Jordan, a country best known for its extraordinary archaeological sites, also has an ancient winemaking tradition rooted in the region’s Christian history and culture. This winemaking heritage, which dates back more than 2,000 years, is now resurfacing thanks to the efforts of a few Christian families who are cultivating vines in the fertile lands of the Hashemite Kingdom.
The historical roots of viticulture in Jordan
Viticulture in Jordan is older than you might think, with origins dating back to Nabataean and Roman times. Petra was an important crossroads for trade caravans, and wine was a valuable commodity that traveled along these trade routes. With the advent of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine era, wine production reached its peak. In fact, archaeological excavations in the Petra area have unearthed more than 80 wine presses used by the Nabataean people for wine production, showing that wine was an integral part of daily life. Moreover, the wine drunk by Jesus Christ and the apostles at the Last Supper is said to have come from Umm Qais, in present-day northern Jordan.
With the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, viticulture in Jordan suffered a drastic decline. As in many other regions of the Middle East, wine production was virtually abolished, surviving only in a few Christian enclaves. Only in recent decades, thanks to the determination of some Christian families, has this tradition been rediscovered and revived.
Christian families and the revival of winemaking
Today, wine production in Jordan is primarily in the hands of two Christian families: the Haddads and the Zumots. These families have invested in the revival of ancient winemaking traditions by cultivating vineyards in the northern and central regions of the country, where climate and soil conditions are particularly favorable.
The Haddad family, pioneers of modern Jordanian winemaking, established the Jordan River Winery in the 1950s. Located on the Mountain Height plateau, about 840 meters above sea level, the winery benefits from a very fertile land characterized by mineral-rich volcanic soils. The production of wines such as “Jordan River” and “Mount Nebo” is a tribute to the historical and natural richness of the region, with grapes of French, Italian and Spanish varieties.
On the other hand, the Zumot family began their wine project in 1996, planting vineyards in the Sama region near the biblical city of Madaba. Their winery, Saint George Winery, produces a variety of organic wines without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers. The Saint George wine, named after the historic St. George Church in Madaba, is a symbol of the fusion of tradition and innovation.
The Jordanian Terroir: A natural blessing
The climatic conditions of northern Jordan are exceptionally favorable for growing grapes. With 330 days of sunshine a year and a generous aquifer fed by the snows of Jabal al-Arab in Syria, Jordan’s vineyards thrive in an ideal environment. In addition, mineral-rich soils from ancient volcanic eruptions help give Jordanian wines a unique complexity and structure.
One of the most interesting features of the Jordanian terroir is the orientation of the vineyards along the east-west axis. This particular orientation, as opposed to the traditional North-South European orientation, allows for better aeration of the grapes, reducing the risk of disease and ensuring optimal ripening of the grapes.
A promising future: Between enotourism and the international market
Although wine production in Jordan is still somewhat modest, the potential for significant growth is obvious. The region’s wide temperature range between day and night is conducive to the development of high-quality grapes, albeit in limited quantities. Currently, only 10 percent of Jordan’s wine production is exported, mainly due to high transportation costs and high tariffs.
To overcome these challenges, the Haddad and Zumot families are focusing on wine tourism, opening the doors of their wineries to international visitors and promoting their wines worldwide. In 2018, Jordan River wines won 96 international awards, while Saint George wines won 23, demonstrating the growing recognition of the quality of Jordanian wines.
The return of a millennial tradition
The revival of wine production in Jordan is not only an economic success, but also a cultural and spiritual revival. The wines produced by Jordanian Christian families are not just beverages, but a living link to a tradition that dates back to the time of Christ and beyond. As these wines continue to gain international recognition, their story reminds the world that in the heart of the Middle East wine culture still finds fertile ground to thrive.
