Mauretania Trail
At the far western edge of the Roman Empire, Volubilis rises from Moroccan plains surrounded by olive groves and — today — vineyards. Morocco never banned wine, and the Meknès region produces Africa's first AOC wines. This is where Roman ambition met its limit.
A Wine Memories curated trail · winememories.fi
Map
Stops
Curated by Wine Memories
- 1
Volubilis - Roman Wine City
Morocco's largest and best-preserved Roman site, a UNESCO World Heritage monument spanning 40 hectares. The Mauritanian capital was founded in the 3rd century BC, became Roman around 40 AD, and flourished as a wine-producing center. Famous for its House of Orpheus mosaics and the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla. Located 30 minutes from Meknes wine region - the perfect pairing.
Archaeological site Price: low - 2
Meknès Wineries
Morocco's premier wine region surrounds the imperial city of Meknès. High plateau vineyards produce increasingly sophisticated wines. The French colonial legacy combined with ancient terroir.
Tasting Price: moderate - 3
Chateau Roslane - Morocco's Premier Wine Estate
Morocco's first estate to receive the 'Chateau' designation (2008) and AOC Coteaux de l'Atlas protection with 'Premier Cru' status. The 700-hectare estate includes vineyards, gardens, a boutique hotel, spa, and restaurants. Part of Les Celliers de Meknes, Morocco's dominant wine producer. The elegant French-Moroccan architecture makes this a destination experience.
Winery Price: high - 4
Casablanca Wine Scene
Morocco's cosmopolitan commercial capital has a sophisticated wine bar scene. Unlike most Islamic countries, Morocco never banned wine, and urban elites drink openly. Excellent access to all Moroccan wines.
Wine bar Price: moderate
Plan the trip
Insider tip. Visit Volubilis at sunset — the golden light on the mosaics is magical, and the crowds thin out.
Getting there and around
- Car required
- Yes
- Parking
- Easy parking at all sites
- Nearest airport
- Fès (FEZ) - 1 hour to Volubilis
- Drinking and driving
- Morocco is relaxed about wine in tourist areas and cities. Local drivers available.
- Other airports
-
- Casablanca (CMN) for complete loop
- Rabat (RBA)
- Without a car
- Trains between cities, but car needed for wineries
Where to stay
- Base yourself in
- Meknès or Fès
- Why there
- Close to Volubilis and wine region
- Booking tip
- Combine with Fès medina visit for full Moroccan experience
- Nightly range
- €40-200/night
Recommended stays
- Budget
- Meknès medina riads
- Luxury
- Palais Faraj Fès, Royal Mansour Casablanca
- Mid-range
- Fès boutique riads
- Vineyard stays
- Wine estate guesthouses
What it costs
- Includes
- Accommodation, car rental, tastings, site entries
- Meals
- €20-50/day
- Per person
- €300-600
- Ways to spend less
-
- Morocco is good value
- Riads offer better experience than hotels
- Hire local guides at sites — they're excellent
- Tasting fees
- €10-20 average
Booking and timing
- Lead time
- 1-2 weeks
- Closed days
- Friday afternoon can be quiet
- Peak season
- Easter and Christmas busy
- Best time of day
- Late afternoon for Volubilis light
- Group size
- Wineries need advance booking
Where to eat
- Lunch
-
- Meknès medina
- Near Volubilis
- Highway stops
- Dinner
-
- Meknès restaurants
- Fès medina dining
- Casablanca Rick's Cafe
- Winery restaurants
-
- Château Roslane
- Estate lunches
If your time is short
- If it rains
- Meknès museums and covered medina
- Skip if time is short
Mistakes to avoid
-
- Don't skip Volubilis — it's Morocco's most impressive ruins
- Don't visit in summer — very hot
- Don't assume no wine in Morocco — it's legal and good
- Don't miss the Meknès medina — it's less touristy than Fès
- Don't rush to Casablanca — the Rick's Cafe is a tourist trap
Worth stopping for
-
- Volubilis mosaics with Atlas Mountains backdrop
- Triumphal arch at golden hour
- Meknès Bab Mansour gate
- Vineyards with olive groves
- Fès medina tanneries (for contrast)