AUA Celebrates the Launch of ArtCheese Tasting Hall in Vayots Dzor

2 min read

VAYOTS DZOR, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is delighted to announce the successful launch of ArtCheese, a wine and cheese tasting enterprise in Yelpin village, nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Vayots Dzor, Armenia. This business venture has become possible through the sustained support of the Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP), which is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in the region and enabling the creation of new businesses and jobs.

Owned by Lida Mkrtchyan and her family, ArtCheese is a choice attraction for food enthusiasts offering its customers homemade cheeses and showcasing a variety of local delights, including homegrown wine, honey, and refreshing lemonades. The assortment of cheeses is particularly impressive, ranging from Armenian Lori cheese to Dutch Gouda and even Egyptian varieties. These different cheese types are available for tasting at ArtCheese, offering visitors diverse and delightful experiences.

One remarkable aspect of the ArtCheese opening event was the active involvement of other TRDP Vayots Dzor beneficiaries. They had come together to organize this event to celebrate the program’s esprit de corps and impact on the local population. This opening is yet another testament to the program’s broader influence and success in creating lasting collaboration among the beneficiaries.

The genuine gratitude to TRDP Lida and her husband Artur at the gathering indicates the program’s crucial role in every stage of business initiation. By enabling entrepreneurs like Lida and Artur, TRDP has successfully helped them realize their aspirations and attain tangible accomplishments that significantly contribute to the local economy.

In their opening day remarks, Zorair Kirakosian, TRDP director of field operations, and Narine Babayan, TRDP Vayots Dzor team leader, underscored the significance of this business venture and its impact on the local economy. Beyond its local presence and convenience, ArtCheese has created new opportunities for both the family and local producers to grow and thrive as they benefit from a shared space to showcase and sell their products.

Since its inception in 2015, TRDP Vayots Dzor has remained committed to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within the region and fostering new business opportunities for individual and community impact. 

The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program provides education, funding and consultations to existing and startup businesses in the rural communities of Shirak, Tavush, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Lori, and Ararat provinces of Armenia, as well as in Artsakh and Javakhk (Georgia). The list of eligible communities and eligibility criteria can be found here. The program continues to accept applications for the next round of training.