Why Lebanese Wine

The wine making tradition in Lebanon goes back to the Phoenician times around 1500BC. The Phoenicians used to export the wine to the Egyptians in return for silver. This tradition was then followed up during the Roman times, who built in Lebanon Bekaa Valley, the biggest temple dedicated to Bacchus the God of wine in Baalbek where most Lebanese wineries are currently located.

During the Muslim rule of the region the wine making tradition almost stopped with only the Christians keeping it especially for religious purposes, until the early 1900s when some Jesuit priests revived the industry to supply the French colonists which continued until 1975 Civil war. At that times the wineries were solely relying on export. Today the wine making tradition is flourishing, especially with the introduction of new wineries in the same regions were the Phoenicians used to produce.

It is of great importance that this tradition stays in Lebanon, not only for the economical value it brings - the second export produce that comes from Lebanon is wine - but for its historical and social impact for all Lebanese, Muslims and Christians.

Drinking the Lebanese wine will give you a taste of old tradition balanced with modernity and delicacy. Below a selection of the finest!