Lebanon
A surprised look is usually the first reaction of wine drinkers when they learn that Lebanon has a recognised fine wine industry, but with 5,000 years of wine making history behind them, you'd think by now that Lebanese winemakers would know what they're doing. With vineyards 900 metres above sea-level, the Bekka Valley provides 90 percent of Lebanon's wine grapes. The surrounding mountains protect the vineyards from the inland deserts and maritime rainfall, while providing the vines with the necessary irrigation thanks to the water that runs down their slopes.
The renaissance of Lebanese wine in modern times is solely down to the diligent efforts of Serge Hochar, whose Chateau Musar vineyards high in Lebanon's Bekka Valley produce finely tuned, delicious blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault that have achieved much global acclaim. The success of Chateau Musar and fellow producer Chateau Kefraya has seen many young, innovative producers look to this unique landscape to make their wines.
