High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan attended the unveiling ceremony of a commemorative stone honoring the legacy of French-Armenian sommelier Armand Melkonian.

The ceremony took place at The Vineyard of the Masters in Aghavnadzor, Vayots Dzor.

The event was also attended by Zaruhi Muradyan, Executive Director of the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia; Armand Armen Mnatzakanian, President of the Franco-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mariam Saghatelyan, Armenia’s First Best Sommelier; and other guests.

During the ceremony, remarks were delivered honoring Armand Melkonian’s life, professional career, and international legacy, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative stone.

In 1969, Armand Melkonian represented France at the inaugural Best Sommelier of the World competition in Brussels and became the first winner in the competition’s history.

Organized by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), the competition went on to become one of the most prestigious international platforms in the sommelier profession. ASI continues to recognize Armand Melkonian as the first champion in the competition’s history.

The Vineyard of the Masters was created to honor individuals whose vision, knowledge, dedication, and achievements have contributed to the development, recognition, and international reach of Armenian wine.