Lebanon’s winemaking heritage spans thousands of years, where ancient traditions meet modern craftsmanship. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Bekaa Valley to boutique estates tucked into mountain hillsides, Lebanese wineries offer unforgettable experiences for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.
In this article, we spotlight four exceptional wineries personally recommended by Lebanon Traveler — each offering more than just outstanding wines. These destinations invite you to explore the richness of Lebanese terroir through unique stories, scenic settings and passionate craftsmanship.
Atibaia, Batroun
Perched in the mountains of Smar Jbeil with sweeping views of Batroun, Atibaia Winery reflects the Massoud family’s deep-rooted passion for wine and their mission to revive Lebanon’s ancient winemaking legacy. In 2005, they acquired land in this historic region — known for 6,000 years of wine production — and planted some of the first modern vineyards in Batroun. Today, Atibaia spans six hectares across four parcels, each with distinct soil and elevation, yielding grapes of exceptional character.
Housed in a charming 17th-century residence, the winery produces one red and one white wine annually, using artisanal methods that highlight the terroir. In 2021, they introduced a rosé and limited-edition monocépages, including Malbec, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Though production remains small, Atibaia has doubled sales and expanded exports to ten markets.
In 2022, Atibaia launched a seasonal restaurant pairing its wines with international specialties, enhancing its reputation as a Batroun destination. Plans are underway to add artisanal olive oil to its offerings.
The winery’s standout wines include a red blend rated up to 92 by Wine Advocate and a refined white made from Chardonnay and Viognier. Every bottle is a tribute to tradition, quality and the land that inspires it.
Château Ksara, Bekaa
Château Ksara, Lebanon’s oldest winery, lies in the heart of the Bekaa Valley near Zahle. Founded in 1857 by Jesuit priests, it introduced modern winemaking to the region. Beneath the estate, two kilometers of Roman-era caves, expanded by locals fleeing Ottoman conscription, still serve as the winery’s aging cellars. Château Ksara remained under Jesuit ownership until 1973, when it was sold following a Vatican decree, but it continues to honor its heritage.
After Lebanon’s civil war, Château Ksara restructured and modernized its operations, planting international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay alongside traditional ones. Today, it produces 3 million bottles annually from 400 hectares of vineyards, including Lebanon’s national spirit, Ksarak, and the indigenous Merwah varietal.
The winery has also pioneered sustainable practices. In 2024, over 50% of its energy came from solar power, with plans to reach 70% by 2025. It has installed a biological wastewater treatment plant to reduce its water footprint and upcycles used corks into steam energy, cutting fuel consumption.
Château Ksara is more than a winery; it’s a symbol of Lebanese resilience, history, and innovation.
Our summer wine picks from Château Ksara
- Blanc de Blancs: A unique blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon, Blanc de Blancs is presented in its iconic Alsace bottle. Grown at over 1,000 meters in the Bekaa Valley, it captures the dazzling freshness of high-altitude vineyards, a true tribute to Lebanon’s ancient winemaking heritage.
- Merwah: Merwah is an indigenous Lebanese grape, grown on terraced pergolas at over 1,500 meters in the northern village of Douma. Dry-farmed with minimal intervention and hand-picked with love, the vines are over 60 years old and yield a wine full of freshness, fruit, and minerality.
- Nuance: Nuance, Château Ksara’s premium rosé, is a sophisticated blend of Malbec, Marselan, and Vermentino. With its alluring salmon hue and delicate notes of crushed red fruit, floral undertones, and a subtle savory finish, it stands as a true rival to the finest rosés of Provence.
- Gris de Gris: Gris de Gris blends heritage grapes Grenache Gris and Carignan into a lush, elegant rosé. With notes of red berries, peonies, and jasmine, it’s light, elegant, and perfect for summer, from aperitifs to seafood. Sealed with a screw cap for easy, carefree enjoyment.
- Sunset: Cabernet Franc, Sunset is Lebanon’s most loved rosé. Refreshing yet complex, it’s a summer staple, from beachside gatherings to mezze-filled tables, bringing people together under the sun with lasting memories.
Serving tip
In the summer heat, wine warms quickly in the glass. Pour smaller amounts and refill as needed to keep each sip fresh and perfectly chilled.
Winemaker quote
The French winemaker, James Palge, has been with Château Ksara for over 30 years, coming to Lebanon in 1994 after working in Bordeaux. “When I arrived in the Bekaa, there was no water, no electricity, nothing. It had just come out of the war. But I saw the potential. These are the wines of the old world. This is the cradle of the Fertile Crescent. If there were vines 6,000 years ago, one could surely produce very good wines now. One day I will retire and leave all this creativity behind but I didn’t do it for me. I did it for Lebanon, to generate attention to Lebanon’s terroir. In my blood runs a bit of Lebanese blood. The Lebanese are my friends. I am attached to this land.”
Château Kefraya, Bekaa
Château Kefraya, one of Lebanon’s most emblematic wineries, lies at 1,100 meters above sea level in the heart of the West Bekaa, where viticulture dates back over 4,000 years to the time of the Phoenicians. Established during the Lebanese Civil War by visionary founder Michel de Bustros, Château Kefraya has become a symbol of perseverance, elegance and terroir-driven winemaking.
Spanning 300 hectares, the estate is divided by a geological rift, creating a rich mosaic of micro-terroirs. These diverse plots – differing in soil composition, orientation and altitude – are harvested by hand and vinified separately, allowing each Chateau Kefraya wine to express its unique character. The winery cultivates a wide range of grape varieties, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre and Viognier, producing expressive, structured wines such as its special cuvee “Comte de M”, a rich red blend with international acclaim.
Château Kefraya is equally committed to sustainability, embracing eco-friendly practices that respect both nature and community. Integrated farming, minimal intervention winemaking and solar-powered systems reflect its dedication to responsible viticulture.
Today, the winery produces around 1.3 million bottles annually and exports to over 40 countries. Beyond wine, the estate offers tastings, cultural events, and gastronomic experiences, securing its place as a cornerstone of Lebanese wine heritage.
Our summer wine picks from Château Kefraya
- Château Kefraya Rouge (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc): A complex red wine, aged for over 12 months in oak barrels, showcasing the finest micro-terroirs of the region.
- Château Kefraya Blanc (Chardonnay, Vermentino): A rare and refined blend crafted from the best Chardonnay and Vermentino plots at Château Kefraya.
Serving tips
- Château Kefraya Rouge 2020: Serving temperature: For optimal tasting, decant and serve at 17–19°C, 30 minutes before serving.
Food pairing: Pairs well with delicately cooked meats, light game, leg of lamb and soft cheeses. - Château Kefraya Blanc 2024: Serving temperature: Serve chilled, between 6–9°C.
Food pairing: Ideal with grilled or cooked fish, white meats and lightly matured goat’s or sheep’s cheese.
Winemaker quote
Château Kefraya is, above all, a unique terroir that produces wines which truly express their origins. Any winemaker who crosses paths with Château Kefraya becomes a guardian of its enduring values.” – Fabrice Guiberteau.
Domaine des Tourelles, Bekaa
Domaine des Tourelles was founded in Chtaura, Bekaa Valley, in 1868 by the French BRUN family, becoming hence the oldest wine company in Lebanon. The property’s success was remarkable for it was the first producer from the Middle-East to collect international medals as early as the 19th century, from France to London and Italy.
Domaine des Tourelles has also its ancestral arak distillery under the famous name of Arak Brun, one of the most renown brands of its category. Other spirits were later added to the production, mainly gin under the name of GinBey.
The winery farms around 80 hectares of vineyards, including some of the oldest vines of the valley. Its winemaking approach is very organic: natural viticulture without any intervention, strictly manual harvest for the best selection of the grapes, and natural fermentation thanks to the local natural yeast colonies that have developed within the winery over more than a century and a half of winemaking.
With an international presence today in more than 25 countries, Domaine des Tourelles delivers the best of wine, arak and gin to Lebanon and the world!
Winery tours and tasting are available daily at the property. Click here to discover them.
Our summer wine picks from Domaine des Tourelles
- Domaine des Tourelles White: Expressive and aromatic, featuring notes of citrus fruits, peach, and apricot, complemented by floral hints of jasmine and chamomile, which are signature to the cuvée.
- Vieilles Vignes White Merweh/Obeidi: Great apero wine that pairs well with most fishes and Mediterranean plates. Salty and mineral with hints of citrus and orange fruits.
- Marquis des Beys White: Rich and elegantly dry, buttery, vegetal aromas, honey notes.
- Domaine des Tourelles Rosé: A powerful nose of strawberries, raspberries, and red cherries, complemented by hints of floral aromas such as rose petals and herbal nuances.
- Vieilles Vignes Cinsault: A complex bouquet of red fruits, rose petals, clove, and cinnamon. A perfect red wine for all seasons (hot and cold days).
Serving tip
“Serve our Vieilles Vignes Cinsault red wine a little bit chilled, it would be more enjoyable especially in the hot season. This is a wonderful light red wine that goes perfectly well with all the seasons.”
Winemaker quote
“Rise again? Yes, we can! This is what makes us true Lebanese. Year after year, crisis after crisis, we prove to ourselves and to the world our ability to rise above challenges and start again stronger than ever!” – Faouzi Issa, winemaker and managing director.
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