Lebanon, a small country on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is home to some of the world’s oldest wineries and vineyards. The country’s rich history, diverse culture, and unique terroir have resulted in a flourishing wine industry, with many outstanding wineries and vineyards. In this blog post, we will explore the best wineries in Lebanon and what makes them unique.

See also: 10 Best Places in Lebanon to Visit Outside of Beirut

1. St. Michael Winery

St. Michael Winery, located in Maasser El Chouf, is a family-owned winery that produces a range of high-quality wines. The winery is known for its organic farming practices, with all grapes grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals. St. Michael Winery offers visitors an immersive experience, including guided tours of the vineyards, wine tastings, and local cuisine.

The winery’s commitment to sustainability and preserving the local ecosystem adds to its appeal, making it a top choice for visitors seeking an authentic and environmentally conscious wine experience. The winery’s location in the stunning Maasser El Chouf mountains provides a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing day out.

• Location: Maaser El Chouf
• Working days and hours: Thursday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm.

2. IXSIR Winery

IXSIR Winery, located in Bezbina, is a modern winery that combines traditional winemaking techniques with the latest technology. The winery’s unique architecture, with a partially buried building designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape, is just as impressive as its wines.

IXSIR Winery produces a range of wines, including red, white, and rose, using grapes from its own vineyards as well as those from other regions of Lebanon.

• Location: Bezbina
• Working days and hours: Tuesday to Thursday 12 pm to 5 pm and Friday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

3. Sept Winery

Sept Winery, located in Nehla, is a boutique winery that produces only a limited amount of high-quality wines each year. The winery’s focus on quality over quantity means that every bottle of Sept wine is carefully crafted to perfection. The winery offers visitors a unique experience, including guided tours of the vineyards, wine tastings, and a chance to meet the winemakers.

• Location: Unnamed Road, Nehla
• Working days and hours: Thursday to Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm

4. Château Kefraya

Château Kefraya, located in the western Beqaa district, is one of Lebanon’s most renowned wineries. The winery has been producing award-winning wines for over 40 years, using a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. Château Kefraya’s vineyards cover over 300 hectares and produce a range of wines, including red, white, rose, and dessert wines.

• Location: Western Beqaa district
• Working days and hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm

5.Château Sainte-Andrée

Château Saint Andre, located in Mount Lebanon, is a boutique family-run winery that produces a range of high-quality wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The winery’s location in the mountains provides a unique terroir, resulting in wines that are both complex and balanced. Château Saint Andre offers visitors guided tours of the vineyards, wine tastings, and a chance to learn about the winemaking process.

• Location: Haql El Raiyyes
• Working days and hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm

6. Chateau Rayak

Chateau Rayak, located in Riyaq, is a historic winery that dates back to the 19th century. The winery has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, resulting in a modern facility that produces some of Lebanon’s best wines. Chateau Rayak offers visitors guided tours of the vineyards, wine tastings, and a chance to learn about the history of winemaking in Lebanon.

• Location: St George’s Street, Riyaq
• Working days and hours: Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm

7. Chateau Ksara

Chateau Ksara, located in the town of Ksara, is one of Lebanon’s oldest wineries, dating back to 1857. The winery has a rich history and has played an important role in the development of the Lebanese wine industry. Chateau Ksara produces a range of wines, including red, white, and rose, using grapes from its own vineyards and from other regions of Lebanon. The winery offers visitors guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, wine tastings, and a chance to learn about the winemaking process.

• Location: Ksara
• Working days and hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

8. Massaya Winery Faqra

Massaya Winery, located in Baabda, is a family-owned winery that produces a range of high-quality wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The winery’s location in the Faqra mountains provides a unique terroir, resulting in wines that are both complex and full of character. Massaya Winery Faqra offers visitors guided tours of the vineyards, wine tastings, and a chance to learn about the winemaking process.

• Location: Faqra
• Working days and hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Lebanon’s wineries and vineyards offer a unique and immersive experience for visitors looking to explore the country’s rich wine culture. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a relaxing day out, the best wineries in Lebanon have something to offer. From the traditional techniques of Chateau Ksara to the modern technology of IXSIR Winery, each winery on this list has its own unique style and approach to winemaking, making them all worth a visit.