KARAS WINES NOMINATED FOR 'NEW WORLD WINERY OF THE YEAR' BY WINE ENTHUSIAST

Armenian pioneer recognized for helping shape the country's modern wine renaissance through ancient winemaking heritage, high-altitude volcanic terroir and innovation

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Karas Wines, one of Armenia's leading wineries and a pioneering force behind the country's modern wine renaissance, has been nominated for 'New World Winery of the Year' in the 2026 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.

While Armenia has one of the world's oldest winemaking traditions, Karas represents a new chapter for Armenian wine, combining ancient heritage with modern viticulture, technology and an international vision to bring the country's distinctive terroirs and indigenous varieties to the global wine market.

"It is a great honor for Karas Wines to be nominated for New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast," said Juliana Del Aguila Eurnekian, Owner and President of Karas Wines. "This nomination is a wonderful recognition of the journey we have undertaken over the past two decades to build a modern winery in Armenia while remaining deeply connected to the history, land and traditions of our country. We are proud to see Armenian wine gaining greater visibility internationally, and we are honored that Karas is part of this conversation."

Founded in 2004 by the Eurnekian family, Karas Wines is located in Armenia's Ararat Valley, in the Armavir region, where its vineyards are planted at elevations exceeding 1,300 meters above sea level in mineral-rich volcanic soils. The estate encompasses more than 400 hectares of vineyards, growing both indigenous Armenian varieties and international grapes.

Karas' approach is rooted in the exploration and preservation of Armenia's indigenous grape heritage while embracing modern winemaking. The winery has supported ampelographic research identifying and studying more than 120 indigenous Armenian grape varieties, including Areni and Sireni, and has combined traditional practices such as the use of karases—Armenian clay vessels—with contemporary viticulture and winemaking techniques.

Innovation and sustainability are also central to the winery's development. Karas became the first Armenian winery to certify an organic vineyard, while investing in solar energy, advanced drip irrigation and digitally managed water systems designed for responsible vineyard management in the semi-arid Ararat Valley.

Today, Karas wines are exported to international markets including the United States and Europe, where the winery continues to introduce consumers and the wine trade to Armenia's emerging wine identity. Its wines have received international recognition, while the brand has expanded its presence in the U.S. market through placements with major national retailers. In the United States, Karas wines are available through Fat & Happy Beverages, the winery's U.S. importer and distributor, as well as at Total Wine & More, where a selection of Karas wines is available to consumers.

The Wine Star Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the wine and beverage industry across a range of categories and special recognitions. Karas Wines' nomination places the Armenian winery among the producers being considered for one of the industry's notable annual honors and brings further international attention to Armenia's growing presence on the global wine stage.

For further information visit www.karaswines.com
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About Karas Wines
Karas Wines is a pioneering Armenian winery founded in 2004 by the Eurnekian family in the Ararat Valley. Located in the Armavir region at more than 1,300 meters above sea level, the estate cultivates more than 400 hectares of vineyards in mineral-rich volcanic soils. Combining Armenia's ancient winemaking heritage with modern viticulture and winemaking practices, Karas is dedicated to expressing the country's indigenous grape varieties and unique terroirs. The winery has pioneered organic farming, solar energy and advanced irrigation practices in Armenia while supporting research into the country's indigenous grape varieties. Karas wines are exported to international markets including the United States and Europe.

About Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast Companies is the ultimate source of innovation and information around wine. Founded in 1979 by Adam and Sybil Strum, the family-owned company is composed of Wine Enthusiast Commerce and Wine Enthusiast Media. Wine Enthusiast Shop provides premium wine-lifestyle products, reaching millions of consumers globally via direct mail, an e-commerce site, and a business-to-business division. Wine Enthusiast magazine is an award-winning print publication and online resource that showcases wine news, food trends, and more than 25,000 ratings and reviews annually. Wine Enthusiast events include the annual premier Wine Star Awards gala. In 2024, the company launched a travel division, which includes the Tasting Room Directory and Cork+Compass Travel. Together, Wine Enthusiast Companies is the indisputable hub for everything wine. We bring wine to life.

About Wine Enthusiast's Wine Star Awards
Each year, Wine Enthusiast celebrates the most influential members of the wine, spirits, and beverage world at the annual Wine Star Awards. This year marks the 27th anniversary of honoring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the industry. There are 16 categories for the 2026 Wine Star Awards. Four of the categories will have a named winner. The other 12 categories include a list of nominees exemplifying dedication and innovation to the success and growth of the wine, spirits, and beverage sector. The nominees were nominated by members of the Wine Enthusiast media team, including the global sales, events, marketing and editorial divisions. The 2026 Wine Star Award winners will be honored at the 27th annual black-tie gala in January 2027.

SOURCE Karas Wines