Chemin du Vin brings Lebanese wine, Heritage and Culture together in Baabda

The historic Baabda Railway Station came alive this weekend as Chemin du Vin, the first Lebanese wine festival in Baabda, brought together wine, heritage, culture, gastronomy and music in a setting rich with history.

Organized by Baabda International Festivals under the leadership of Nadine Nehme, the two-day event welcomed Lebanese wineries, producers, public figures, media, wine enthusiasts and visitors for a celebration of Lebanon’s winemaking heritage and the people behind it.

Opening the ceremony, Rita Mansour reflected on the significance of bringing a new cultural gathering to a historic railway station; a place once built around journeys and connections, now given a new life through Lebanese wine and culture.

The programme featured remarks by Nadine Nehme, President of Baabda International Festivals; Micheline Touma, President of the Lebanese Union of Vine and Wine; Ziad Chaya, Director General of the Railway and Public Transport Authority; and Fadi Ghanem, representing the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani.

Beyond the wine tasting, Chemin du Vin offered visitors a vibrant Lebanese experience, with local food and product stands, participating wineries and live entertainment. The first evening featured Tenor Johnny Aouad followed by DJ Rony, while the second evening welcomed Rony Raffoul followed by DJ Rony, adding a festive soundtrack to the historic venue.

The festival also paid tribute to the late Akram NicolasKassatly, one of the respected figures of Lebanon’s wine sector, with a moment of silence in his memory.

More than a festival, Chemin du Vin marked the beginning of a new cultural and tourism initiative for Baabda; connecting Lebanese wine with the land, the people and the heritage that give it its identity.

From the historic railway station, Chemin du Vin has set the stage for a new annual celebration of Lebanese wine and the stories behind every bottle.