Discover the wines regions, subregions and grape varietals and wines of Jordan

about this region

Jordan, located in the heart of the Middle East, is one of the world's lesser-known wine-producing countries. However, its ancient winemaking history, coupled with its diverse terroir and high-altitude vineyards, has positioned it as a rising player in boutique winemaking. The country experiences a semi-arid to Mediterranean climate, with vineyard elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 meters above sea level.

Most of Jordan’s vineyards are concentrated in the northern and central parts of the country, particularly around Madaba and Mafraq. The climate allows for slow grape ripening and balanced acidity. While small in scale, Jordan’s modern wine industry is focused on premium wine production and is largely driven by family-owned boutique wineries.

Statistics of Jordan’s Wine Industry

Total Vineyard Area: Approximately 100–200 hectares (248–500 acres)
Number of Wine Regions: 2 main wine regions
Number of Subregions: 4 subregions
Number of Wineries: Less than 5 commercial wineries, alongside several small-scale experimental producers
Annual Wine Production: Estimated at 250,000–500,000 litres
Primary Market: Predominantly domestic consumption, with some exports to Europe and the United States

The Wine Regions of Jordan

Jordan has two main wine regions, both benefiting from high elevations and significant diurnal temperature variations.

Northern Highlands (Mafraq and Irbid): Located in northern Jordan, near the Syrian border. The cooler temperatures, at 800–1,100m altitude, are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Viognier. Known for structured red wines with balanced acidity.
Central Plateau (Madaba and Karak): Situated southwest of Amman, with vineyards at 600–900 meters. Produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rhône-style red blends. Warmer conditions result in full-bodied wines with ripe fruit flavours.

Overview of the Grape Varieties in Jordan

Jordan primarily cultivates international grape varieties, with a focus on Mediterranean and Bordeaux-style grapes that thrive in the country's semi-arid climate.

Red Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon: Produces structured, full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavours.
Syrah/Shiraz: Well-suited to Jordan’s warm climate, yielding bold, spicy wines.
Merlot: Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon for rounder, softer reds.
Grenache: Used for both reds and rosés, bringing red berry notes and smooth tannins.
Carigna: A Mediterranean variety performing well in Jordan’s arid conditions.n

White Grape Varieties

Chardonnay: The leading white variety, producing both oaked and unoaked wines.
Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh, crisp wines with herbaceous and citrus notes.
Viognier: Aromatic and floral, offering stone fruit flavours and rich texture.
Muscat Blanc: Used for aromatic, semi-sweet white wines.
Roussanne: A rising star for textured, mineral-driven white wines.

Overview of the Wines of Jordan

By Style

Red Wines: Typically full-bodied, bold, and fruit-forward, often aged in oak for added complexity.
White Wines: Ranging from crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs to full-bodied, oak-aged Chardonnays.
Rosé Wines: Made from Grenache and Syrah, offering refreshing acidity and bright red fruit flavours.
Sparkling Wines: These are produced in small quantities using Chardonnay and Muscat Blanc.
Dessert Wines: Rare but Muscat-based sweet wines have been produced experimentally.

History of the Region

History of Wine in Jordan

Jordan has an ancient winemaking tradition dating back at least 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests that wine was produced and traded in the region during the time of the Nabataeans, Romans, and early Christian communities.

Key Historical Developments:

Biblical and Nabataean Era (2000 BCE–100 CE): Ancient Petra and surrounding areas were known for their viticulture, and grape remains have been found in archaeological digs. Archaeological excavations near Petra have uncovered at least 82 wine presses of industrial scale, indicating significant wine production during the Nabataean period. The wine consumed by Jesus Christ and the apostles at the Last Supper is said to have originated from Umm Qais, in present-day northern Jordan.
Roman and Byzantine Periods (100–600 CE): Large-scale wine production flourished, as Jordan was part of the Roman wine trade network.
Islamic Rule (7th–20th Century): Winemaking declined due to Islamic restrictions on alcohol, though wine was still produced in Christian communities. Following the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, wine production in Jordan drastically declined, surviving only in a few Christian enclaves.
Modern Revival (Late 20th Century–Present): Several entrepreneurial families began planting vineyards, marking a revival of Jordan’s winemaking industry. Two Christian families, the Haddads and the Zumots, spearhead modern wine production in Jordan. Although still small, Jordan’s wine scene is high-quality, emphasizing premium wines crafted from international grape varieties. The renewal of winemaking has concentrated on developing vineyards in the northern and central regions, where the climate and soil are especially advantageous. While the Jordanian wine industry may be modest in scale, it prioritizes the creation of superior, premium wines using global grape varieties. This resurgence symbolizes a reconnection with the nation's ancient viticultural heritage, harmonizing contemporary methods with historical importance.

Wine Industry Associations

Given the small size of Jordan’s wine industry, formal wine organizations are limited. However, key stakeholders include the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, which provides viticulture support and development programs.

Wine Tourism in Jordan

Although still developing, wine tourism in Jordan offers unique experiences combining history, culture, and premium winemaking.

Top Wine Tourism Experiences

Winery Tours & Tastings: Wineries like Zumot Winery and Haddad Estates offer guided tours.
- Zumot Winery (Saint George Wines): The Zumot Winery, founded by Bulos Zumot in 1954, is one of Jordan's two main wine producers. The winery's brand, Saint George, has gained international recognition for its organic wines and sustainable practices. Zumot's vineyards are located in three areas: Madaba, Jerash, and Sama in northern Jordan. The winery's main vineyard in Sama is situated at an altitude of 630 meters, benefiting from a unique soil composition of clay, limestone, and basalt. This exceptional terroir, combined with the region's harsh climate and temperature variations, contributes to the distinctive character of Zumot's wines. Zumot Winery produces a wide range of red and white wines using 34 different Noble Grape varietals. Some of their notable wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, and Gewürztraminer. The winery uses French oak barrels from Burgundy for aging their premium wines, creating a tailored process for each grape variety. Under the leadership of Omar Zumot, the winery has embraced organic viticulture, using natural methods such as fish ponds for fertilization and sheep for pest control. This commitment to sustainability and quality has earned Saint George wines several international awards and a place in Hachette's 1000 Wines of the World Guide.
- Haddad Estates and Vineyards (Jordan River Winery): The Haddad family established the Jordan River Winery in the 1950s, pioneering modern Jordanian winemaking. The winery is located on the Mountain Height plateau, about 840 meters above sea level, and benefits from fertile land with mineral-rich volcanic soils. It produces wines such as "Jordan River" and "Mount Nebo," using grapes of French, Italian, and Spanish varieties. The winery specializes in small-batch productions.
Food and Wine Pairing: Local wines paired with Jordanian dishes like Mansaf and Mezze.
Historical Vineyard Sites: Tours of ancient Nabataean winemaking locations near Petra.
Harvest Festivals: Some wineries allow visitors to participate in grape-picking and winemaking.

Conclusion

Jordan’s emerging wine industry is built on ancient traditions and modern innovation, producing high-quality wines in challenging climatic conditions. With its boutique wineries, unique terroir, and growing wine tourism sector, Jordan is carving out a niche in the Eastern Mediterranean wine scene. While small in scale, its focus on sustainability, premium winemaking, and historical significance makes it a hidden gem for wine lovers.

Jordan