Across the continent, vineyards are flourishing in surprising corners — from Morocco’s imperial heartland to Kenya’s wildlife-dotted Rift Valley — offering wine experiences that are as diverse as the continent itself.
For travellers seeking an authentic African wine adventure beyond South Africa, these five destinations are a must-add to your bucket list.
Morocco’s Meknès Wine Route
Meknes/Anne Scott Turner/Wikimedia Commons
Wine has flowed through Morocco since Roman times, and today the Meknès region stands as one of Africa’s most historic wine hubs. Surrounded by the Middle Atlas Mountains and kissed by Mediterranean breezes, Meknès produces some of the continent’s most elegant reds and rosés.
At the heart of this legacy is Château Roslane, Morocco’s first and only true “Château,” and the first winery in North Africa to earn the designation of château viticole. This rare recognition underscores both its heritage and the exceptional quality of its wines, making it a cornerstone of Morocco’s modern wine industry. Alongside Roslane, Villa Volubilia – Domaine de la Zouina is another standout estate, where French expertise meets Moroccan terroir.
Tastings here often feature bold Syrah blends and the refreshing Gris de Boulaouane rosé, capturing a perfect balance of French influence and North African character.
Travellers can pair wine with Africa’s rich history by exploring Fez’s medina, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, or Meknès’ imperial gates for a full sensory experience.
Ethiopia’s Rift Valley
Ethiopia may be renowned for coffee, but its Rift Valley is emerging as an exciting wine region. Here, Castel Winery, founded by French vintners, grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay across 125 hectares of sun-kissed vineyards.
Wine tastings often overlook the dramatic Rift Valley lakes, home to flamingos and pelicans, while the country’s ancient cultural landmarks — Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches or the obelisks of Axum — offer a uniquely African backdrop to every sip.
Kenya’s Naivasha Estates
Lake Naivasha/Benh LIEU SONG from Torcy, France/Wikimedia Commons
Just a short drive from Nairobi, Lake Naivasha is Kenya’s most famous wine-growing hub. Leleshwa Wines produces crisp whites and velvety reds in vineyards where giraffes and zebras may stroll past.
The estate combines wine tastings with the majesty of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes, offering experiences that pair perfectly with a safari in Hell’s Gate National Park or a weekend escape to lakeside lodges.
Tunisia’s Cape Bon Peninsula
Village Fartouna – Cap Bon/Ena Tounes/Wikimedia Commons
Tunisia’s wine heritage stretches back to the Phoenicians of Carthage. Today, the Cape Bon Peninsula produces some of North Africa’s finest wines, often with a Mediterranean flair.
Domaine Shadrapa and Domaine Kurubis offer crisp Muscat whites and Grenache rosés, perfect for warm African coastal days. Pair tastings with beach strolls, Carthage ruins, and vibrant souks to experience Africa’s northern wine charm.
Tanzania’s Dodoma Highlands
Dodoma/ Rasheedhrasheed/Wikimedia Commons
In Tanzania’s central highlands, Dodoma has grown into the nation’s wine capital. The journey began in 1979 with the Dodoma Wine Company, a government initiative that laid the groundwork for grape cultivation and winemaking in the region.
Today, a new wave of estates carries this legacy forward. Cetawico (Central Tanzania Wine Company) produces the popular Sharye red, Alko Vintages crafts quality wines from local grapes, and Domiya Estate adds both history and innovation to the mix.
Dodoma’s vineyards cultivate Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the indigenous Makutupora grape, creating wines that range from crisp whites to robust reds. A tasting here can easily be paired with a visit to the nearby Kondoa Rock-Art Sites, blending culture and terroir into one of East Africa’s most surprising wine experiences.
Why Africa’s wine routes belong on your bucket list
Together, these five regions tell a broader story: Africa’s wine is as varied, rich, and exciting as the continent itself. From Morocco’s ancient vineyards to Kenya’s wildlife-side estates, the experiences are unforgettable.
For travellers, they offer something beyond the familiar Cape: the thrill of discovery, culture, and adventure in regions where the vines are young, the terroir is untamed, and every sip comes with a story. Africa’s wine journey is waiting — and it’s time to pour yourself in.
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