This is the story of a woman who achieved fame by crafting exquisite wines in one of the most enchanting towns in the Kurdistan Region.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Shaqlawa, just a 40-km drive from Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, lies a hidden gem that has been captivating wine enthusiasts for decades. 

Fakhria Elia, a 76-year-old winemaker, who greets visitors with a warm smile adorning her face, has gained fame throughout Kurdistan and Iraq for her exquisite homemade wine. What sets her wine apart is not only its exceptional quality but also the fact that it is made entirely from grapes cultivated in her own vineyard.

As we entered Fakhria Elia's humble abode, as always, she greeted us with a warm smile and invited us into her house, which boasts a backyard overlooking a breathtaking valley overseen by the majestic Mount Safeen. In one corner of her backyard, several wooden barrels stand proudly, a testament to the nearly 50 years that she has spent perfecting her craft.

A local craft

Recalling her early days of winemaking, Elia revealed that she used to produce wine by placing the grapes on a cloth and crushing them with her own feet. It was a laborious yet enjoyable process that added a personal touch to her creations. 

However, as the years went by and her children noticed the toll of ageing on their beloved matriarch, they decided to modernize her winemaking operation, ensuring that her passion would continue to thrive.

Elia’s vineyard, situated just across from her home on a sloping hill, now benefits from modern winemaking equipment. With these new tools at her disposal, she can uphold her commitment to excellence and create wines that require an average aging period of seven years. Holding up a sealed bottle of her renowned Shaqlawa wine, she explained, “If you seek a decent wine, then seven years should suffice.”

Elia’s wine can be found not only in the family’s adjacent liquor store but also in selected stores and bars across Erbil and other cities in Iraqi Kurdistan. Despite belonging to a Christian minority in a predominantly Muslim region, Elia and her family have never felt unsafe running a business that goes against the conservative beliefs of some.

Alcohol in Iraq

Although alcohol production is typically associated with Christians, other non-Muslims, and non-practicing Muslims in the Kurdistan Region, Fakhria Elia and her family’s unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional wine has garnered widespread admiration from individuals of various backgrounds and beliefs. Fakhria believes that the commitment to quality and the art of winemaking transcends religious boundaries, captivating the hearts and palates of people from all walks of life.

In March, the Iraqi government implemented a ban on the production, export, and import of alcohol throughout the country. However, this ban does not extend to the Kurdistan Region. 

As a result, Elia sees an opportunity to expand her sales beyond Kurdistan and Iraq, particularly given the challenging economic conditions in the region. She dreams of exporting her wine to countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, from which she has received on-demand requests from enthusiastic customers.

Passion and perseverance

With pride in her voice, Elia expressed her desire to see her wine become a product that everyone in the region can be proud of. Her determination to produce exceptional wine, coupled with her unwavering dedication to her craft, serves as an inspiration to wine lovers and entrepreneurs alike. 

Fakhria Elia's story is, moreover, a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the ability to overcome societal barriers to create something truly remarkable.

Fakhria aspires to persist in crafting exceptional wine while imparting her wisdom to future generations. However, amidst her generous sharing of her winemaking expertise, there was one intriguing secret she held close to her heart, and the hidden ingredient that imparts a unique hue to her wine: a mysterious soaking stone.

Fakhria's resolute commitment and passion for winemaking have magnetized individuals from diverse regions, including the Kurdistan Region, to visit her town. In this enchanting place, they not only explore the intricacies of wine production but also unravel the profound Christian heritage of Shaqlawa. 

Witnessing its transformation into a thriving multicultural center within the Kurdistan Region creates a captivating experience for visitors from all walks of life.