You've just finished a long ride through the Atlas foothills, and your guide is handing you a glass of something cold and pink. "Try this," she says with a knowing smile. "It's gris." You take a sip - not quite rosé, not quite white, but something altogether Moroccan - and suddenly you understand why cyclists have been discovering this wine country for years. Morocco produces wine? Absolutely. And not just wine, but surprisingly sophisticated bottles that pair beautifully with the country's bold, spice-laden cuisine. Here's everything you need to know to navigate Moroccan wine like a local. Table of Contents Understanding Morocco's Wine Styles The Top-Rated Moroccan Wines to Seek Out What to Avoid The Perfect Pairings: Moroccan Food Meets Moroccan Wine Where to Find These Wines Smart Ordering Tips The Bottom Line Understanding Morocco's Wine Styles Vin Gris (20% of production) This is Morocco's signature. Made from red grapes vinified like whites - minimal skin contact creates that distinctive blush color. Expect something between rosé and white: refreshing, fruity, with floral notes and gentle spice. Think strawberries, citrus, and a whisper of caramel. It's the perfect antidote to a hot afternoon. Red Wines (75% of production) Morocco's bread and butter. The intense sunshine and Atlas Mountain terroir create reds with bold fruit, peppery spice, and surprising elegance. Syrah thrives here, as do blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Mourvèdre. Expect dark fruit, chocolate notes, and enough structure to stand up to Morocco's hearty cuisine. White Wines (3% of production) Rare but worth seeking out when you find a good one. Altitude-grown whites from Meknes preserve acidity despite the heat. Chardonnay produces the most consistent quality, though you'll also find Sauvignon Blanc and some indigenous varieties. Rosé Dry, lively, and ripe - Morocco's rosés are serious wines, not sweet sippers. Look for bright red fruit, crisp acidity, and enough body to pair with more than just salads. The Top-Rated Moroccan Wines to Seek Out The Best of the Best Domaine des Ouled Thaleb Red Blend Critics consistently rank this as Morocco's finest wine. The estate, founded in the 1920s between Rabat and Casablanca, led Morocco's wine renaissance in the 1990s. Their flagship red blends Marselan, Petit Verdot, and Carmenère for a wine that's fruity, floral, juicy, with notes of chocolate and perfectly integrated tannins. Around 180-220 MAD ($18-22). Tandem Syrah A collaboration between legendary Crozes-Hermitage winemaker Alain Graillot and Domaine Ouled Thaleb that launched in 2003. This 100% Syrah is arguably Morocco's most internationally recognized wine - silky, with raspberry, tart cherry, menthol, and cooling herbs. The spice and elegance would impress any Rhône Valley purist. It's one of the best-selling Moroccan wines in America for good reason. Around 220 MAD (~$22). Château Roslane Premier Cru Rouge (AOC Coteaux de l'Atlas) Morocco's first AOC wine and its first estate permitted to use the "Château" designation. Rich fruit balanced by freshness, refined white-pepper spice, and well-integrated tannins. This is serious wine from Morocco's most prestigious appellation. The estate spans 700 hectares in Meknes and produces Morocco's premium offerings. Around 150-200 MAD. Volubilia Classic (Domaine de la Zouina) A harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo from boutique producer Domaine de la Zouina, named after the nearby Roman ruins. Dark fruit, earthy complexity, and the kind of balance that comes from meticulous winemaking. This 63-hectare estate has won international acclaim since its first vintage in 2005. Around 100-150 MAD. Excellent Value Wines Médaillon Cabernet Sauvignon An inexpensive option that over-delivers - well-balanced with approachable fruit and enough structure to pair with meals. Perfect for casual dining without breaking the budget. Around 60-80 MAD. Les Celliers de Meknès Gris From Morocco's largest producer (30 million of the country's 35 million annual bottles), this widely available gris delivers exactly what you want: refreshing, fruity, with floral notes and hints of fresh berries. Smooth citrus and honeysuckle on the finish. Around 50-70 MAD. Domaine Rimal Grande Réserve A red blend with medium-plus body, red-purple color, and aromas of vanilla and dark fruits. Notes of caramel, coffee, nuts, and plums with strong tannins. One of the best Moroccan reds for the price, especially from Les Celliers de Meknès' organic conversion program. Around 80-100 MAD. La Ferme Rouge Terres Rouges (Côtes de Rommani AOG) Darkly fruity with ample acidity and spice for balance. This represents excellent quality from one of Morocco's lesser-known appellations. Around 100-120 MAD. Special Mentions Val d'Argan Blanc From an organic winery near Essaouira founded by a Rhône Valley winemaker. Crisp, floral, and the perfect refresher after exploring the coast. Hard to find outside Essaouira but worth seeking out. Boulaouane (Groupe Castel) Historically significant as one of the best-selling foreign wines in France in the early 2000s. Widely available and reliable for everyday drinking. CB Initiales Chardonnay (Domaine Ouled Thaleb) The only Moroccan white that consistently impresses critics. If you're a white wine drinker, start here - though honestly, you're better off ordering gris or rosé in Morocco. What to Avoid Most White Wines Moroccan whites tend to be rudimentary, with aggressive acidity or heavy oak that doesn't integrate well. Even expensive options like Château Roslane Premier Cru Blanc can be over-oaked - in my opinion. The exception? CB Initiales Chardonnay. Otherwise, stick to gris. Sauvignon Blanc Particularly Médaillon Sauvignon Blanc, which critics note has aggressive acids and artificial notes, especially when paired with seafood. The Perfect Pairings: Moroccan Food Meets Moroccan Wine Here's what most travelers miss: Moroccan wines evolved alongside Moroccan cuisine: tagines, couscous, and grilled meats heavy with cumin and coriander. They learned to handle harissa's heat, complement preserved lemons, and stand up to cinnamon-dusted pastilla. The wines that grow here simply understand the food in ways imports never will! Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds Pair with: Syrah-Grenache blends or Château Roslane Premier Cru Rouge The tagine's slow-cooked richness with cinnamon, honey, and dried fruit needs a red with both power and spice. Syrah's peppery character and dark fruit intensity match the complexity, while tannins cut through the richness. The wine's earthy notes complement the lamb perfectly. Couscous Royale (Seven Vegetables and Mixed Meats) Pair with: Vin Gris or a dry Moroccan Rosé Friday's ritual feast demands something refreshing that can reset your palate between bites. Gris's subtle fruit and hint of sweetness play beautifully against harissa's heat, while the wine's lightness won't overwhelm the vegetables. It's Morocco's perfect food wine. Grilled Fish from Essaouira Pair with: CB Initiales Chardonnay or quality Vin Gris Fresh sardines or sea bass grilled simply with chermoula sauce need bright acidity and citrus notes. If you can find one of Morocco's rare good whites, this is the time. Otherwise, gris works beautifully - its mineral notes complement seafood surprisingly well. Pastilla (Pigeon or Chicken Pie with Cinnamon and Almonds) Pair with: Moroccan sparkling wine or premium Rosé This extraordinary dish - savory meat wrapped in phyllo with powdered sugar and cinnamon - seems impossible to pair, but bubbles are magic here. The effervescence cuts through richness, acidity balances sweetness, and you'll understand why this pairing works. Mechoui (Slow-Roasted Lamb) or Mixed Grills Pair with: Tandem Syrah, Volubilia Classic, or Domaine Rimal Grande Réserve Charred, spice-rubbed meats demand robust reds. Cabernet and Tempranillo blends provide structure, while Syrah adds that peppery kick. The wine's dark fruit and tannins stand up to intense flavors and char. Harira (Spiced Lentil and Chickpea Soup) Pair with: Light red or Vin Gris This Ramadan staple - served at sunset to break the fast - has warming spices, tomato, and legumes. A chilled gris or light red served slightly cool refreshes while complementing the spice without overwhelming the soup's delicate balance. Zaalouk (Eggplant and Tomato Salad) and Mezze Pair with: Vin Gris or Rosé Cold vegetable salads with cumin, paprika, and olive oil need something refreshing and versatile. Gris handles everything from smoky eggplant to preserved lemon, making it ideal for sharing multiple small plates. Kefta Tagine (Meatball Tagine with Tomato and Eggs) Pair with: Medium-bodied red blend like Médaillon Cabernet or Volubilia The tomato-based sauce, aromatic spices, and richness from eggs need a red with good acidity. Medium-bodied reds with some fruit cut through the tomato while complementing the spiced meat perfectly. Where to Find These Wines In tourist-friendly cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Agadir, wine is available in: Upscale restaurants: Most openly stock wine lists featuring Moroccan bottles Carrefour supermarkets: Look for the "Cave à Vin" section - well-stocked but sometimes hidden Private drink shops: Found in tourist areas, though you'll need to know where to look Hotel bars and restaurants: Always well-stocked, though prices are marked up At wineries themselves: Visit Domaine Ouled Thaleb (between Rabat and Casablanca), Château Roslane in Meknes, or Domaine de la Zouina near Volubilis for direct purchases at source prices - often half what you'd pay in export markets. Cultural note: Morocco handles wine with discretion. It's available but not advertised. You won't see billboards or promotions, and it's not sold during Ramadan except in some tourist-oriented outlets. Respect this by being equally discreet - no public drinking, no clinking bottles on the street! Smart Ordering Tips When in doubt, order red. Morocco's reds represent 75% of production for good reason - they're where the country excels. Try gris - before rosé. It's uniquely Moroccan and pairs brilliantly with the cuisine, and I won't pretend it's anything other than my favourite go-to in Morocco! Don't expect your server to know much... Even in nice restaurants, staff may not drink alcohol and might not know the wines beyond their names. Use this guide instead! Look for AOC or AOG designations. AOC Coteaux de l'Atlas is Morocco's premier designation. AOG regions like Guerrouane also indicate quality. Price often does indicate quality. Bottles under 50 MAD are everyday wines. 100-150 MAD gets you excellent quality. Above 200 MAD is premium territory. Pair locally. Moroccan wines evolved alongside Moroccan food. Trust those pairings over European conventions! The Bottom Line Morocco's wine scene punches well above its weight. You won't find Burgundian elegance or Napa power, but you will discover honest, well-made wines that reflect their terroir and pair beautifully with North African cuisine. After a day cycling through imperial cities or climbing Atlas Mountain passes, there's something deeply satisfying about sipping wine that captures exactly where you are - sunshine, spice, and the unexpected pleasure of discovering something most travelers never know exists. Start with Tandem Syrah or Domaine Ouled Thaleb's red blend. Order gris with your tagine, and visit a winery in Meknes if you can! And remember: the best Moroccan wine is the one you're drinking after earning it on two wheels, watching the Atlas peaks turn pink at sunset, knowing you've discovered one of Morocco's best-kept secrets. Santé! (Or as they say in Morocco: Beschaha!) Planning a cycling adventure through Morocco's wine country? Our tours include exclusive winery visits, curated tastings, and the perfect routes to earn your evening glass. Explore Morocco Wine & Cycling Tours →
You've just finished a long ride through the Atlas foothills, and your guide is handing you a glass of something cold and pink. "Try this," she says with a knowing smile. "It's gris." You take a sip - not quite rosé, not quite white, but something altogether Moroccan - and suddenly you understand why cyclists have been discovering this wine country for years. Morocco produces wine? Absolutely. And not just wine, but surprisingly sophisticated bottles that pair beautifully with the country's bold, spice-laden cuisine. Here's everything you need to know to navigate Moroccan wine like a local. Table of Contents Understanding Morocco's Wine Styles The Top-Rated Moroccan Wines to Seek Out What to Avoid The Perfect Pairings: Moroccan Food Meets Moroccan Wine Where to Find These Wines Smart Ordering Tips The Bottom Line Understanding Morocco's Wine Styles Vin Gris (20% of production) This is Morocco's signature. Made from red grapes vinified like whites - minimal skin contact creates that distinctive blush color. Expect something between rosé and white: refreshing, fruity, with floral notes and gentle spice. Think strawberries, citrus, and a whisper of caramel. It's the perfect antidote to a hot afternoon. Red Wines (75% of production) Morocco's bread and butter. The intense sunshine and Atlas Mountain terroir create reds with bold fruit, peppery spice, and surprising elegance. Syrah thrives here, as do blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Mourvèdre. Expect dark fruit, chocolate notes, and enough structure to stand up to Morocco's hearty cuisine. White Wines (3% of production) Rare but worth seeking out when you find a good one. Altitude-grown whites from Meknes preserve acidity despite the heat. Chardonnay produces the most consistent quality, though you'll also find Sauvignon Blanc and some indigenous varieties. Rosé Dry, lively, and ripe - Morocco's rosés are serious wines, not sweet sippers. Look for bright red fruit, crisp acidity, and enough body to pair with more than just salads. The Top-Rated Moroccan Wines to Seek Out The Best of the Best Domaine des Ouled Thaleb Red Blend Critics consistently rank this as Morocco's finest wine. The estate, founded in the 1920s between Rabat and Casablanca, led Morocco's wine renaissance in the 1990s. Their flagship red blends Marselan, Petit Verdot, and Carmenère for a wine that's fruity, floral, juicy, with notes of chocolate and perfectly integrated tannins. Around 180-220 MAD ($18-22). Tandem Syrah A collaboration between legendary Crozes-Hermitage winemaker Alain Graillot and Domaine Ouled Thaleb that launched in 2003. This 100% Syrah is arguably Morocco's most internationally recognized wine - silky, with raspberry, tart cherry, menthol, and cooling herbs. The spice and elegance would impress any Rhône Valley purist. It's one of the best-selling Moroccan wines in America for good reason. Around 220 MAD (~$22). Château Roslane Premier Cru Rouge (AOC Coteaux de l'Atlas) Morocco's first AOC wine and its first estate permitted to use the "Château" designation. Rich fruit balanced by freshness, refined white-pepper spice, and well-integrated tannins. This is serious wine from Morocco's most prestigious appellation. The estate spans 700 hectares in Meknes and produces Morocco's premium offerings. Around 150-200 MAD. Volubilia Classic (Domaine de la Zouina) A harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo from boutique producer Domaine de la Zouina, named after the nearby Roman ruins. Dark fruit, earthy complexity, and the kind of balance that comes from meticulous winemaking. This 63-hectare estate has won international acclaim since its first vintage in 2005. Around 100-150 MAD. Excellent Value Wines Médaillon Cabernet Sauvignon An inexpensive option that over-delivers - well-balanced with approachable fruit and enough structure to pair with meals. Perfect for casual dining without breaking the budget. Around 60-80 MAD. Les Celliers de Meknès Gris From Morocco's largest producer (30 million of the country's 35 million annual bottles), this widely available gris delivers exactly what you want: refreshing, fruity, with floral notes and hints of fresh berries. Smooth citrus and honeysuckle on the finish. Around 50-70 MAD. Domaine Rimal Grande Réserve A red blend with medium-plus body, red-purple color, and aromas of vanilla and dark fruits. Notes of caramel, coffee, nuts, and plums with strong tannins. One of the best Moroccan reds for the price, especially from Les Celliers de Meknès' organic conversion program. Around 80-100 MAD. La Ferme Rouge Terres Rouges (Côtes de Rommani AOG) Darkly fruity with ample acidity and spice for balance. This represents excellent quality from one of Morocco's lesser-known appellations. Around 100-120 MAD. Special Mentions Val d'Argan Blanc From an organic winery near Essaouira founded by a Rhône Valley winemaker. Crisp, floral, and the perfect refresher after exploring the coast. Hard to find outside Essaouira but worth seeking out. Boulaouane (Groupe Castel) Historically significant as one of the best-selling foreign wines in France in the early 2000s. Widely available and reliable for everyday drinking. CB Initiales Chardonnay (Domaine Ouled Thaleb) The only Moroccan white that consistently impresses critics. If you're a white wine drinker, start here - though honestly, you're better off ordering gris or rosé in Morocco. What to Avoid Most White Wines Moroccan whites tend to be rudimentary, with aggressive acidity or heavy oak that doesn't integrate well. Even expensive options like Château Roslane Premier Cru Blanc can be over-oaked - in my opinion. The exception? CB Initiales Chardonnay. Otherwise, stick to gris. Sauvignon Blanc Particularly Médaillon Sauvignon Blanc, which critics note has aggressive acids and artificial notes, especially when paired with seafood. The Perfect Pairings: Moroccan Food Meets Moroccan Wine Here's what most travelers miss: Moroccan wines evolved alongside Moroccan cuisine: tagines, couscous, and grilled meats heavy with cumin and coriander. They learned to handle harissa's heat, complement preserved lemons, and stand up to cinnamon-dusted pastilla. The wines that grow here simply understand the food in ways imports never will! Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds Pair with: Syrah-Grenache blends or Château Roslane Premier Cru Rouge The tagine's slow-cooked richness with cinnamon, honey, and dried fruit needs a red with both power and spice. Syrah's peppery character and dark fruit intensity match the complexity, while tannins cut through the richness. The wine's earthy notes complement the lamb perfectly. Couscous Royale (Seven Vegetables and Mixed Meats) Pair with: Vin Gris or a dry Moroccan Rosé Friday's ritual feast demands something refreshing that can reset your palate between bites. Gris's subtle fruit and hint of sweetness play beautifully against harissa's heat, while the wine's lightness won't overwhelm the vegetables. It's Morocco's perfect food wine. Grilled Fish from Essaouira Pair with: CB Initiales Chardonnay or quality Vin Gris Fresh sardines or sea bass grilled simply with chermoula sauce need bright acidity and citrus notes. If you can find one of Morocco's rare good whites, this is the time. Otherwise, gris works beautifully - its mineral notes complement seafood surprisingly well. Pastilla (Pigeon or Chicken Pie with Cinnamon and Almonds) Pair with: Moroccan sparkling wine or premium Rosé This extraordinary dish - savory meat wrapped in phyllo with powdered sugar and cinnamon - seems impossible to pair, but bubbles are magic here. The effervescence cuts through richness, acidity balances sweetness, and you'll understand why this pairing works. Mechoui (Slow-Roasted Lamb) or Mixed Grills Pair with: Tandem Syrah, Volubilia Classic, or Domaine Rimal Grande Réserve Charred, spice-rubbed meats demand robust reds. Cabernet and Tempranillo blends provide structure, while Syrah adds that peppery kick. The wine's dark fruit and tannins stand up to intense flavors and char. Harira (Spiced Lentil and Chickpea Soup) Pair with: Light red or Vin Gris This Ramadan staple - served at sunset to break the fast - has warming spices, tomato, and legumes. A chilled gris or light red served slightly cool refreshes while complementing the spice without overwhelming the soup's delicate balance. Zaalouk (Eggplant and Tomato Salad) and Mezze Pair with: Vin Gris or Rosé Cold vegetable salads with cumin, paprika, and olive oil need something refreshing and versatile. Gris handles everything from smoky eggplant to preserved lemon, making it ideal for sharing multiple small plates. Kefta Tagine (Meatball Tagine with Tomato and Eggs) Pair with: Medium-bodied red blend like Médaillon Cabernet or Volubilia The tomato-based sauce, aromatic spices, and richness from eggs need a red with good acidity. Medium-bodied reds with some fruit cut through the tomato while complementing the spiced meat perfectly. Where to Find These Wines In tourist-friendly cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Agadir, wine is available in: Upscale restaurants: Most openly stock wine lists featuring Moroccan bottles Carrefour supermarkets: Look for the "Cave à Vin" section - well-stocked but sometimes hidden Private drink shops: Found in tourist areas, though you'll need to know where to look Hotel bars and restaurants: Always well-stocked, though prices are marked up At wineries themselves: Visit Domaine Ouled Thaleb (between Rabat and Casablanca), Château Roslane in Meknes, or Domaine de la Zouina near Volubilis for direct purchases at source prices - often half what you'd pay in export markets. Cultural note: Morocco handles wine with discretion. It's available but not advertised. You won't see billboards or promotions, and it's not sold during Ramadan except in some tourist-oriented outlets. Respect this by being equally discreet - no public drinking, no clinking bottles on the street! Smart Ordering Tips When in doubt, order red. Morocco's reds represent 75% of production for good reason - they're where the country excels. Try gris - before rosé. It's uniquely Moroccan and pairs brilliantly with the cuisine, and I won't pretend it's anything other than my favourite go-to in Morocco! Don't expect your server to know much... Even in nice restaurants, staff may not drink alcohol and might not know the wines beyond their names. Use this guide instead! Look for AOC or AOG designations. AOC Coteaux de l'Atlas is Morocco's premier designation. AOG regions like Guerrouane also indicate quality. Price often does indicate quality. Bottles under 50 MAD are everyday wines. 100-150 MAD gets you excellent quality. Above 200 MAD is premium territory. Pair locally. Moroccan wines evolved alongside Moroccan food. Trust those pairings over European conventions! The Bottom Line Morocco's wine scene punches well above its weight. You won't find Burgundian elegance or Napa power, but you will discover honest, well-made wines that reflect their terroir and pair beautifully with North African cuisine. After a day cycling through imperial cities or climbing Atlas Mountain passes, there's something deeply satisfying about sipping wine that captures exactly where you are - sunshine, spice, and the unexpected pleasure of discovering something most travelers never know exists. Start with Tandem Syrah or Domaine Ouled Thaleb's red blend. Order gris with your tagine, and visit a winery in Meknes if you can! And remember: the best Moroccan wine is the one you're drinking after earning it on two wheels, watching the Atlas peaks turn pink at sunset, knowing you've discovered one of Morocco's best-kept secrets. Santé! (Or as they say in Morocco: Beschaha!) Planning a cycling adventure through Morocco's wine country? Our tours include exclusive winery visits, curated tastings, and the perfect routes to earn your evening glass. Explore Morocco Wine & Cycling Tours →
