You may be surprised to learn that Lebanon is a source of world class wines – of course grapes have been grown and made into wine here for centuries, but it was mainly for local consumption. It was probably the influence of the French, who had a protectorate over Lebanon between two World Wars, that really took Lebanese wine-making into different league.
Chateau Ksara
The Lebanese vineyards and wineries are concentrated in the Bekaa valley where the grapes are grown, and one of the most commercial wineries in this area is the Chateau Ksara. After our stay in Baalbek, we drove south through the Bekaa valley and stopped there for a spot of wine tasting. The Ksara winery is close to a busy road intersection and it was not quite setting of rolling vineyards that I’d had in mind, so close to all the traffic. But as you entered the drive, the elegant reception area and winery came into view, ideal for a quick stop off the highway and I suspect on the itinerary of many a coach tour.
Free tour at Chateau Ksara
The whole operation was very slick with a 45 minute free tour. A pleasant lady on reception took us with a few others who arrived at the same time, and we sat and watched a video about the vineyard and winemaking here. Then she took us down into the cellars that were discovered in Roman times, where we could see some of the oldest bottles of the property being stored as well as the wine maturing in oak barrels.
After that we went to a bar area and sat down to taste a few of the Ksara wines, which was very pleasant, but as it was a free tour, they were mainly everyday table wines and not of special quality. Lastly we were ushered into the shop where there was a wide selection of the different bottles to buy from the property. I bought a couple of half bottles, not being able to transport too much back to the UK.
Kefraya and Massaya Vineyards
It was a very enjoyable tour, but if you want to spend a lazy lunchtime surrounded by the vineyards in the countryside, there are probably other vineyards you could try, such as Kefraya or Massaya, that are a bit more off the beaten track. Or for a more personal style tour for wine enthusiasts make an appointment at Chateau Musar, in the hills close to Jeita near Beirut – you can read us about meeting the winemakers there.
Have you drunk any Lebanese wines? They’re often in the same style as a French claret and are usually a lot cheaper than a Bordeaux of similar quality. Seek them out in your local specialist wine shop and tell me what you think.
Lebanon Wine Resources
Chateau Ksara website
Chateau Kefraya website
Chateau Massaya website
Chateau Musar website
Other Lebanon articles to enjoy
Meet the winemakers at Chateau Musar in Lebanon
Wine tasting in the Bekaa valley in Lebanon
Mezze memories in Lebanon
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cosette saliba
Monday 10th of September 2012
i just want to visit and make a tasting with my friend fm usa, i want to know if u're opening in sunday??
best regards
Cosette Saliba
Heather
Monday 10th of September 2012
@Cosette - I only visited Ksara but do check out their website for details of visiting
jb001
Tuesday 14th of December 2010
Did anyone know that before the troubles started, Beirut was known as the Paris of the east. It was a stunnng city ruined by war. Lets hope they get there again.
Heritage Link Brands
Wednesday 1st of December 2010
It's not suprising that Lebanon is a source of good class wines. I think many of the coutries in Asia have great tasting wines. They have good vineyards which grows good grapes. The photos are great. It makes me want to feel that I want to go there.
Heather Cowper
Thursday 7th of October 2010
@ Lebanese Guy I'm no expert but it is a country where Muslims and Christians seem to get along just fine.
Lebanese Guy
Wednesday 6th of October 2010
Quick tip: Lebanon is not an islamic country :)