We started the vine-grafted seedling production program as part of the US Department of Agriculture Marketing Assistance Program (USDA MAP) in 2000-2001. The long-term objective was to establish a production of high-quality, virus-free, and phylloxera-resistant grape seedlings.

At first, world well know vines were imported from France and the USA native varieties, and at that time CARD established the first drip-irrigated vineyard. The prospect was to have a nursery.

The project gained more momentum when "Agrotrend" company took the implementation of the project under its umbrella a few years ago, in cooperation with the French Wine and Vine Institute.

Today, not only grafted phylloxera-resistant vines are produced in that area, but there is also a place for wine tasting, a small experimental wine workshop, and high-quality wines were established with the support of USAID and the German Development Agency (GIZ).

The role of the director of "Agrotrend" company Anna Karapetyan and the senior specialist of viticulture development Artush Karapetyan in implementing this project is noteworthy. Artush Karapetyan made a great contribution to the creation and management of magnificent vineyards. Additional areas were acquired and saplings of different varieties obtained from the French Institute of Wine and Vines were planted.

As a result of the cooperation with that institute, the study of local grape varieties is being carried out, with the expectation of further propagation of these varieties. Recently, Tigran Hayrapetyan joined the team and breathed new life into the work. German specialist Rainer Ruettiger is also a member of the team, and as a well-known international expert, he is coaching young experts in quality winemaking.

As a result of years of hard work, now 6 varieties of grapes are produced in Aygehovit, and soon the production of planting material from Armenian varieties will begin. This year, 6,000 saplings will be sold to the first beneficiaries of the project.

When we don't stop dreaming, we see the results one day...