RA High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan took part in the unveiling ceremony of a memorial stone commemorating French-Armenian wine specialist Armand Melkonian.
The ceremony for the installation of the memorial stone took place in the community of Aghavnadzor in Vayots Dzor, in the “Garden of Masters.” Also taking part in the event were Executive Director of the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia Zaruhi Muradyan, President of the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Armand Armen Mnatsakanyan, Armenia’s first best wine specialist Mariam Saghatelyan and other guests.
During the ceremony, speeches were delivered dedicated to the life, professional activity and international legacy of Armand Melkonian, after which the unveiling ceremony of the memorial stone took place.
In 1969, in Brussels, Armand Melkonian took part in the first competition for the world’s best wine specialist, sommelier, representing France, and became the first winner of the competition.
The competition held by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) later became one of the most important and prestigious platforms in the field of the international wine profession.
To this day, the ASI recognizes Armand Melkonian as the first champion in the history of the competition.
The “Garden of Masters” was created to honor the people whose vision, knowledge, dedication and achievements contributed to Armenian
