Lebanon – key wine regions

The Bekaa (Beqaa) Valley is home to Lebanon’s most historic vineyards and wineries. Winemaking in the region is a tradition which goes back some 6000 years. The Bekaa Valley has an average altitude of 1000m above sea level, and the valley’s climate is very suitable to growing a variety of wine grapes. The mountains have provided a unique terroir, along with providing protection from the deserts to the east and the maritime rains from the west. With abundant winter rains and high sunshine hours in the summer help the grapes ripen easily. Today there are more than a dozen wineries in the Bekaa Valley, producing over six million bottles a year. The original vineyards in the Bekaa Valley were planted with Cinsault, which has subsequently been joined by a number of other French varietals including Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with white varietals; Ugni Blanc (grown in Cognac, France) and Chardonnay. Quality varies with Brettanomyces being prevalent due to low hygiene standards, but wines from producers such as Chateau Musar have gained a global cult following.