Lebanese Wine
The major wineries in Lebanon are located in the Beqaa Valley, where 90% of the Lebanese wines are produced, as well as the anise-flavored spirit drink - Arak.
The Grapes
Lebanese winemakers have favored French Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and Rhone varietals such as Cinsault, Carignan and Grenache.
Listed Wines:
The Wineries
The major wineries in Lebanon are located in the Beqaa Valley.
Lebanon has achieved international fame through the red wines from Château Musar.
Château Musar has been making world-class wines for generations. The red wines are blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan, and some vintages have been stored to 30 years before they are released for sale.
Château Ksara is the biggest winery in Lebanon. The production is based on reds and rosés made from Rhone varietals such as Carignan and Cinsault.
Château Kefraya is the second biggest with 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares),founded by Michel de Bustros (1929 - 2016) amongst the foothills of Mount Barouk. Château Kefraya exports wines more than 40 countries all over the world.
Château Ksara is the biggest winery in Lebanon.
The Arak
Arak or Araq is a destilled spirit made by extracting anise seeds in grape brandy, and is considered to be one of the first flavored spirits ever made.
It tastes like anise spirits from other contries like French Pastis and Turkish Raki, but is different. It is also the simplest, flavored with only with anise seed and no other additives.
This delicious white spirit has been made in Lebanese villages for centuries. Selected from the finest grapes and aniseed, Arak undergoes four distillations to ensure optimal purity. Mix Arak with water (it will turn white) and serve it in a traditional small glass with an ice cube.