Weekend excursion: chocolate and wine

First stop on this excursion was the chocolate factory Gourmet Dourmé, founded by brothers Pierre and Diran Bagdadian, located in Ashtarak. Volunteers had the chance to witness the behind-the-scenes work and what it took to create this “maison de chocolat.” Inspired by Austrian taste and Armenian culture, this family owned company has points of sale in major supermarkets and boutiques. Volunteers were even lucky enough to try some fresh samples and take them home! Second stop on this all-day excursion was Armavir Vineyards located in the Ararat plateau. Despite Armavir being the smallest and most densely populated region in western Armenia, it is also the home of this vineyard that produces a variety of international and indigenous wines. Showered with typical Armenian hospitality, the volunteers lunched with the vineyard employees and were given a tour of the estate that will soon make Armenia a household name with wines.