The history of wine in Morocco dates back over 2,000 years, beginning with the Phoenicians and Romans, who introduced viticulture to the region. With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, wine production declined due to religious prohibitions against alcohol. However, limited production continued for local consumption and religious ceremonies.
The modern era of Moroccan wine began during the French Protectorate (1912-1956), when the French established vineyards and introduced new grape varieties. By the 1950s, Morocco was a major wine producer with more than 55,000 hectares of vineyards. Following independence in 1956, the wine industry faced challenges, including nationalization and shifts in agricultural priorities, leading to a decline in production.
In the 1990s, the Moroccan government implemented reforms to revitalize the wine industry, encouraging private investment and modernizing winemaking techniques. Today, Morocco is one of the largest wine producers in the Arab world, with over 50,000 acres of vineyards producing approximately 40 million bottles annually. Moroccan wines are now internationally recognized for their quality and diversity, reflecting the unique terroir of the region.
