Bekaa Valley Wine

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Bekaa Valley is the center of the Lebanese wine industry, with the majority of the country’s vineyards. Most of Lebanon is too hot and dry for quality viticulture, however the cooling effects from the Mediterranean and elevated slopes with water runoff from Mount Lebanon create a microclimate in which grapes can thrive and ripen with good balance.

Lebanon itself has a long history of wine production dating back 5000 years to the ancient Phoenicians who successfully traded wine with other countries in exchange for gold and other precious commodities. Through the centuries, other empires occupied the land. In the 16th century, when the Ottomans arrived, alcohol production and consumption was limited to only the residual Christians who stayed after the Crusades and were allowed to produce sacramental wines.

In 1857, with this loophole in place, Jesuit missionaries created Ksara, the country’s first commercial winery and now its largest wine producer Read more »

In 1857, with this loophole in place, Jesuit missionaries created Ksara, the country’s first commercial winery and now its largest wine producer. They also produce Arak, a popular Middle Eastern fruit-based distillate with added anise seed. This success paved the way for others that have continued into the modern era such as Chateau Kefraya, and Massaya. Lebanon has a significant French influence from occupation after World War I, Algerian immigration, and French Christians who settled during the Crusades. The descendants of one such family, the Hochars, established Chateau Musar in Ghazir in 1930. Aside from the above mentioned commercial wineries that have found success overseas, boutique operations continue to crop up.

The French varietal Cinsault was the first grape planted in the Christian era. Others followed such as Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chasselas, Clairette, and Muscat, and native Lebanese grapes such as Merwah and Obaideh. Styles range from red, white, pink, sparkling, and sweet. Many of the dry wines are produced as blends.

Lebanese vignerons need a tough skin. Not only do they have to deal with the usual calamities that befall viticulture, such as vine diseases, drought, and frost, but also frequent periods of political instability and violent clashes with neighboring countries. However, many have learned to just go with the flow and persevere under these tough conditions.

– Description from Amanda Schuster (hide)

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Popular wines made in Bekaa Valley under $20

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Varietals Produced in Bekaa Valley View all

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is widely grown in California -- at over 15,000 acres, it’s now the third most planted variety -- and...
Cabernet Sauvignon

“King of the Red Wine Grapes.” The colonizer of the vineyards, pushing native wine grapes into its shadows. The Caber...
Syrah

The irony here is that Syrah’s origins could give Carmen Sandiego a run for her international wallet. Syrah’s deepest...
Chardonnay

British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, C...
Cinsault

History of the grape: Cinsau(l)t has been growing in Southern France for centuries. In the Rhone and Languedoc region...
Viognier

History of the grape: Viognier is thought to be an indigenous grape of Croatia that was brought to the Rhone in Franc...

Popular Wineries in Bekaa Valley View all

Massaya, Tanaïl Property S.A.L.

The story of Tanaïl Property goes back to the early 70's as the Ghosn family acquired an Estate p...
Clos St. Thomas

Since the beginning of time, everyone who stepped onto the Lebanese soil has paid tribute to the ...
nakad

Joseph Nakad the father of four brothers founded Nakad Winery in 1923. The winery continues to...
Chateau Ka (Kassatly Chtaura)

Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley is often reputed to be the birthplace of vine growing and is now the home ...
Château Khoury

Lebanon has, through the ages, acquired a rich and complex wine history because of its geographic...
Karam Winery

Karam Winery, Is the tale of two brothers who grew up amid their ancestral vine estate in souther...

People getting updates on Bekaa Valley Wines

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Bekaa Valley on Snooth

March 2013

Interesting discussion......Take Chateau Musar/Lebanon.....the very thing that ... the iron rich soil of the Bekaa Valley. Some speak of "Nail Varnish remover/ Acetone" when describing the sensation upon opening Musar.Some say poor winemaking, others suggest bacteria due to oxygenation.The iron taste must definitely be from the soi Read More

Forum post in the topic Iron taste in wine
March 2013

RE: DUNCAN......Exactly why we should not be too "in awe" when we ... drank Chateau Musar/ Lebanon/Bekaa Valley 2001 "Jeune Red".Very smooth, yet quite earthy, with that long memorable finish.I drank it along with a flank steak stir fry of various julienne cut vegetables and thin egg noodles.Quite pleasant a combinatio Read More

Forum post in the topic Whatcha drinking tonight?
December 2012

Cave Kouroum Red Blend Petit Noir 2005

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by sfquixote
July 2012

Massaya Red Blend Silver Selection 2007

Snoothrank:

Very nice wine if you like heavy tannins. We had it with lebanese food and the tannins disappeared to nice fruit with cedar and a touch of earth. Great food wine Read More

Wine review by 1rockiesfan
March 2012

Chateau Musar Red Blend 2002

Snoothrank:

Such a smooth, silky, beautiful wine! The blend coalesces to structured, lush fruit, elegant tannins and just the right amount of acidity. Read More

Wine review by Amanda Schuster
February 2012

Massaya White Blend Blanc 2009

Snoothrank:

In my opinion, this is one of the most consistently great bang-for-buck value wines out there. Never disappoints. Takes a little while to get going, but with some air time, beautiful things happen. Ripe raspberries and cherries, with dark chocolate and a little espresso. Balanced with some acidity so these elements never seem too heavy. Very smo... Read More

Wine review by Amanda Schuster
January 2012

Chateau Musar Gaston Hochar Bekaa Valley Lebanon 2001

Snoothrank:

Beautifull wine, soft, rounded and long tast. One of the best wines in this price range. Read More

Wine review by Ronald Warmerdam
December 2011

Château Ksara White Blend Blanc de Blancs 2008

Snoothrank:

Reminds me of a California Chard. Not bad, but not what I expected. It is actually a still wine so I don't know why they would call it blanc de blancs. Oaky. Chard/Sauv. Blanc blend. Read More

Wine review by joebernardinoATyahoo
July 2011

Cave Kouroum Red Blend Petit Noir 2005

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by Quasar007
May 2011

Massaya Red Blend Silver Selection 2006

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by rosalindaluna