Armenia is becoming one of the global centers for research into the origin of grapes. An international genomic project involving nearly a hundred scientists from 16 countries has not only shifted understanding regarding the history of grapevine domestication but has also confirmed the special role of the South Caucasus, including Armenia, in this process. This was shared by Kristine Margaryan, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of General and Molecular Genetics of the Research Institute of Biology.

International Project Changes Perception of Grape Origins

According to Margaryan, the world's largest genomic study of grapes launched in 2018, with Armenian scientists joining the international consortium.

The project involved 23 research centers from 16 countries and about 100 specialists from various fields—genetcists, historians, bioinformaticians, physicists, and biologists. The work continued for nearly four years. The primary objective of the study was to determine exactly where grape domestication began and how its evolution unfolded.

Prior to this, the dominant theory within the scientific community claimed that cultivated grapes originated exclusively in the Near East and subsequently spread worldwide. However, the results of this large-scale study revealed that this picture was far from complete.

Domestication Occurred Concurrently in Two Regions

One of the main discoveries was that grapes began to be domesticated simultaneously in two independent centers: the Near East and the South Caucasus.

"We were able to significantly update existing knowledge. The study showed that grapes were domesticated not in a single center, as previously believed, but in two at the same time," Margaryan noted. Another conclusion of the study concerns the timeframe of the origin of cultivated grapes.

According to genomic analysis, the domestication process began about 11,000 years ago and took place, among other locations, on the territory of the South Caucasus. It was during this period that changes began accumulating in the genome of wild grapes, leading to the sweet cultivated varieties familiar to humans today.

Why Armenian Grapes Are Unique

Margaryan emphasized that Armenian scientists have been studying the genetic resources of local grapes, including wild forms, for about 15 years.

Research shows that grapes growing in Armenia differ significantly in genome structure and genetic diversity levels from varieties common in other countries. According to the researcher, one reason for this is that historically the region remained relatively isolated.

"Mass migration of grape varieties into our region practically did not occur, which is why an exceptionally unique genetic diversity has been preserved here," she explained.

Virtually Every Vineyard in the Country Investigated

Over years of work, scientists have traveled across practically the entirety of Armenia. "There is not a single grape-growing settlement that we have not visited," Margaryan said.

The expeditions allowed for the collection of hundreds of samples of local varieties and wild grapes. According to the researcher, a special role in preserving the collection was played by breeder Gagik Melikyan, who practically single-handedly gathered around 300 different genotypes.

Today, the National Collection of Armenian Grapes is located in Echmiadzin, next to the Saint Gayane Church. This is particularly important because following the collapse of the USSR, the former collection, which numbered about 900 varieties, was almost completely destroyed.

Unique Collection Vineyards Established in Armenia

Margaryan informed that Armenian researchers are working on preserving the unique gene pool of local varieties. Thanks to state grants, scientists succeeded for the first time in establishing two unique collection orchards simultaneously.

The first is dedicated to the wild grapes of Armenia and, according to Margaryan, is the only one of its kind not just in the country, but in the entire region. The second is a model grafted vineyard, essential for studying the impacts of climate change and various diseases on Armenian varieties.

More Than 400 Unique Varieties Successfully Preserved

Today, the collection established at the institute houses over 400 grape varieties and genotypes.

Many of them have survived solely due to the work of scientists, as they are gradually disappearing from their natural habitats.

All samples are documented according to European standards—genetic and morphological "passports" are compiled, and the research results have already been synthesized in the book "Grapes of Armenia," prepared by Armenian scientists in collaboration with foreign colleagues.

Margaryan specifically highlighted the contribution of international partners, whose support helped secure around 300,000 euros for the sequencing of Armenian grape varieties.