Lebanon was a part of Phoenicia, an early maritime civilization engaged in trade across the Mediterranean between 1500 BC and 300 BC. With galleys launched from the Port of Beirut, the Phoenicians transported wines and goods as far as Spain & Morocco, Sicily, Sardinia, and all along the southern shores of the Sea. Wine has always been part of daily and religious life in Lebanon, a multicultural state with a strong French influence resulting from twenty years of rule between World Wars I and II. Since the late 1990s, the industry has been modernized with an eye toward the West. Most of the varietals are of French origin, namely widely-planted warm-weather Cinsault. Still, indigenous grapes are also used for wine and the local specialty Arak (similar to ouzo). Production occurs in central Lebanon, with most exports from the Beqaa Valley in the east. Look for wines from Domaine Wardy, Château Kefraya, Château Marsyas, Château Musar, Domaine des Tourelles, and Château Ksara.
