Armenia to Host the 2026 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Armenia to Host the 2026 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Armenia will host the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026 (May 21–23): a prestigious international recognition for a rapidly growing wine sector.

For the first time in its history, Armenia will host the 33rd edition of the renowned Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, scheduled to take place in Yerevan from May 21 to 23, 2026, focusing on the red and white wine session. The event will bring together over 370 professional tasters from at least 49 countries and offer the opportunity to taste and evaluate around 7,500 wines from all over the world. The selection of Armenia as host country reflects the rising international reputation of its national wine industry.

Armenia boasts one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world: in the Areni-1 cave, located in the Vayots Dzor region, archaeologists discovered the remains of the oldest known winery, dating back over 6,100 years. This historical milestone is now intertwined with a new era of winemaking revival, fueled by investment, modern technology, and the rediscovery of native grape varieties. Armenian wineries—many of which were founded in the last decade—are gaining recognition for the quality of their wines, often made from local grapes grown at high altitudes.

Wine tourism in Armenia is rapidly expanding. Numerous wineries—especially in the regions of Vayots Dzor, Armavir, Aragatsotn, and Tavush—are now equipped to welcome international visitors with guided tastings, vineyard tours, culinary experiences, and charming accommodations nestled among the vines. Interest from abroad is further strengthened by events such as Yerevan Wine Days and the Areni Wine Festival, as well as Armenia's growing presence at major international wine fairs. Today, the country is establishing itself as a must-visit destination for those seeking authenticity, flavor, and culture.

Armenian viticulture stands out for the richness of its indigenous grape varieties, many of which are cultivated exclusively within the country. Among the best known is Sev Areni, a red grape symbol of Armenia, which produces elegant wines with fruity and spicy notes, often aged in amphorae or oak barrels. Other native red varieties include Haghtanak, Sireni, and Karmrahyut, while among the whites, Kangun and Voskehat stand out—Voskehat is often called “the queen of Armenian grapes.” The vineyards are generally planted between 900 and 1,800 meters above sea level, giving the wines natural freshness and a strong connection to their terroir. Alongside traditional varietals, innovative blends and méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines are also emerging, confirming a dynamic and quality-focused sector.

The Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia has recently declared the wine sector a strategic priority for the country’s economic and tourism development. Hosting the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in 2026 represents a symbolic and concrete milestone in this journey: an opportunity to promote local producers, strengthen the international profile of Armenian wines, and position Armenia as a premier destination for wine tourism.

About the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is a prestigious international wine competition, established in 1994, structured into Sessions and Selections. Each year, it evaluates over 15,000 samples thanks to a jury made up exclusively of professional tasters, ensuring a blind tasting process focused solely on quality. The competition is globally recognized for its strict standards and its commitment to identifying the world’s best wines.

For more information:

Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia: vwfa.am 

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: concoursmondial.com