Visiting Ethiopian Wine Regions are probably not at the top of your list if you are a wine enthusiast.

Ethiopia is known for its rich cultural heritage steeped in century’s old history and mystical legends. But very few know of a long-held wine-making tradition in Ethiopia.

The wine-making tradition has over the last few years been gaining much traction and is now a gradually expanding industry that is meant to place Ethiopia firmly onto the wine-making countries list.

Traditionally, Ethiopia has been making a local wine called tedj, a type of honey-wine flavoured with gersho leaves, that are similar to hops.

However, this ancient wine-making tradition is gradually being taken over by a much modern form of wine-making, and nowadays standard high-quality wines are produced in the country.

Ethiopia is now growing its own grapes and producing its own signature wine.

Due to the proximity to the equator, it is even possible to make two harvests per year.

Currently, there are two wineries in the country, with a combined production of almost 12 million bottles of wine per year.

Climatic and geographic conditions in the Rift Valley Region make it well suited to viticulture.

Annual rainfall measures about 650 mm, temperatures average 25 degrees Celsius per year and the region enjoys sandy soils, which are ideal conditions for wine production.

Furthermore, due to Ethiopia’s proximity to the equator, it is possible to make two harvests per year. 

The western slopes of the Ethiopian Highlands also enjoy an inland Mediterranean climate, also conducive to wine-growing.

Some regional states in Ethiopia have also provided investment incentives for this sector, in order to further support the development of wineries.

Taking advantage of the growing local demand, the export incentives and the favourable climate, the wine sector in Ethiopia is rapidly expanding.