Moroccan Wine

The History

Morocco has a wine industry dating back to ancient times, more than 2,500 years ago, but during the French Protectorate (1912 – 1956), the wine industry in Morrcco was transformed.

In the late 19th century the Phylloxera epidemic destroyed most of the vineyards in Europe, most notably in France, and many French winemakers emigrated to Morocco to start afresh.

The first grapes they planted in Morocco were Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache.

Today, Moroccan winemakers focus on cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, and some local grapes like Faranah, Maroc, and Razaki.

The Wines

The vineyards often utilize modern viticultural techniques to improve grape quality and yields. The wines are known for their unique character, which combines both Old World and New World influences.

The wines tend to have a distinct fruitiness, balanced acidity, and moderate alcohol levels. Red wines dominate the production, but there is also an increasing interest in white and rosé wines.

The Regions

The wine production centers around Meknes, Fez, Rabat and Casablanca, where the climate is best for grape cultivation, with warm days and cool nights that promotes grape ripening and flavor development.

The East Region

Beni Sadden AOG
Berkane AOG
Angad AOG

Meknès & Fès Region

Guerrouane AOG
Beni M'tir AOG
Saiss AOG
Zerhoune AOG
Coteaux de l’Atlas 1er Cru

The Northern Plain

Gharb AOG

The Rabat & Casablanca Region

Chellah AOG
Zemmour AOG
Zaër AOG
Zenatta AOG
Sahel AOG

The El-Jadida Region

Doukkala AOG

Wineries

Morocco has several prominent wineries that have gained recognition both domestically and internationally. Here are some of the most famous wineries in Morocco:

Domaine Ouled Thaleb

Located in the Benslimane region near Casablanca, Domaine Ouled Thaleb is one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in Morocco. It was established in the late 19th century and has a long tradition of winemaking. The estate produces a wide range of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, using both native and international grape varieties.

Château Roslane

Situated in the Meknes region, Château Roslane is another well-known winery in Morocco. The estate benefits from the region's fertile soil and climate, allowing it to produce high-quality wines. The vineyards are spread over a picturesque landscape, and the winery is known for its elegant red wines.

Val d'Argan

This winery is located in the Essaouira region, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Val d'Argan is renowned for its organic and biodynamic winemaking practices. The estate is famous for its rich, fruity red wines and aromatic white wines.

Celliers de Meknes

Founded in 1964, Celliers de Meknes is one of the largest and most influential wineries in Morocco. It produces a wide range of wines under various labels, catering to different tastes and preferences. The winery's portfolio includes both traditional Moroccan varietals and international grape varieties.

Guerrouane

Situated in the fertile plains of Meknes, Guerrouane is known for producing well-balanced and flavorful wines. The winery focuses on using indigenous grape varieties, showcasing the unique terroir of the region.

Les Coteaux de l'Atlas

This winery is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, near Marrakech. The estate benefits from the mountainous microclimate, resulting in wines with a distinctive character and complexity. The winery's portfolio includes a variety of reds, whites, and rosés.

The Islamic Law

The wine industry in Morocco is subject to restrictions. The majority of the Muslim population, which practices Islamic law, prohibits alcohol consumption.

As a result, the domestic consumption is limited, and most Moroccan wines are exported to international markets.