Jordanian wine

Jordan's wine story is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and contemporary innovation. The roots of winemaking in this region trace back to Nabatean times, with archaeological discoveries near Petra revealing ancient wine presses. Fast forward to 1975, and the modern Jordanian wine industry emerged, spearheaded by the Haddad Distilling Company. Today, two major players dominate the scene: Zumot Winery and Haddad Winery, renowned for their Saint George and Jordan River wines, respectively. These wineries are located in Mafraq, in northern Jordan, an area celebrated for its ideal vineyard conditions.

When it comes to grape varieties, Jordanian winemakers primarily rely on imported ones, as traditional local varieties have been lost over time. For red wines, they use popular grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. White wines feature Chardonnay, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Chenin Blanc. In 2013, they expanded their repertoire by cultivating Carmenère grapes from Chile and Tokai grapes from Italy, further diversifying their offerings.

The quality of Jordanian wines has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Jordan River wines garnered 96 awards, while Saint George wines earned 23 prizes. The country produces nearly a million liters of wine annually, with most of it enjoyed locally. What sets Jordanian wine apart is the unique terroir—characterized by high elevation, underground water sources, and basalt-rich soil—which contributes to the distinct flavors and high quality of the wines produced here.