Ethiopia’s winemaking tradition is as old as the nation, dating back to the first millennium A.D. Traditionally, the country has produced tej, a honey wine. Today, a modern wine industry is flourishing, particularly in the Rift Valley, where high-altitude vineyards benefit from a mild climate and volcanic soils. The unique geography allows for two harvests per year, and wineries are cultivating international varietals like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay to produce quality wines for both local consumption and export.