Introducing Franzese Wine: Unlocking the Rich Heritage of Armenian Wine in America

The world of wine is vast and diverse, offering a plethora of flavors, aromas, and stories to be savored. Yet, there is one region that has remained largely uncharted in the American market – Armenia. A country often overlooked in the wine world, Armenia has a rich winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years. And now, thanks to Franzese Wine, this hidden gem is finally making its way to the United States.

Armenia, renowned by wine connoisseurs as the birthplace of wine, boasts vineyards that predate even the ancient pyramids. Remarkably, evidence of vineyards as old as 6,000 years has been unearthed in this historically rich nation. What sets Armenian wine apart is not just its age, but also the unique growing conditions. With its high altitude and warm temperatures, Armenia produces wines with a soft finish, unlike any other in the world.

While Armenian wine has captured the palates of Europeans, Russians, and Chinese wine enthusiasts, it has yet to make its mark in the fiercely competitive US market – until now. Franzese Wine, founded by the dynamic duo of Michael Franzese and Samvel Hakobyan, is on a mission to change that. This innovative wine brand aims to bring the legacy of Armenian wine directly to American consumers.

The distribution model adopted by Franzese Wine ensures that their high-quality wines are accessible to all, regardless of budget constraints. This democratization of wine is a testament to their commitment to making Armenian wine available to every wine lover in America.

Michael Franzese, a name once associated with the notorious Mafia, underwent a remarkable transformation in his life, which led him to become an influential motivational speaker and entrepreneur. It was Franzese’s journey of redemption that inspired Samvel Hakobyan, a young man who was at a crossroads in his life. Hakobyan, who had always been captivated by the allure of the mafia lifestyle, was deeply moved by Franzese’s story of leaving a life of crime behind for a higher purpose.

“When I met Michael and heard him speak about his transformation, I realized that I shouldn’t give up on my faith and turn to a life of crime. Michael became my hero, the one who showed me a different path,” Hakobyan recounts.

The idea of venturing into the wine business blossomed within Hakobyan’s mind amid the turmoil and conflict in Armenia in 2021. With strong family ties to the country, Hakobyan’s desire to contribute to the welfare of his ancestral homeland merged with his passion for introducing Armenian heritage to the everyday American.

Assisting him in this bold endeavor is his uncle, a seasoned winemaker with over 25 years of experience. Harnessing his expertise and extensive travels, he has mastered the art of winemaking, making him an invaluable mentor to Hakobyan.

For Michael Franzese, delving into the wine industry is more than just a business venture; it is a metaphor for his personal transformation. Drawing parallels between the winemaking process and his own journey, Franzese sees wine as a symbol of metamorphosis. From the seed planted in the ground, to the grape’s growth, and finally its transformation into wine through the process of fermentation and aging, each step mirrors the transformative path he himself undertook.

While bringing Armenian wine to the US is Franzese Wine’s primary goal, they have their sights set on transcending borders and taking their brand global. Inspired by their model of seeking out unique wines from around the world, Franzese Wine aims to bring these extraordinary discoveries to the doorsteps of wine aficionados across the nation.

In a world where wine has the power to transcend boundaries and tell stories, Franzese Wine invites you to embark on a journey into the history, heritage, and flavors of Armenian wine. Raise a glass and toast to the convergence of ancient traditions and modern dreams, all in the name of unlocking the myriad of remarkable wines the world has to offer.