Mon, 12/18/2023 - 03:36 pm

Christina Belknap

Aimee Keushguerian. Courtesy photo

Imagine the luxuriousness of making wine… walking through beautiful vineyards, gazing out at panoramic mountainscapes, the feel and the smell of the grapes. Now imagine that while you are standing in these incredible vineyards you are also nestled between the two military bases of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and you are in direct firing range. Thus is the documentary film “Cup of Salvation” and a day in the life of Aimee Keushguerian, winemaker and founder of Zulal Wines.

Join us Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. for a special event screening of “Cup of Salvation” with Aimee as the special guest. Celebrate and taste the wine, learn about the making of the film, and hear about her family’s journey to revive the ancient grapes of their homeland in Armenia and the forbidden vineyards of Iran.

Aimee spent time growing up both in Damariscotta and around her family's vineyards in Tuscany, Italy. She now lives primarily in Armenia, but is currently spending a great deal of time in Burgundy, France where she is working toward her MBA in Wine and Spirits. In the beginning, her first harvest was with her father Vahe in 2015. He invited her to participate in that Fall's harvest for Keush and it was from that experience that Aimee realized how much potential there was to develop Armenian wine. Two years later, she established Zulal, aimnig to express the purest characteristics of Armenian indigenous grape varieties. Through creating and sharing her wine, Aimee is celebrating the incredible soul and history of one of the oldest wine producing regions in the world.

The film also features her work with her father harvesting grapes during war and marketing their wine globally, from the battle-scarred Caucus Mountains to the clandestine vineyards hidden deep within the forbidden Iranian countryside. You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the film. In fact, Aimee hopes everyone will see it. “The documentary talks about topics such as war, religion, and family values. It is much more than just a wine film.” And when asked about her vineyard and the risks being surrounded by conflict, Aimee expressed that “fear is an interesting concept. We are always in contact with military personnel and updated on the tensions in the region.”

See the film and taste the wines too! The Theater will be offering five of Aimee’s varietals from the Keush and Zulal wineries, available for purchase by the glass or as a tasting option for those who would like to sample them all! There will also be a drawing for a basket containing two bottles of wine, glasses, gift certificates, and more valued at over $100! Entry in the drawing is just $5/ticket.

Tickets for the film are available through the Theater’s website - LincolnTheater.net. Tickets are $12 adult and $9 for members. This special event is made possible with the support of SoPo Wine Co., Salt Bay Trading Co., Blush Boutique, and gifts from generous community members.

The Lincoln Theater is at 2 Theater St. in downtown Damariscotta.