Areni

Areni (Արենի) is a village and the center of the Areni Municipality of the Vayots Dzor Province in Armenia. Areni is best known for its wine production, with the majority of wine produced locally from the nearby village of Getap. Previously, the settlement was known as Arpa. In 1946, the name of the settlement was changed to Areni through a decree (10/9) issued by the Supreme Council of Soviet Armenia. Situated in the Vayots Dzor region, Areni village is positioned on both banks of the lower Arpa River. It is 110 km away from the capital city of Yerevan, and 20 km away from Yeghegnadzor, the Province center. Natural habitats include semidesert, calcareous grasslands, and juniper woodlands alternated with cliffs, canyons, and rocky outcrops. Vicinity of Areni community have been considered as a Prime Butterfly Area, where a wide variety of rare butterflies, including Papilio alexanor, Colias chlorocoma, Colias aurorina, Pseudochazara schahrudensis, Tomares romanovi, Callophrys paulae, and a number of others can be observed. Also the area is interesting for bird observations, being inhabited by Egyptian Vulture, White-throated Robin, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Black-headed Bunting, and number of other species. The village experiences a dry climate, but the majority of the land is irrigated using river water. Winters are moderately cold and relatively short, while springs are warm, lengthy, and humid. Summers are characterized by hot, dry weather that lasts for an extended period. Constant clear weather prevails. Autumns are warm with fewer cloudy days. The local population is involved in various activities such as gardening, arable farming, poultry farming, and animal husbandry. The community places a strong emphasis on viticulture and winemaking, along with the development of fruit cultivation, which has led to relatively high employment rates and significantly reduced emigration. Areni village is home to two wine factories that produce the renowned "Areni" wine. Areni stands as one of the distinguished and ancient villages in the Vayots Dzor Province.