Ancient Grapevines Found in Tigray Region

The northern highlands of Ethiopia have long been recognized as one of Africa’s earliest agricultural landscapes. The region gave rise to some of the world’s most essential crops, especially pulses and grains such as teff, which remains a staple of Ethiopian cuisine. While these staples dominate the narrative, another plant with a more obscure heritage has also thrived in the area: the grapevine.

In the Tigray region, the grapevine has a history that stretches back centuries, yet it has received little scholarly attention compared to the region’s more celebrated crops. Recent agronomic studies have traced the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties to ancient trade routes that linked Ethiopia with the Mediterranean and Arabian worlds. Local farmers still grow these hardy vines on terraced hillsides, producing fruit that is used for both fresh consumption and the production of traditional fermented beverages.

Preserving the grapevine’s legacy in Tigray underscores the broader importance of safeguarding Ethiopia’s diverse agricultural heritage. By documenting and supporting these lesser‑known crops, researchers and policymakers can help maintain genetic diversity, promote sustainable farming practices, and honor the cultural traditions that have shaped the region for millennia.