Lebanon — wine

Batroun Wine Region

Lebanon's most exciting emerging wine district, located in the Batroun mountains north of Beirut at 300–1,000 meters elevation. Less continental than the Bekaa Valley, Batroun benefits from Mediterranean sea breezes that moderate temperature and create conditions for earlier-ripening varieties. Massaya, IKamal Mouzawak's Entr'acte, and the remarkable Château Qanafar are establishing Batroun as a distinct Lebanese appellation producing wines of international quality.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Balanced vintage with characteristic Levantine complexity.
2022 Record quality; Lebanese wine diaspora driving exports to US and France.
2021 Recovery vintage; international solidarity with Lebanon drove wine export interest.
2020 Beirut port explosion devastated wine industry; Batroun producers reduced but continued.
2019 Strong growing season despite Lebanon's broader economic crisis.
2018 Outstanding vintage; El-Ixsir earned 93 points from Wine Spectator.
2017 Reliable vintage; Lebanon's wine sector showed resilience amid political tensions.
2016 Good season; Ixsir earning consistent international recognition for Lebanese wine.
2015 Strong vintage in Batroun's mountains; maritime influence preserved freshness.