Vines have been growing in Lebanon for more than 4000 years. Our Phoenician ancestors were among the first to understand the mystery of wine and export it across the Mediterranean. The discovery of a 2,600-year-old wine press that was recently shared by National Geographic is another evidence of the extensive overseas trade in wine by the Phoenicians.
Today, we have more than 40 wineries across the country. I’ve put together a list of 10 Lebanese wineries that are on a 50 kilometers route and that can be all visited on the same day. Enjoy “The Lebanese Route des Vins” and drink responsibly.
Chateau Ksara
Founded by the Jesuits in 1857, Château Ksara is one of the oldest and most known modern wine industries in Lebanon. It has a diverse range of 17 red, white and rosé wines.
Domaine Wardy
Domaine Wardy is a family owned winery and distillery located in Zahle with roots dating back to 1881.
Domaine des Tourelles
Founded in 1868, Domaine des Tourelles is also one of the oldest Lebanese wineries. It’s a very charming winery located in Chtaura town of Central Bekaa.
Chateau Saint Thomas
Located in Kab Elias town in Central Bekaa, Chateau Saint Thomas is a family owned winery that produces a variety of local wines.
Chateau Kefraya
Château Kefraya is a well recognized Lebanese winery. The castle was built starting 1946 on an artificial hill used by the Romans centuries ago to observe their troop movements. The first wine production started in 1951.
Chateau Marsyas
Chateau Marsyas grow their vines in Kefraya town. They’re well known for the “B-QA” which is a high quality wine that’s made of Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre for the red and Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for the white.
Cave Kouroum
Also located in Kefraya, Cave Kouroum is a very modern winery that started its production in 1998.
Terre Joie
Terre Joie is a small and charming winery that’s run and owned by the Saade family (which translates to “Joie” in French). The domain was started in Kherbet Qanafar in 2008 and the first vintage was produced in 2011.
Chateau Qanafar
Château Qanafar is a family owned and run winery that’s located at 1200m altitude in the mountains of Kherbet Qanafar in West-Bekaa.
La Tourba
La Tourba is the perfect place to end up the wine journey. Enjoy the sunset with a lake view and the misty mountains in the background.
There are indeed lots of other amazing wineries to discover. The only criteria that I’ve used in this list is the geographical location, as I’ve made sure to pick the ones that are on the same route. Cheers. 🍷
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