Wines of Lebanon took part at Prowein 2013, the first time the generic group has had a presence at the German trade fair. The group of members of the Union Vinicole du Liban were able to raise awareness of Lebanese wines within this key market.
Eleven wineries from the main wine producing regions of the country – the Bekaa Valley, the historic wine heartland of Lebanon, Batroun in the north and Jezzine in the South – were present, showing a wide variety of styles and grape varieties. As one of the oldest regions of wine production, Lebanon’s vine and wine culture stretches back as far as 7000BC.
Today the wine sector in Lebanon is going from strength to strength, with nearly 40 wineries producing around 8 million bottles annually, using over 25 different international and local grape varieties in just over 2,000 hectares.
Visitors to Prowein learned more about Lebanese wines during a selection of masterclasses which were held at the stands. The masterclasses were given by:
Hendrik Thoma – Master Sommelier, three times winner of the Sommelier of the Year title in Germany and Chef Sommelier at Louis C Jacob Hotel in Hamburg.
Rahkshan Zouleh – Sommelier at Tantris Restaurant in Munich and three times winner of the Sommelier of the Year title in Germany.
Michael Karam – Lebanese wine writer and author of the award winning Wines of Lebanon and Michael Karam’s Lebanese wines: an independent guide published in February 2013
The following wineries were present on the stand with several seeking distribution in Germany:
- Batroun Mountains
- Chateau Ka
- Chateau Kefraya
- Chateau Ksara
- Chateau Qanafar
- Chateau St Thomas
- Chateau du Liban
- Domaine des Tourelles
- Domaine Wardy
- IXSIR
- Karam Winery
Lebanese wines have been available in Germany since the 1980s, but more recently have been enjoying growing success, particularly in the e-commerce sector. Many wines are available in delicatessens and wine shops, as well as being well represented in Lebanese restaurants and shops.
Michael Karam says: “It is very exciting to see Lebanese wines getting more attention on the international stage and first generic Lebanese stand at Prowein is another significant step forward in spreading the message to a wider audience.
“The group’s objective at this important Fair is to ensure more people discover Lebanese wines and as a result, ensure that the wines become more widely available through mainstream channels.”
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Lebanon Wines Success Clos St Thomas Chateau Ka Chateau Ksara IXSIR 2013 Domaine des Tourelles Domaine Wardy Karam Winery Prowein batroun mountains winery chateau du Liban
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