume Photo Shoot
If in Gyumri, consider stopping by Zanan Cultural House where you can learn about traditional Armenian costumes, called taraz, and have a professional photo shoot while wearing these beautiful pieces of art. You’ll have the opportunity to see and get to know over 20 different traditional costumes they have recreated from different regions of historic Armenia, before choosing which one you want to wear for your photoshoot, along with different accessories like jewelry and props. After the photoshoot, you’ll sit down to enjoy local teas and sweets with your host.
Paint Your Own Traditional Doll
If the deep red, green, and blue hues of taraz have you captivated, you may enjoy hand painting your own plush doll following traditional dress patterns, together with a professional doll maker, Narine, in her at-home workshop. First you’ll browse her large collection of traditional costumes. Then, you’ll sketch the design of your selected costume directly onto a blank plush doll, and choose the colors you will decorate it with. Then comes the fun part: following ancient Armenian miniature painting techniques, Narine will guide you through the painting process.
