ARS Toronto “Roubina” Chapter’s Wine Tasting event September 8, 2023
Did you know that Armenia is one of the oldest wine producing regions of the world? Wine has always been an inseparable part of the Armenian history so on Friday September 8, 2023, over 65 attendees gathered at the Hamov Hodov restaurant in the Armenian Community Centre for a chance to learn fascinating facts about Armenia’s booming wine industry.
Organized by the newly-formed ARS: Inspire + Connect + Empower (ICE) Committee, the sold-out crowd had the opportunity to taste five uniquely different wines while discovering more about the winemaking process from sommelier Kevork Kataroyan, Founder of Kinedoun Wines and Spirits. Kataroyan, who calls Montreal home, brought wines from Armenia’s foremost winemaking regions which include Aragatsotn, Tavush, Armavir, Ararat, Vayots Dzor, Syunik, and Artsakh.
The evening kicked off with welcome remarks by ARS: ICE Committee’s Co-Chairs, Engerouhi Hasmig Zarokian and Engerouhi Alik Kirijian who provided details about the newly-formed committee of professionals who are focused on inspiring, connecting and empowering fellow Armenian females. This event was the second offering for the group who hosted a professional development event in May. The goal of the ARS: ICE committee is based on four pillars which are: relationship building, development and wellbeing – encouraging women to take time for themselves for mind, body and spirit, community outreach, and cultural connection.
Kataroyan spoke with great enthusiasm and admiration about Armenia’s wineries and shared multiple varieties of estate-grown wines for guests to sample. Attendees had the opportunity to taste indigenous varieties of wines from five different Armenian producers ranging from a robust Oshin red to orange infused white wine called Kraki Ktor, a distinct Armas rose and even a sweet Armenia dessert white wine.
Kataroyan guided attendees in a unique journey to Armenian vineyards. He thoroughly explained how different grapes are harvested and how they perform differently based on the signature grapes found in the region. “Armenian wine brings us grapes we don’t see grown anywhere else in the world…grapes that are uniquely Armenian,” noted Kataroyan during his explanation of one of the wines. Kataroyan blended history and geography in his remarks which included informing the group about Areni – Armenia’s signature red grape which is grown at very high elevation (over 4,000 feet above sea level) giving the grape remarkable intensity of flavour.
Attendees were treated to a plethora of Armenian platters and charcuterie beautifully created and displayed in folkloric décor by Hamov Hodov restaurant. After the formal wine tasting event concluded, the attendees had a chance to mingle and get to know each other in a very uplifting and comfortable environment.
“This is one of the best events I’ve ever attended”, said one attendee, “and, I’ll definitely be coming back for more.”
Those who’d like to learn more about future programming can follow ICE.ARS.Toronto on Instagram
