Mauretania Trail
At the far western edge of the Roman Empire, Volubilis rises from Moroccan plains surrounded by olive groves and — today — vineyards.
Chapter 7 of Roman Wine Odyssey · Tunisia
The stops
- Archaeological site · Price: low 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.
- Tasting · Price: moderate 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.
- Winery · Price: high 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.
- Wine bar · Price: moderate 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.
The story
Morocco never banned wine, and the Meknès region produces Africa's first AOC wines. This is where Roman ambition met its limit.
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)