Grapes of success

by Nabila Rahhal January 16, 2017

written by Nabila Rahhal January 16, 2017

Greg Demarque

Lebanese wine has been filling many a glass both locally and globally as the country’s winemakers continue their efforts to grow their market share and as new boutique wineries are launched. Coming out of the Lebanese Civil War with just eight wineries, the wine industry in Lebanon has grown to over five times that number, with 42 wineries registered with the Ministry of Agriculture in 2016. Of this total number, 23 wineries are members of the Union Vinicole du Liban (UVL) and account for 95 percent of Lebanon’s total wine production, which is around nine million bottles per year, according to Zafer Chaoui, current head of the UVL and chairman and chief executive officer of Château Ksara. And yet, Lebanon’s production numbers remain a drop in the ocean in comparison to neighboring wine-producing countries. “Growth is needed. We produce nine million bottles, while Cyprus produces 27 million bottles and it

Nabila Rahhal

Nabila is Executive's hospitality, tourism and retail editor. She also covers other topics she's interested in such as education and mental health. Prior to joining Executive, she worked as a teacher for eight years in Beirut. Nabila holds a Masters in Educational Psychology from the American University of Beirut. Send mail

2 comments

Amin Rizk January 19, 2017 - 3:00 PM

It is unacceptable that imported wine is still charged custom duties of 35% plus VAT to add to the unavoidable freight charges making it mostly expensive and inaccessible to Lebanese consumers. Lebanese wines have had enough protection to develop on their own and improve their quality. If the Lebanese producers believe they are delivering good products then let them compete fairly.

Gab July 17, 2018 - 11:23 AM

Dear Amin,
In which way do you consider the competition between Lebanese producers and International producers fair, when:
1- Agriculture in general (including grapes plantation) is subsidized in almost all the competing countries.
2- Lebanese wine producers have to import all the accessories such as bottles, corks, barrels, machines, etc
3- All costs (such as labor, energy and other general expenses) are way more expensive in Lebanon that in most competing countries.
Lebanese producers do deliver excellent wines whose quality has tremendously improved and that can definitely compete (quality wise) with many foreign wines. Did you at least give them a chance? Have you tried all the wines of the 40+ producers? Well let me tell you that more than 50% of Lebanese wine is exported and is very appreciated abroad. Lebanese wines is gaining recognition in Europe, the US as well as Asia, gaining market shares and winning awards.
Lebanese wine producers deserve respect, they are doing a great job while producing their wines against all odds.

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Grapes of success

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2 comments