Lebanon

Lebanon is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, with records of wines being exported from the region to Egypt in 2686 BC. Lebanon is an ancient and stunning country dominated by two mountain ranges running the length of the country, in the middle of which lies the Bekaa Valley, where most of the farming takes place. Grape varieties in the region include Cinsault, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre, Syrah and in later years the Bordeaux varieties. For whites, Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are the most planted. Lebanon is home to some world famous estates, in particular Chateau Musar.

• Key Varieties: Carignan, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Syrah
• Climate: Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters
• Soil: Most Lebanese wine is produced from grapes grown in the Bekaa Valley, in clay or loam on limestone.
• Did You Know: Lebanon's history of wine production dates back more than 5,000 years; there is a famous Roman temple to Bacchus, the wine god, in Baalbek.