A Guide to Moroccan Wine: Regions, Labels, and Where to Drink

Morocco produces wine. Good wine. This surprises visitors who associate the country exclusively with mint tea and Islamic abstinence. In fact, Morocco has been producing wine for over 2,000 years, since the Phoenician and Roman periods, and the modern industry, established during the French Protectorate in the early 20th century, produces approximately 35 million bottles annually from over 40,000 hectares of vineyards.

The wines are not world-famous (yet), but several labels compete credibly with mid-range Mediterranean wines from southern France, Spain, and Italy. Here is what you need to know.

The Meknes Wine Region

The Meknes plateau, at approximately 500 meters elevation between the Middle Atlas and the Rif mountains, produces the majority of Moroccan wine. The terroir combines fertile volcanic soil, hot dry summers, cold winters, and significant day-night temperature variation, all favorable for grape growing. The region surrounds the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, where archaeological evidence shows winemaking dating back two millennia.

Chateau Roslane is the most recognized Moroccan wine internationally. Their Premiere Cru rouge (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend) is a well-structured, medium-bodied red that holds its own against 10 to 15 EUR European equivalents. Domaine de la Zouina produces excellent Volubilia branded wines, including a rosé that is one of Morocco’s best warm-weather wines. Les Celliers de Meknes is the largest producer, and their Chateau Roslane, Beauvallon, and Guerrouane labels are widely available.

Other Wine Regions

The Gharb plain (between Rabat and Meknes) and the Doukkala region (near El Jadida) contribute significant volume. Smaller estates near Essaouira and in the foothills of the Atlas are experimenting with altitude viticulture and organic methods. The Beni M’Tir zone near Meknes produces some of the country’s best reds.

What to Drink

For reds, start with Chateau Roslane Premiere Cru or Domaine de la Zouina Volubilia. Both are consistently well-made and widely available. For a lighter red, Guerrouane (by Les Celliers de Meknes) is a crowd-pleaser at a lower price point. For rosé, the Zouina rosé or the S de Siroua are excellent warm-climate choices. For whites, Moroccan options are more limited. The Domaine de la Zouina white and Chateau Roslane white are the most reliable, though they tend toward the simple and fresh end of the spectrum.

Where to Find Wine

Supermarkets (Carrefour, Marjane, Acima) have dedicated alcohol sections, usually near the back or in a separate room. Nicolas wine shops operate in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech and stock the full range of Moroccan labels plus French imports. Licensed restaurants serve wine openly. In Marrakech, restaurants like Nomad, Le Jardin, and Grand Cafe de la Poste have good Moroccan wine lists. During Ramadan, alcohol availability is more restricted but not eliminated. Hotel bars and licensed restaurants usually continue serving.

Wine Etiquette in Morocco

Morocco is a Muslim country where the majority of the population does not drink alcohol. Wine is legal and widely available to tourists and expats, but cultural sensitivity matters. Do not drink in public spaces, on the street, or in front of people who are fasting during Ramadan. Do not assume every restaurant serves alcohol. Many do not, and asking can be awkward in conservative areas. At licensed restaurants and hotels, ordering wine is completely normal and no one will judge you for it.