Why every wine lover should become acquainted with Lebanese wine – our expert reveals all

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More than 5,000 years ago the sea-faring Phoenicians were based in modern-day Lebanon and began trading their wine with settlements all around the Mediterranean. They also took vines and viticultural know-how, which established the wine industries in many of those countries that survive to this day. This ancient wine culture was revived in the 19th century by French clergymen who planted vines in the Bekaa Valley, where most Lebanese wine is still
made. The Bekaa is a high-altitude plateau 1,200 metres above sea level – cool summer nights maintain grape freshness while cold winters kill off diseases.

Lebanon's main grape varieties

White Chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier, obeideh, merwah Red Cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cinsault, carignan, merlot, meksassi, mourad and soubbagh.

What food should you pair Lebanese wine with?

Lebanese wines are generally robust and have bags of flavour, so think of food along the same lines. A Middle Eastern meze spread would be ideal, the whites and rosés going particularly well with hummus strewn with pomegranate seeds, tabbouleh and cheese pastries, while the reds are brilliant with olives, spiced meat kebabs, grilled lamb chops and anything using aubergines or tomatoes.

Lebanese wine making

Lebanon’s modern history has been plagued by political instability, financial crisis, occupation and war. But the Lebanese are brave and resilient people, and for decades their wineries have continued to produce their distinctive wines in the face of adversity. Most grapes planted are familiar French varietals that suit the climate well but some ancient indigenous grapes are also grown. Domaine des Tourelles (see below) particularly champions old vines, including some that grow wild on the slopes of Mount Lebanon and are more than 150 years old – its fabulous orange wine called Skin is made from these.

Travelling to Lebanon

At the time of writing the UK government advises against all but essential travel to Lebanon, which is all the more reason to support this beleaguered country by buying its wonderful wines. But do bookmark it for the future when hopefully stability returns. It’s a really beautiful country and its vibrant capital, Beirut, is full of fantastic food, wine, music and the indefatigable joie de vivre of the Lebanese people.

Best Lebanese wine to buy 2026

Château Musar Jeune Rosé

Available from London End Wines (£15.75)

Founded in 1930, Château Musar was the first to bring Lebanese wine to the attention of the UK wine trade in 1976. Its Bordeaux-inspired reds are particularly sought after but this mourvèdre/cinsault blend rosé has plenty of Lebanese character too. Like a fruit salad of raspberries, watermelon, nectarines and orange blossom with a whisper of citrus and nutmeg.

Ksara Blanc de Blancs

Available from Strictly Wine (£18.87)

Château Ksara was established by Jesuit monks in 1857 who planted vines for sacramental wine. Ancient Roman cellars were discovered on the same site in 1898 and are still used by Ksara to store its wines. This is a blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon with some barrel-fermented chardonnay – opulent, tropical fruit but with plenty of freshness and a slight nuttiness.

Domaine des Tourelles Cuvée Pierre Brun

Available from Majestic (£14)

François-Eugène Brun recognised the Bekaa’s wine potential and built Lebanon’s oldest commercial winery in 1868. Faouzi Issa now brings modern elan to these historic wines, like this cabernet, syrah, cinsault and carignan, aged in concrete vats for two years – dark fruits layered with cloves, cedar wood and a hint of rosemary.