Chateau Ksara
Charles Malek Ave., Beirut, Lebanon
Founded in 1857, Château Ksara is one of Lebanon’s oldest wineries and an ever-popular stop on Bekaa Valley tours. Situated at around 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level, the estate has vineyards across Lebanon. Star of the show at the winery, besides the wines themselves, are the historic 1.5-mile (2-kilometer) cave cellars.
The Basics
Château Ksara visits generally begin with a short tour of the winery, progress into the Roman-era caves that hold wines from as far back as 1918, and finish with a tasting. Prices vary depending on the caliber and quantity of wines you taste. The in-house restaurant offers a short menu of international fare and a buffet, while the wine shop sells spirits as well as Ksara vintages.
Most travelers tour Château Ksara estate as part of a Bekaa Valley day trip from Beirut, with stops at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Baalbek and Anjar. Dedicated wine-tasting tours are another popular option.
Things to Know Before You Go
Château Ksara is a great choice for wine lovers, history buffs, and photographers alike.
Safety in Lebanon has come into question due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict, according to the US Department of State, and the Bekaa Valley is the heartland of Islamist militant group Hezbollah. Travelers considering a visit should refer to their government’s travel advisories for the latest information.
Château Ksara winery is not wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Château Ksara is located in the heart of the Bekaa Valley, about 30 miles (49 kilometers) east of Beirut and 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anjar. It’s not possible to reach Ksara by public transport. Rather than combine wine tasting with driving, most travelers prefer to hire a driver or join an organized tour.
When to Get There
Château Ksara winery is open seven days a week from March to December, closing on Sundays in January and February and for Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, and New Year’s Day. It closes midafternoon in January and February, but stays open a little later at busier times of year.
Winemaking in Lebanon
Grapes have grown and wines have been made in Lebanon for thousands of years. But the vintages you’ll taste at wineries such as Ksara, Kefraya, Musar, and Domaine des Tourelles owe their style to the influence of pioneering French winemakers, who began arriving in Lebanon around 1860. It was Jesuit priests who founded Château Ksara, in 1857.
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