Lebanon Wine Country

Lebanon wine country is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world as excavations have shown that Lebanese wine was grown in Byblos 5,000 years ago. However, modern viticulture in Lebanon is still very young. 150 years ago, Jesuits founded the first large wineries.

Then as now, viticulture in Leban wine country is concentrated in the Bekaa Valley and Batroun wine regions. This high plateau between the Lebanon Mountains and the range of Anti-Lebanon on the border with Syria is the country's fruit and vegetable chamber. It is around 120 km long and between 8 and 12 km wide. Olives and wine are also grown there. Despite its proximity to the sea, the climate is not Mediterranean, but continental with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The vines grow here at a height of up to 900 meters. This height brings coolness and freshness. Besides, the altitude also brings big day-night temperature differences, which increases complexity. The harvest in Lebanon usually only takes place in mid-September.

Check out the list of the best wineries in Lebanon

The Influence of France

The French influence can be seen in a vineyard area of ​​140,000 hectares. After all, the country was under French colonial rule for a long time. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, as well as the white varieties Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc, and the fresh Sauvignon Blanc dominate. But there is as well excellent white wine from autochthonous grape varieties such as Merweh and Meroué. Lebanon wine country achieved international fame primarily through the red wines of the famous Château Musar. Château Musar has been making extremely long-lasting world-class in white and red for generations. The wines of this château are internationally famous and are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, and Carignan. Some vintages are here up to 30 years before they are released for sale.

Wine Tourism in Lebanon

The thousands of years of wine history is well represented in Lebanese wine regions, Bekaa Valley and Batroun, where you can discover the passion and the history in every glass of wine you take. Discover Lebanese wine regions with us, our local partner wineries will provide memorable wine tourism experiences for you.

Discover some of the best wine tasting tours in Lebanon

Lebanese Wine Regions

The biggest part of the winemaking takes place in two Lebanese wine regions: Bekaa Valley and Batroun.

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Bekaa Valley

The country's most famous wineries are allocated in Bekaa Valley in the southwest part of Lebanon. 90% of the Lebanese wines are produced in Bekaa Valley as well as anise-flavored spirit drink - Arak.

Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Bekaa Valley to enjoy your visit to the region.

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Batroun Wine Region

Batroun is an up-coming wine region of Lebanon wine country located above the coastal town that carries the same name. Batroun wine region is mountainous and is home to organic wineries that also welcome visitors for wine tourism experiences.

Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Batroun to enjoy your visit to the region.

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Frequently asked questions about Lebanon wine country