YEREVAN, September 10. /ARKA/. In the village of Areni, located in the Vayots Dzor region, the Stepanyan family has established a distinctive gastro yard within their ancestral home, honoring traditions while integrating modern practices. They have named it Stepanyans’ Gastro Yard.
The Stepanyans’ Gastro Yard attracts hundreds of tourists throughout the year, serving traditional Armenian cuisine alongside locally produced wines. The family cultivates wine from premium grapes sourced from their own vineyards, utilizing a blend of traditional and contemporary winemaking techniques.
The Gastro Yard features an extensive selection of wines, including white, red, and rosé, as well as both dry and aged varieties.
Stepanyans’ Gastro Yard is a recipient of the Rural Tourism Development Program, supported by the ACBA Federation and NABU Armenia. With the financial assistance received, they were able to renovate their kitchen and acquire new equipment.
“We initiated our business from the ground up. Naturally, we faced challenges, but we set a goal and accomplished everything we aspired to achieve. Almost everyone in Areni is involved in winemaking, producing wine for personal consumption and for their guests. We create wines using both traditional and modern methods, from clay jugs to contemporary tankers. We discovered the ‘Best Gastro Yard’ competition through social media, completed an application, and subsequently, after evaluation by ACBA Federation specialists, we were honored as the best, which enabled us to upgrade our kitchen,” stated Hayk Stepanyan, Director of Stepanyans’ Gastro Yard.
The ACBA Federation is the primary stakeholder in ACBA Bank, holding over 75% of the bank’s shares. Through its involvement with ACBA Bank, the ACBA Federation plays a vital role in advancing agriculture, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas, fostering community development, revitalizing the business environment in localities, and enhancing the well-being of individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activities.
