Discovering Lebanon's Wine Culture: A Guide to the Best Vineyards and Wineries
Lebanon may not be the first country that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but it is, in fact, one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Its wine culture dates back to over 5,000 years, and the country is home to some of the most exquisite vineyards and wineries in the Mediterranean. Here's a guide to discovering Lebanon's wine culture and some of the best vineyards and wineries that the country has to offer.
Bekaa Valley
The Bekaa Valley is the most famous wine-producing region in Lebanon and is situated between the Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges. It is home to some of the country's oldest and most celebrated vineyards and wineries.
Château Musar
One of Lebanon's most famous wineries is Château Musar, which has been producing wine since 1930. It is known for its unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Cinsault grapes, which are grown in the Bekaa Valley. Its superior wines are aged in oak barrels for up to 12 months and are then bottled without any filtering or fining, resulting in a bold and robust flavor.
Domaine des Tourelles
Domaine des Tourelles is another well-known winery in the Bekaa Valley, dating back to 1868. It produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé, and is particularly known for its Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon blends. The winery also offers tours of its vineyards and cellars, providing visitors with a behind the scenes look at the winemaking process.
Château Ksara
Château Ksara is one of the oldest wineries in Lebanon, founded in 1857 by Jesuit priests. The winery produces a range of red, white, and rosé wines, but it is most famous for its flagship wine, Château Ksara Reserve du Couvent, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The winery's cellars are open to visitors, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history of winemaking in Lebanon.
Château Kefraya
Situated in the Bekaa Valley at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, Kefraya Winery is one of Lebanon's most renowned wineries. The winery was founded in 1951 by the Bustros family, who were pioneers in the Lebanese wine industry.
Their flagship wine, the Kefraya Comte de M, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, and has won numerous awards for its quality and unique flavor. The winery also produces the Les Bretèches de Kefraya, a popular red blend for many Lebanese and foreigners alike.
In addition to their exceptional wines, the winery's estate includes a museum that showcases artifacts and artwork from the Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman periods, as well as a restaurant that serves traditional Lebanese cuisine. The winery also offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample their award-winning wines while enjoying the beautiful views of the Bekaa Valley from a horse carriage ride.
Although the Bekaa Valley is the most well-known wine-producing region in Lebanon, there are other areas worth exploring.
Batroun
Batroun is a coastal town located in northern Lebanon, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming streets. The town is also home to a number of wineries, including Ixsir and Sept Winery. Ixsir produces a range of red, white, and rosé wines, while Sept Winery specializes in organic and natural wines.
Ixsir Winery
Ixsir Winery is a boutique winery located in Batroun, Lebanon. The winery was founded in 2008 by a couple, who are passionate about producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of Lebanon.
Located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, the winery witnesses cool nights and warm days, creating ideal conditions for growing grapes. The vineyards are planted with a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.
Some of Ixsir’s most popular wines include the Ixsir Altitudes Red, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, and the Ixsir Altitudes White, which is a blend of Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, both of which are truly delightful.
Ixsir Winery also offers tastings and tours, allowing visitors to experience the beautiful vineyards and taste their exceptional wines. And we can’t forget to mention their annual summer buffets where you can enjoy pairing their wine variety with the true taste of Lebanese mezza and delicious grilled meat and vegetables.
Sept Winery
Established in 2010 by the Saade family, Sept Winery is a boutique winery located in the heart of Batroun. The name "Sept" means "seven" in French and refers to the seven hills that surround the winery.
Situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, it provides a unique microclimate for growing grapes. The vineyards are planted with a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Grenache, and Carignan. The grapes are handpicked and carefully sorted before being fermented in small batches to preserve their unique flavors and aromas.
The winery’s flagship wine, the Sept Rouge, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo. They also produce a limited-edition wine, the Sept Clos de Chacras, which is made from grapes grown in a small vineyard on the winery's property.
Jezzine
Jezzine is a mountainous region located in southern Lebanon, known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. The region is also home to the Château Khoury winery.
Château Khoury
Château Khoury is a family-owned winery located in the southern region of Lebanon, known for producing high-quality wines. The winery was established in 2003 by Michel and Sally Khoury, who are passionate about preserving the country's winemaking traditions.
Their flagship wine, the Château Khoury Signature, is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, and is known for its rich flavors and elegant finish. Other popular wines include the Château Khoury Blanc, a crisp and refreshing white wine, and the Château Khoury Rosé, which is made from a blend of red grapes.
Marjaayoun
Marjaayoun is a vibrant and welcoming community located in the south of Lebanon that celebrates its heritage and culture. It is also home to the relatively new winery, Les Vignes du Marje.
Les Vignes du Marje
Les Vignes du Marje benefits from an ideal climate for grapevine growth in the south of Lebanon, with rainy and cold winter months and warm and dry summers. The fertile vineyards located in Jdeidet Marjeyoun allow them to produce four exceptional wine brands, namely Le Vin Du Marje Red, Le Vin Du Marje White, Le Vin Du Marje Rosé, and Le Rouge Du Marje. In addition, their premier and Grand Cru - Couvent De M Red Château, received the prestigious Patrice Frank Coup de Coeur award in October 2019.
Lebanon's wine culture is a testament to its rich history and the expertise of its winemakers. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, a visit to one of Lebanon's vineyards or wineries is sure to be an unforgettable experience. From the Bekaa Valley to Batroun and Jezzine, Lebanon has something to offer for everyone's taste. So, grab a glass and raise a toast to Lebanon's wine culture!
