In the village of Areni, the Stepanyan family has successfully transformed their ancestral home into a premier Gastro-Yard. By seamlessly blending age-old traditions with modern hospitality, they have created a destination that attracts hundreds of international tourists seeking authentic Armenian cuisine and world-class local wines.

The family produces a diverse selection of wines—including white, red, rosé, and aged varieties. As a beneficiary of the "Rural Tourism Development" program implemented by ACBA Federation and NABU Armenia, the Stepanyans utilized grant funding to fully modernize their professional kitchen.

"We built this business from scratch with a clear goal in mind," said Hayk Stepanyan, Director of Stepanyans' Gastro-Yard. "In Areni, winemaking is our heritage. Thanks to the support and professional monitoring from ACBA Federation, we were able to re-equip our facility to meet modern standards while preserving our traditional methods." The ACBA Federation is the major shareholder of ACBA Bank, holding over 75% of its shares. Through this strategic position, the Federation actively contributes to the development of agriculture, the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas, the development of communities, the revitalization of local economies, and the improvement of livelihoods for individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activities across Armenia’s rural communities.