Iranian Wine: The Epic Story of a Cultural Rebirth

Iranian wine has played a significant role in the development of civilizations throughout history and has been an indispensable part of cultural and religious rituals. However, following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, wine production was banned, hundreds of wineries were destroyed, and this ancient tradition began to fade into the dusty pages of history. At this very point, the rebirth of Iranian wine emerges as an epic tale of cultural resistance sprouting under the shadow of prohibition and the revival of a nearly forgotten heritage. This rebirth signifies more than just the return of a beverage; it marks the reawakening of a cultural legacy, a history, and a spirit of defiance.

Ancient Vineyards and Lost Producers of Iran

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran adopted a governance model based on the strict rules of Islam, and the production, consumption, and sale of wine were prohibited. Despite these bans, certain ethnic and religious communities continued to preserve the tradition of winemaking.

Kurds and Zoroastrians played a prominent role in this preservation. The Kurds, particularly in the northwestern regions of Iran, maintained traditional winemaking methods. Even during times when production and consumption were outlawed, they continued to produce wine locally and secretly kept their winemaking traditions alive. The Zoroastrians, a religious community mostly based in southeastern Iran, also preserved winemaking for religious ceremonies. For Zoroastrians, wine holds a sacred role in their rituals.

Although wine production and sales were officially banned, these groups strived to maintain their traditions and beliefs, keeping the wine culture alive through local production and underground sales. This demonstrates that winemaking in Iran never fully disappeared, but rather, continued underground within specific communities.

The Revolution's Toll: Lost Wineries and Forgotten Regions

With the revolution came the destruction of hundreds of wineries. Unfortunately, detailed information about the wine producers and regions from the pre-1979 era is quite limited. However, based on historical records and certain studies, it is possible to make inferences about some prominent regions and producers of the time:

• Hamedan Region: Located in western Iran, Hamedan was considered suitable for viticulture due to its mountainous terrain and high altitude. Wine was produced here using local grape varieties.

• Shiraz Region: Situated in southern Iran, Shiraz has historically been associated with winemaking. The famous "Shiraz grape" — grown globally — is thought to have originated from this area, though the connection between the grape and the Iranian city remains debated. Prior to the revolution, it is believed that local grape wines were produced in this region.

  
  

Shiraz - Persepolis

• Around Lake Urmia: Located in northwestern Iran, the fertile lands and favorable climate around Lake Urmia made it an ideal place for grape cultivation. The Armenian and Assyrian communities in this region were known for their significant winemaking expertise.

• Other Areas: Beyond the regions mentioned above, small-scale wine production existed in various parts of Iran, particularly in villages inhabited by Kurds and Zoroastrians, where viticulture and winemaking remained traditional practices.

After the 1979 revolution, many of these producers and wineries were destroyed, and only a few managed to preserve their old vineyards. As a result, finding detailed information about pre-revolutionary winemaking in these regions is quite difficult today.

Wine: A Symbol of Civilization and Resistance

Researchers assert that the domestication of wine grapes dates back over 11,000 years, and wine has been one of the cornerstones of civilization. For nomadic communities, wine was one of the incentives to settle down. Since early times, it has played a vital role in rituals and social life. When threatened, it became a symbol sacred enough to be protected.

Today, Iranian wine is beginning to come back to life, even under the shadow of prohibition. This revival goes far beyond the production of a drink—it signifies the resurgence of a cultural heritage, a history, and an act of resistance. Iranian wine is no longer just a matter of pleasure; it has become a symbol of identity, culture, and hope flourishing despite the bans.

This is a story of cultural revival emerging from the depths of history—beyond prohibition. It is also a tribute to the memory of lost producers and the destroyed vineyards they left behind.