Was there a Bob Hope movie....The Road to Yerevan? Maybe not, but the road to Yerevan for James Tufenkian is fascinating. James is one motivated diasporan. He has created a well-known, world-wide hand woven carpet, planted 1,000,000 trees in Armenia, built a hotel chain and is now embarking on the wine trade.

Here are three important points made by James Tufenkian in the episode:

1. **Freedom and Lifestyle in Armenia**: James notes that Jewish immigrants from Russia find the lifestyle in Armenia preferable due to the more liberal and nurturing environment, contrasting it with the oppressive conditions in Russia.

2. **Revival of Armenian Winemaking**: James discusses the cultural revival in Armenia's wine industry, particularly focusing on the rediscovery of ancient grape varietals and the process of making wine that reflects both Armenia's long-standing tradition and modern practices.

3. **Economic and Social Development**: James highlights his efforts in contributing to Armenia's economic growth by venturing into various businesses, including winemaking and carpet manufacturing. He emphasizes the importance of integrating traditional culture and modern hospitality in his ventures.

In this enlightening episode of "Wine Talks," host Paul K engages with James Tufenkian, an influential figure in Armenia’s cultural and economic revival. They begin discussing a group of Jewish immigrants from Russia who have found Armenia’s lifestyle liberating compared to the repression in Russia. The dialogue then shifts to elaborating on Armenia’s burgeoning wine industry, with James lauding the discovery and cultivation of ancient grape varietals, underscoring the nation’s blend of old-world traditions and new-world innovation in winemaking.

Further, James delves into his multifaceted journey in Armenia, starting from his initial visit in 1981 and his eventual relocation to contribute to the nation's economic development post-independence. He recounts starting a modern oriental rug business in 1993 amidst corruption and chaos but credits Armenia's evolving governance and society for positive change. James also shares his pioneering efforts in Armenian winemaking, adopting biodynamic farming practices and focusing on cultural heritage over financial gain. His stories reflect a dedication to blending traditional Armenian culture with contemporary progress, ultimately aiming to open up regional tourism and establishing Armenia as a noteworthy player in the global wine market.