If gastronomy in general is a driving force for tourism, within this broad concept, a field especially related to travel stands out: oenology, with visits to wineries and vineyards, and specialized tastings. And Mandala Tours agencies can organize specific experiences or complete trips related to this hobby, which is a passion for many. Below we tell you more about it.
Wine tourism in Muslim countries? Yes
The first question that may come to mind for someone reading this article is whether wine tourism really exists in Muslim countries. And the answer is: “Yes”. Although Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol, in many places a less strict observance of this rule is practiced, claiming certain exceptions. In fact, wine is not the only beverage produced in certain places in these countries, but also other liquors and even beer.
In many cases, this production is carried out with a view to exporting abroad, that is, to a very wide market to reach non-Muslim end consumers. But in other cases, like the ones we list below, it is possible to taste local wines at the winery itself.
Ephesus and Thrace, in Turkey
One of the most striking cases of wine production in Muslim territory is Ephesus. Specifically, Sirince, located about 20 minutes from that tourist destination. The reason is that this village and its surroundings have always been home to Greek population, with a very long tradition in this sector, dating back centuries to the Greco-Roman era.
And the subsequent departure of the Greek population with the so-called ‘population exchange’ in the 1920s did not prevent this production from being maintained, since the gentle Mediterranean climate hills have always been conducive to the cultivation of terraced vines.
A maintained tradition similar to what happens in Eastern Thrace, the European region of the country, with a strong wine-making tradition and numerous wineries through which an entire wine route can be traced.
Through Exclusive Turkey, we market experiences that take you to the vineyards of Sirince, for example as a day trip after disembarking in Kusadasi during your cruise through the Greek Islands.
Meknes, Morocco
Morocco is another country with a surprising wine production. And this may be due more to the French influence, especially during the times of the French Protectorate in the 20th century, when numerous crops of interest to the metropolis were promoted. And the vine was one of them. The most suitable area for its cultivation is the humid slope of the Middle Atlas, specifically in the area around Meknes and Fez, encompassing 60% of local production and, above all, gathering the most established wineries in oenological experiences. Additionally, another area to highlight is Rabat.
Nile Valley, Egypt
No less surprising is the production of wines in Egypt, a country with a vast majority of desert territory. But the fertile Nile valley has allowed some producers to establish themselves here and try to exploit the uniqueness that intense heat represents on the vine. To find wineries specialized in oenology, it’s best to go to Upper Egypt, especially to Luxor, favored by the tourist appeal of this city. Furthermore, it is known that wine was already produced in Ancient Egypt for the pharaohs and their court, which gives an even more suggestive touch to the experience.
Northern Jordan
Lastly, Jordan also wants to join this trend of wine production and there are several brands that are marketed internationally. Its vineyards are located in the north, the most humid area of the country, where there are also underground water reserves. Al Mafraq, about 60 km from Amman, is a reference in this regard, which facilitates short excursions from the capital.
