Cinsault
Fruit and suppleness, the Bekaa's historic grape.
Guide · Lebanese wines
The best Lebanese wines: the Bekaa, its grapes and estates to choose well
Reading time: 10 minutes
Key takeaways
Most of the best Lebanese wines come from the Bekaa Valley, a high plateau where sunny days and cool nights give ripe yet balanced wines. Reds dominate (cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cinsault, carignan), alongside whites from native obeideh and merwah. Château Ksara, Château Musar and Château Kefraya are the historic names. Arak, an aniseed grape spirit, traditionally goes with mezze.
Lebanon is one of the oldest wine countries in the world, yet it remains little known in France.
This guide explains the history, the Bekaa terroir, the grapes and the estates so you can choose with confidence.
Chapter 1 · History
Wine in Lebanon, a history spanning millennia
From the Phoenicians to today
Phoenician traders shipped wine across the Mediterranean.
The Roman temple of Bacchus in Baalbek still stands in the Bekaa.
A 20th-century revival
Estates such as Ksara and Musar shaped modern Lebanese wine.
Several kept making wine through the 1975–1990 civil war.
Chapter 2 · Terroir
The Bekaa, heart of Lebanese wine
Altitude, sun and cool nights
Vines often grow around 1,000 metres between two mountain ranges.
The result: ripe fruit with freshness.
Other regions in brief
Batroun and Mount Lebanon offer a slightly fresher style.
Chapter 3 · Grapes
Lebanon's grape varieties
Most Lebanese wines are blends of French and native grapes.
Red grapes
Cabernet sauvignon
Structure and ageing potential.
Native white grapes
Obeideh
Floral and subtle, also used for arak.
Merwah
Textured whites that can age.
Chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and syrah are grown too.
Chapter 4 · Red
Lebanese red wine: what to expect
Ripe dark fruit, gentle spice and a generous palate.
Top cuvées can age ten years or more.
A natural match for grilled meats.
Serving temperature
Serve around 16–18 °C; decant young, powerful reds.
Chapter 5 · White & rosé
Lebanese white and rosé: summer essentials
Obeideh and merwah whites are round and floral.
Cinsault rosés are pale and refreshing; serve at 8–12 °C.
A nice change for an evening for two.
Chapter 6 · Estates
Lebanon's most renowned estates
A few historic houses serve as landmarks.
This is not a ranking: style matters more than name.
Château Ksara
Founded in 1857 by Jesuit fathers in the Bekaa.
Château Musar
Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, known for long-ageing reds.
Château Kefraya
Family estate in the western Bekaa.
Chapter 7 · Arak
Arak, the other drink of the Lebanese table
Arak is a grape spirit flavoured with aniseed.
Add water, then ice: it turns milky white.
It is traditionally served with mezze.
Chapter 8 · Method
How to choose a Lebanese wine
Four simple criteria are enough.
Colour
Match it to the season and the meal.
Grape
Cabernet for structure, cinsault for suppleness.
Vintage & budget
Recent vintages for whites; set a price range.
And simply ask for advice.
Chapter 9 · In Nantes
Discover Lebanese wines in Nantes
Le Cèdre, Nantes' first Lebanese restaurant since 1988, offers a selection of Lebanese wines.
The team will gladly advise you.
See our selection of Lebanese wines or the full menu.
FAQ
Your questions about Lebanese wine
Is Lebanese wine good?
Yes. The high-altitude Bekaa produces ripe, balanced wines from respected estates.
What is the best-known Lebanese wine?
Château Musar is the best known abroad, alongside Ksara and Kefraya.
What is the difference between Lebanese wine and arak?
Wine is fermented grape juice; arak is a distilled, aniseed-flavoured spirit.
What are Lebanon's grape varieties?
Cinsault, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, carignan, and native obeideh and merwah.
At what temperature should a Lebanese red be served?
Around 16–18 °C.
At your table
Fancy a Bekaa red with our grills?
Book your table on rue Kervegan.
Go further
Keep exploring
See our page vins du Liban Nantes. Food pairings will follow in a dedicated article.