Massaya

Massaya is located in the northeast of the Bekaa Valley, in the hills of eastern Lebanon. It is one of Lebanon's most prominent wine producers, making wines from classic French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cinsaut, among others. 

Massaya was revived in the 1990s following Lebanon's long civil war. The Ghosn family had owned the land prior to 1975, but following the outbreak of war, the vineyards had been damaged and production halted, and the family had fled to the United States. The winery, cellars and vineyards were rebuilt and repaired with help and inspiration from France – specifically from winemakers Dominique Hebrard and Hubert de Boüard of Bordeaux, and Daniel Brunier of the Rhone Valley.

Arak, a traditional drink in the region made from distilled grape must was the first product to be revived and has become the cornerstone of Massaya's portfolio. It is made from the native Obaideh grape variety, and is distilled three times alongside organic anise from Syria. It is then rested in clay amphorae for a few months before being released to market.

Massaya also makes a range of blended wines from a range of grape varieties, with proportions depending on vintage. The Terrasses de Baalbeck is one of the top wines, and is a classic Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. These grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards at the foothills of the mountains, vinified and then aged in large foudres instead of smaller barrels.

The house makes a range of other wines – the silver and gold labels are reserve-level wines, while the Classic range, which encompasses red, white and rosé expressions represents Massaya's entry level.