Yerevan Hosted the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for the First Time
Yerevan hosted the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) for the first time from 19 to 23 May 2026 — a landmark moment for Armenia’s winemaking industry and a signal to international buyers that the country’s bottles deserve serious attention.
The 33rd edition of the CMB Red and White Wines Session brought approximately 400 wine professionals to the Armenian capital, including 120 wine buyers and around 200 journalists, sommeliers, and bloggers representing 65 countries. Over the course of the week, 8,000 wines entered from producers worldwide were evaluated through blind tastings by an exclusively professional panel — the same rigorous format the competition has applied since its founding in Belgium in 1994.
Why Armenia, why now
Armenia is widely regarded as one of the world’s oldest winemaking civilisations, with viticulture documented here for more than 6,000 years. The Areni-1 cave complex in Vayots Dzor province, site of the oldest winery yet discovered by archaeologists, sits at the heart of that heritage. In recent years, a new generation of small producers has been reviving ancient grape varieties such as Areni Noir, Voskehat, and Kangun, attracting growing interest from European importers.
Hosting the CMB was the most high-profile international validation Armenia’s wine sector had received to date. The Armenian government allocated AMD 700 million (approximately $1.75 million USD) toward the event’s organisation, reflecting the weight placed on it within the country’s broader tourism and export strategy.
What the event meant for Yerevan’s wine scene
The formal judging sessions were restricted to credentialed professionals, but the presence of hundreds of international wine buyers and media in Yerevan animated the city’s wine bars, restaurants, and hotel dining rooms throughout the week. Producers from the Ararat Valley, Vayots Dzor, and Aragatsotn regions participated in ancillary tastings and press dinners running alongside the main competition.
For visitors planning a future trip, Yerevan’s wine bar and restaurant scene remains vibrant year-round. Our Armenia in May guide covers climate, crowds, and seasonal highlights.
Getting to Yerevan
Air connectivity to Yerevan expanded considerably in 2026. FlyOne Armenia added direct services from Vienna in April and from Milan Bergamo in May, complementing existing routes from Paris, Rome, and cities across the CIS. Our flights to Armenia page lists current carriers and routes. Entry requirements — including the e-visa process now that the temporary visa-free programme closed on 1 July 2026 — are covered in full on our Armenia visa requirements page.
Our Yerevan destination guide is the best starting point for planning your time in the capital.