Bekaa Valley
Vines among Roman ruins, and one of wine's oldest unbroken stories.
Bekaa Valley: the home of Cinsault and Cabernet blends
Lebanon has made wine for thousands of years, and the high Bekaa Valley is where it carries on against the odds. Hot, dry days and cool nights at altitude ripen French grapes into rich, warm reds, and the valley's Roman temple at Baalbek is a reminder of how deep this history runs. It is a trip for the adventurous, and a remarkable story in the glass.
The wines
The signature is a warm, spiced red blend of Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache, generous and sun-soaked. Old Cinsault vines and a few characterful whites round out the picture.
Where to go
The valley lies east of Beirut over the mountains, with the town of Zahlé as a base. Several historic wineries welcome visitors, and the Roman ruins at Baalbek are among the greatest in the world.
Eat
The Lebanese table is one of the world's best: mezze, grilled meats and bright herbs. The warm reds and a long mezze lunch are a natural fit.
Getting there
Fly into Beirut, then drive about 90 minutes east over the mountains. Check current travel advice and consider a local guide for the visit.
Know the wine before you go.
The app teaches you Cinsault and Cabernet blends in five minutes, then helps you order it with confidence. Learn the grape, then come back and plan the trip.
Bekaa Valley wine tours & tastings
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Bekaa Valley, quick answers.
What wine is the Bekaa Valley known for?
Warm, generous red blends of French grapes like Cinsault, Cabernet and Syrah, from one of the world's oldest wine cultures.
How old is winemaking in Lebanon?
Thousands of years. The Phoenicians traded wine across the Mediterranean, and the Bekaa has grown vines more or less continuously ever since.
Is it possible to visit the Bekaa Valley?
Yes, several wineries welcome visitors, often paired with the Roman ruins at Baalbek. Check current travel advice and consider a guide.
