Lebanese wine: 5,000 years of history
Lebanon has been making wine for 5,000 years, from the time of the Phoenicians through the Greeks and Romans, who built the Temple of Bacchus, god of wine, at Baalbek. After a long pause of more than three centuries under Ottoman rule, the French revived Lebanese winemaking in the early 20th century, and their influence still shapes the wines today. Buy Lebanese wine online at Finding Wine and taste one of the oldest continuous wine traditions on earth.
Grapes, regions and French heritage
Most of Lebanon's vineyards lie in the high, sunny Bekaa Valley, where altitude tempers the Mediterranean heat. Because Lebanon was under French administration between 1920 and 1964, French grapes lead the way. The predominant red varieties are Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvedre, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot, while whites are built on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Ugni Blanc and local grapes such as Merweh and Obeidi. The result is bold, sun-driven reds and characterful, aromatic whites.
Style and food pairing
Lebanese reds are typically warm, spiced and full-bodied, superb with grilled lamb, kebabs, mezze and dishes seasoned with herbs and spices. The whites and roses are lively and food-friendly, pairing well with tabbouleh, hummus, fresh cheeses and seafood. Many of the top reds also have real cellaring potential, developing complexity over a decade or more.
Buy Lebanese wine online at Finding Wine
Our curated Lebanese collection showcases the finest producers and bottles from the Bekaa Valley and beyond, with expert recommendations. Explore the remarkable legacy of Lebanese wine and order online with confidence.