One of the world’s most prestigious international wine tasting competitions, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, has officially opened in Armenia, bringing together around 400 wine experts, journalists, sommeliers, importers, buyers and industry representatives from 65 countries.
The opening ceremony, held at the ancient Garni Temple, showcased Armenia’s cultural heritage and winemaking traditions as the country welcomed the globally renowned event for the first time.
Zaruhi Muradyan, Executive Director of the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia, said approximately 8,000 wines – including red, white and sparkling varieties – will be evaluated during the competition.
“For the first time in the history of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, the competition will be held simultaneously in two separate sessions dedicated to red and white wines, and sparkling wines,” Muradyan said.
She explained that the tastings are conducted blind, meaning judges do not know the country of origin or grape variety of the wines they are assessing.
“Following the tasting, judges immediately submit their evaluations. All the information is then compiled, and within 10 days participants are informed about the scores awarded to each wine,” she added.
Around 130 Armenian wines are also competing in the event. According to Muradyan, the foundation has supported broad Armenian participation, stressing that international awards help raise the profile of both the country and its wines on the global stage.
As part of the programme, guests will visit Armenia’s key wine-producing regions, including Vayots Dzor, Armavir, Aragatsotn and Tavush, offering participants an opportunity to explore the country’s ancient winemaking traditions, indigenous grape varieties and modern wine culture.
Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said the competition places Armenia firmly on the world’s winemaking map.
“This competition creates an opportunity for Armenia, Armenian winemaking traditions and Armenian wine to remain at the centre of discussions within the international wine community throughout these days,” Papoyan said.
He noted that the event also gives Armenian winemakers direct access to international buyers, sommeliers, experts, bloggers and journalists, helping strengthen export potential and promote Armenia as a wine tourism destination.
“Why do I consider wine tourism especially important? Because today two global trends are taking shape. Wine consumption as a beverage is showing a certain decline, while wine tourism is continuing to grow,” he said.
Papoyan also highlighted the international attention Armenia has received during the event, noting that industry professionals attending the competition have shared extensive content about Armenia’s winemaking heritage on social media platforms, generating millions of views.
Director of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Quentin Havaux, said he first visited Armenia three years ago and was deeply impressed by the country’s culture and history.
“It quickly became clear to us that we had to organise this competition here in Armenia, in order to show the world what the country can offer – not only in terms of wine, but also culture, history and gastronomic tourism,” he said.
Havaux noted that preparations for hosting the competition in Armenia took three years.
“We are truly delighted to finally be here this year and to present to tasters, journalists and international buyers everything Armenia has to offer the world,” he added.
He also said organisers arrived in Armenia several days before the competition in order to explore the country, stressing that discovering Armenia itself is an essential part of the experience for both judges and guests.
The results of the competition will be published on 10 June on the official Concours Mondial de Bruxelles website.
The event will also be followed by an international media tour involving around 30 foreign journalists.