Wines of Lebanon

Prowein 2014 Masterclass Timetable

2014-01-28T06:14:00.001-08:00

All masterclasses will be held on our stand Hall02/E12

Sunday	11.00	Joe Wadsack	Lebanese Whites	Lebanon is best known for its red wines, but we'll take a look at the new contemporary style whites currently being made in Lebanon
	15.00	Michael Karam	Lebanese wines: the new guard	The last decade has seen an explosion in the number of new wineries. We take a look at some of these newcomers

Monday	11.00	Caro Maurer MW (in German)	Lebanese wines: Grapes & Terroir	Lebanon produces wines from many of the classic, well known varieties, as well as some indigenous and more surprising grapes. This tasting will take you on a tour of the different terroirs and grape varieties available in Lebanon today
	15.00	Michael Karam	Lebanese Whites	Lebanon is best known for its red wines, but we'll take a look at the new contemporary style whites currently being made in Lebanon

Tuesday	11.00	Tim Atkin MW	Grapes & Terroir	Lebanon produces wines from many of the classic, well known varieties, as well as some indigenous and more surprising grapes. This tasting will take you on a tour of the different terroirs and grape varieties available in Lebanon today
	14.00	Michael Karam	The Ageing potential of Lebanese wines	A tasting through the years including some very old vintages, to show how Lebanese wines can evolve

To book a space please visit http://winesoflebanon.eventbrite.co.uk

Wines of Lebanon at Prowein 2014

2014-01-28T06:07:00.001-08:00

Hall 2, Stand E12

Lebanese wine producers will once again be exhibiting at Prowein this year, under a generic banner of Wines of Lebanon, organised by the Union Vinicole du Liban (UVL).

Sixteen different producers will be showing wines from all the wine-producing areas of Lebanon: the Bekaa Valley, the historic heartland of wine production in Lebanon, as well as newer wine regions such as Batroun in the north, the Metn and the Chouf in Mount Lebanon and Jezzine in the South.

Lebanon is one of the oldest regions of wine production - its vine and wine culture stretches back to 7000BC – but the sector today is very much a modern industry with nearly 40 wineries producing around 9 million bottles annually, using over 25 different international and local grape varieties in just over 2,000 hectares.

Masterclasses at the Fair

A series of masterclasses will run throughout the Fair on the stand allowing visitors to gain a greater understanding of the history of Lebanese wine and the progress the industry has made to date.

The classes will be hosted by German wine presenter Caro Maurer MW, British wine writer Tim Atkin MW, and Lebanese wine writer Michael Karam, author of Wines of Lebanon and Michael Karam’s Lebanese Wines.

To view the timetable and reserve a space please visit our booking site.

Zafer Chaoui, President of the UVL said: “We are delighted to be attending Prowein once again, with a bigger and better stand for 2014. Last year we received a fantastic reception for our wines, so this year we are back with more producers to spread the word about Lebanese wine.”

Michael Karam commented: “Lebanese wines have gone from strength to strength over the last decade. The country has built on its long history of wine-making, and through experimentation with different terroirs and varieties, producers today are making some exciting and high quality wines that reflect Lebanon’s unique character.”

Participating wineries:

Adyar www.adyar.org.lb

Batroun Mountains www.batrounmountains.com

Chatea Ka www.chateauka.com

Chateau Florentine www.chateauflorentine.com

Chateau Kefraya www.chateaukefraya.com

Chateau Ksara www.chateauksara.com

Chateau Qanafar www.chateauqanafar.com

Chateau St Thomas www.closstthomas.com

Coteaux du Liban www.coteauxduliban.com

Domaine de Baal www.domainedebaal.com

Domaine des Tourelles www.domainedestourelles.com

Domaine Wardy www.domainewardy.com

Chateau Heritage www.chateauheritage.com

IXSIR www.ixsir.com.lb

Karam Winery www.karamwinery.com

Oumsiyat www.oumsiyat.com

For further information please contact:

UK: Madeleine Waters | Coco PR | +44 7778 702221 | madeleine@cocopr.co.uk

Germany: Emily Albers | PR International | +49-40- 450 374 04 | Emily@AlbersPRI.com

Prowein 2013: Masterclass Timetable

2013-02-26T13:21:00.001-08:00

Sunday/Sonntag 24/3
11.00	Lebanon: The terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture Tutored tasting by Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam featuring 5 wines of the main grape-growing regions in different styles (in English)
	Libanon: Terroir, Rebsorten und Menschen der Weinkultur im Libanon moderierte Verkostung mit 5 Weinen von Michael Karam, Weinexperte aus dem Libanon (in englisch)
15.00	Discover Lebanon with its rich winemaking history from 5000 BC to the present day Tutored tasting with 11 wines by Rakhshan Zhouleh, host at Tantris Restaurant and Sommelier of the Year 2001/2002/2008 (in German)
	Entdecken Sie den Libanon mit seiner reichen Weingeschichte moderierte Verkostung mit 11 Weinen von Rakhshan Zhouleh, Gastgeber Tantris und Sommelier des Jahres 2001/2002/2008 (in deutsch)
17.00	Making wine not war: Overcoming the Lebanese cliché Tutored tasting hosted by Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam featuring 6 wines (in English)
	Making wine not war: Libanon aus einer anderen Perspektive moderierte Verkostung mit 6 Weinen von Michael Karam, Weinexperte aus dem Libanon (in englisch)

Monday/Montag 25/3
11.00	Lebanon: The terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture Tutored tasting by Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam featuring 5 wines of the main grape-growing regions in different styles (in English)
	Libanon: Terroir, Rebsorten und Menschen der Weinkultur im Libanon moderierte Verkostung mit 5 Weinen von Michael Karam, Weinexperte aus dem Libanon (in englisch)
15.00	Discover Lebanon with its rich winemaking history – from 5000 BC to the present day Tutored tasting with 11 wines by Hendrik Thoma, Master Sommelier (in German)
	Entdecken Sie den Libanon mit seiner reichen Weingeschichte Moderierte Verkostung mit 11 Weinen von Hendrik Thoma, Master Sommelier (in deutsch)
17.00	Making wine not war: Overcoming the Lebanese cliché Tutored tasting hosted by Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam featuring 6 wines (in English)
	Making wine not war: Libanon aus einer anderen Perspektive moderierte Verkostung mit 6 Weinen von Michael Karam, Weinexperte aus dem Libanon (in englisch)
Tuesday/Dienstag 26/3
11.00	Discover Lebanon with its rich winemaking history from 5000 BC to the present day Tutored tasting with 11 wines by Rakhshan Zhouleh, host at Tantris Restaurant and Sommelier of the Year 2001/2002/2008 (in German)
	Entdecken Sie den Libanon mit seiner reichen Weingeschichte moderierte Verkostung mit 11 Weinen von Rakhshan Zhouleh, Gastgeber Tantris und Sommelier des Jahres 2001/2002/2008 (in deutsch)
14.00	Lebanon: The terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture tutored tasting by Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam featuring 5 wines of the main grape-growing regions indifferent styles (in English)
	Libanon: Terroir, Rebsorten und Menschen der Weinkultur im Libanon moderierte Verkostung mit 5 Weinen von Michael Karam, Weinexperte aus dem Libanon (in englisch)

Wines of Lebanon at Prowein

2013-02-26T13:17:00.003-08:00

PRESS INFORMATION

Hall 02 Stand D12

To view this information in German please click here

Wines of Lebanon will be taking a stand 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 aims 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 – will all be 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 can learn more about Lebanese wines during a selection of masterclasses that will be held on the stand over the three days of the Fair. The masterclasses will be 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 will be present on the stand with several seeking distribution in Germany:

Batroun Mountains

Chateau Ka

Chateau Kefraya

Chateau Ksara

Chateau Qanafar

Chatea St Thomas

Coteaux 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.

Those who are not yet distributed in Germany are attending the Fair to find a distributor in Germany, while others are using Prowein as an important meeting point for importers and customers from all over Europe and further afield.

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.”

Spokespeople available for interview:

· Faouzi Issa, Winemaker and owner – Domaine des Tourellese, on behalf of the Union Vinicole du Liban

· Michael Karam – independent Lebanese wine expert and wine writer

For further information and to book an interview please contact:

Emily Albers Emily@AlbersPRI.com

T+49-40-450 374 04 M: +49-172 417 99 86

Madeleine Waters madeleine@cocopr.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1225 807477 M: +44 7778 702221

Wines of Lebanon zum ersten Mal auf der Prowein

2013-02-26T13:13:00.001-08:00

PRESSE INFORMATION

Halle 02 Stand D12

To view this information in English please click here

(Beirut, Februar 2013) - Der Verband Wines of Lebanon nimmt mit 11 Erzeugern zum ersten Mal an der ProWein teil. Die Aussteller repräsentieren mit dem Bekaa-Tal, dem Weinbauzentrum im Libanon, Batroun im Norden und Jezzine im Süden die wichtigsten Anbaugebiete des Landes.

Libanon gehört zu den ältesten Weinbauregionen der Welt; seine Anfänge gehen zurück bis 7000 v. C. Heute produziert das Land mit seinen rund 40 Kellereien mit über 25 autochthonen und internationalen Varietäten ein Volumen von 8 Millionen Flaschen jährlich.

Messebesucher sind an allen drei Tagen zu moderierten Verkostungen am Stand von Wines of Lebanon eingeladen. Der Verband freut sich, dafür renommierte Fachleute gewonnen zu haben:

Hendrik Thoma – Master Sommelier

Rakhshan Zhouleh – Gastgeber Tantris Restaurant, München und Sommelier des Jahres 2001/2007/2008

Michael Karam – Libanesischer Weinexperte und Autor der Bücher Wines of Lebanon; Lebanese Wine Guide 2011

Die teilnehmenden Weingüter an der ProWein 2013 sind:

Batroun Mountains

Chateau Ka

Chateau Kefraya

Chateau Ksara

Chateau Qanafar

Chateau St Thomas

Coteaux du Liban

Domaine des Tourelles

Domaine Wardy

IXSIR

Karam Winery

Bereits seit den 80er Jahren sind libanesische Weine in Deutschland im Fachhandel und der Gastronomie erhältlich. In den letzten Jahren ist besonders der Absatz im Online-Sektor gestiegen.

‚Wir gehören sicherlich zu den Exoten auf der Messe’, sagt Michael Karam. ‚ Mit dieser Messepräsenz wollen wir unsere Weine nicht nur einem deutschen, sondern auch einem internationalen Fachpublikum näher bringen und hoffen, dass sie zukünftig eine breitere Distribution genießen werden.’

Interviewpartner auf der ProWein 2013:

Faouzi Issa - Winemaker und Eigentümer Domaine des Tourellese; Sprecher der Union Vinicole du Liban
Michael Karam – libanesischer Weinexperte und Journalist

Weitere Informationen bei:

Emily Albers Emily@AlbersPRI.com

T+49-40-450 374 04 M: +49-172 417 99 86

Madeleine Waters madeleine@cocopr.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1225 807477 M: +44 7778 702221

Seminare und Verkostungen - Termine

Sonntag 24/3
11.00	Libanon: Terroir, Rebsorten und Menschen der Weinkultur im Libanon moderierte Verkostung mit 5 Weinen von Michael Karam, (in englisch)
15.00	Entdecken Sie den Libanon mit seiner reichen Weingeschichte moderierte Verkostung mit 11 Weinen von Rakhshan Zhouleh, (in deutsch)
17.00	Making wine not war: Libanon aus einer anderen Perspektive moderierte Verkostung mit 6 Weinen von Michael Karam, (in englisch)
Montag 25/3
11.00	Libanon: Terroir, Rebsorten und Menschen der Weinkultur im Libanon moderierte Verkostung mit 5 Weinen von Michael Karam, (in englisch)
15.00	Entdecken Sie den Libanon mit seiner reichen Weingeschichte moderierte Verkostung mit 11 Weinen von Hendrik Thoma, (in deutsch)
17.00	Making wine not war: Libanon aus einer anderen Perspektive moderierte Verkostung mit 6 Weinen von Michael Karam,(in englisch)
Dienstag 26/3
11.00	Entdecken Sie den Libanon mit seiner reichen Weingeschichte moderierte Verkostung mit 11 Weinen von Rakhshan Zhouleh, (in deutsch)
14.00	Libanon: Terroir, Rebsorten und Menschen der Weinkultur im Libanon moderierte Verkostung mit 5 Weinen von Michael Karam, (in englisch)

Lebanese wine exports hit new high

2013-01-31T07:03:00.000-08:00

New figures released by Lebanese Customs show that exports of wine to the UK have grown by 33% year on year (2011-12). Overall exports of wine have risen consistently since 2009, the UK market has shown the most significant growth.

The export market is now worth over $14m with the UK representing $4.3m. The figures also show growth in the US ($1.9m) and French ($2.4m) markets, two other important markets for Lebanese wineries.

“The figures demonstrate that in markets where we as wineries invest significant time and money, we are beginning to reap the benefits”, said Faouzi Issa, owner of Domaine des Tourelles on behalf of the Union Vinicole du Liban (UVL), Lebanon’s association of wine producers.

Since 2010 the UVL has funded a generic marketing programme in the UK. The award-winning Wines of Lebanon campaign – a first for the association - has raised awareness of Lebanon as a wine producing country through a series of trade and consumer events, media coverage and an educational website. In 2012 the campaign won the Generic Campaign of the Year Award at the International Wine Challenge.

Next month the group will visit Prowein (24-26 March) in Germany with a generic stand showcasing wines from 11 of its members. “Germany is a very important future market for us and we are already seeing a growing level of interest there which we will be building on in the coming months”, said Issa.

- ends –

Further information:

Madeleine Waters +44 7778 702221 madeleine@cocopr.co.uk

Three Wine Men & some Lebanese Wine

2012-12-04T09:59:00.001-08:00

This weekend you will find us at the Three Wine Men event at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. We will be joining the festive frolics with Oz Clarke, Olly Smith & Tim Atkin MW in London at Lord’s on 8th & 9th December; they want to get everyone in the country tasting, buying and enjoying new wines and discovering different foods.

We've got two pairs of tickets to give away so if you'd like to have a chance of winning, simply follow us @Lebanonwines and retweet the following tweet:

This weekend find us @threewinemen at Lords Cricket Ground http://bit.ly/VpYR51- come and discover Lebanese Wines!

and we'll pick two winners at random.

The Three Wine Men's top quality events bring together wine, beer and food retailers to show you just how much fun your taste buds can have in a day. You will have a great time, whether you’re an expert, an enthusiast or just enjoy the odd glass.

The event will set you up for a cracking Christmas - come and find wines which compliment the Christmas pud, match with the mince pies, and go together with the turkey.
At an event, you simply:
• Pick up a glass
• Grab a tasting brochure
• Join in a masterclass if you wish
• Taste / buy as many wines as you like

Competition Terms and Conditions

1. This prize draw is open to over 18 year olds who have a resident UK address except employees of Watershed Communcations Ltd or anyone else connected with the promotion.

2. Only one entry per email address will be entered in the draw.

3. There are 2 prizes for 2 winners of 2 pairs of tickets to the Three Wine Men wine fair on either Saturday 8th December or Sunday 9th December 2012 at Lord's Cricket Ground.

6. The prizewinners will be selected at random after the prize draw closes onThursday 6th December 2012 at 6pm GMT using random.org.

7. The prizewinners will be the first two emails drawn at random by Wines of Lebanon from valid entries. The results of the prize draw are final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prizes are non-transferable.

8. The prizewinners will be notified by email by midnight on Thursday 6 December.

9. If the winner does not reply to the email within 1 day, the prize will go to the next entrant drawn at random from eligible entries.

10. The prizewinners must be prepared to take part in all publicity related to the promotion. The winners names may be published on the Facebook page.

11. Details of the prizewinners can be obtained for a period of 6 weeks following the prize draw by sending a SAE to Wines of Lebanon, Winsford, Bath BA2 8PU

13. By entering the prize draw, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

14. Promoter: Wines of Lebanon, c/o Watershed Communications Ltd Winsford, Bath BA2 8PU

European Wine Bloggers Conference

2012-10-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Wines of Lebanon joins EWBC 2012

Wines of Lebanon is participating in the European Wine Bloggers Conference taking place in Izmir next month.

Eight Lebanese wineries will be represented at the Grand Terroir tasting and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam will be attending to give delegates an overview of this historical wine-producing region.

Wines of Lebanon Director Madeleine Waters says: “We are very excited to be participating in this event, particularly as it is being held in Lebanon’s ‘back yard’!

Delegates will be able to taste wines from:

Chateau Ka

Chateau Kefraya

Chateau Ksara

Chateau Musar

Chateau St Thomas

Domaine des Tourelles

IXSIR

Karam Winery

- ends –

For further information please contact:

Madeleine Waters madeleine@cocopr.co.uk 01225 807477

Wines of Lebanon scoops top award at IWC 2012

2012-09-11T23:42:00.001-07:00

London, 12 September 2012

Wines of Lebanon was last night named as Generic Campaign of the Year at the 2012 International Wine Challenge Awards Dinner at the Hilton in Park Lane, London.

The campaign, run by Coco PR, was launched in 2010 and marked the first time Lebanon had embarked upon such an initiative. The judges felt that Coco PR had done “a superb job of bringing Lebanon into focus in the past year” and praised the campaign for being “both interesting and well directed”.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have won the Award, particularly as we were up against two very worthy opponents [Wines of Germany and the Bordeaux Wine Council] said Coco PR Director Madeleine Waters. “I am also so pleased that the judges felt that a small, lower budget campaign like ours deserved recognition. Lebanon is a tiny country with an even tinier production, but by having a good product from a remarkable country and by doing the basics well we have achieved solid results.”

Chateau Musar’s Serge Hochar, President of the Union Vinicole du Liban, the trade association of Lebanese wines whose members commissioned the campaign, said: “This marks a great step forward for Lebanon and shows that working together in a professional way can bring great results. We all congratulate Madeleine on this tremendous Award and are looking forward to another successful year of the campaign with Coco PR.”

Since 2010 Coco has run a series of successful press trips to Lebanon which has resulted in press coverage in national wine columns, consumer magazines and trade titles. A series of roadshows and masterclasses run by Tim Atkin MW and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam has taken the wines to trade and press audiences in London, Manchester and Bristol, and a generic stand at the London Wine Fair in 2011 and 2012 has led to greater awareness of Lebanese wines in the UK, leading to increased listings. Exports of Lebanese wines to the UK grew by 26% from 2010 to 2011 (source Lebanese Customs).

Now beginning its third year, the campaign has attracted new wineries for 2012/13 keen to make their mark in the UK wine market.

London Wine Fair 2012 Masterclass Timetable

2012-04-11T03:24:00.002-07:00

Tuesday 22 May

10.00 Overcoming the cliché: Positioning Lebanese wine on the international marketA tutored tasting featuring 5 wines with Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam, author of Wines of Lebanon

12.00 Introducing Lebanese wine - a tutored tasting with Tim Atkin MW and Michael Karam SOLD OUT

Tim & Michael will talk through 9 wines showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs within this small country and briefly outline Lebanon’s rich winemaking history – from 5000BC to the present day - showing how centuries of tradition have been harnessed with modern winemaking techniques to create what is arguably Lebanon’s greatest export.

14.00 Lebanon: the terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture
A tutored tasting hosted by Michael Karam featuring 5 wines

Wednesday 23 May

· 11.00 Introducing Lebanese wine - a tutored tasting with Tim Atkin MW and Michael Karam
S SOLD OUT

13.00 Overcoming the cliché: Positioning Lebanese wine on the international market

A tutored tasting featuring 5 wines with Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam, author of Wines of Lebanon

15.00 Lebanon: the terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture

A tutored tasting featuring 5 wines, hosted by Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam and Christina Pickard who has recently returned from a wine trip to Lebanon.
Christina presented for over two years on the BBC Good Food Channel’s flagship show Market Kitchen alongside chefs like Matt Tebbutt, Richard Corrigan, James Martin, and Simon Rimmer. Today she hosts tastings and masterclasses, presents for promotional videos, co-hosts the weekly podcast The Crush, and writes for publications including Decanter, Harpers, and Imbibe.

Thursday 24 May

· 11.00 Introducing Lebanese wine - a tutored tasting with Tim Atkin MW and Michael Karam
S SOLD OUT

13.00 Overcoming the cliché: Positioning Lebanese wine on the international market

A tutored tasting featuring 5 wines with Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam, author of Wines of Lebanon

15.00 Lebanon: the terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture

A tutored tasting hosted by Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam featuring 5 wines

Places are limited and will be allocated on a strictly first come first served basis. Please visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2178631409 to book your place.

Wines of Lebanon at the London Wine Fair 2012

2012-04-05T03:27:00.001-07:00

Wines of Lebanon at the LIWF 2012 – Stand N11

Wines of Lebanon will be returning to the LIWF for the second year with new wineries and an exciting programme of masterclasses being delivered on the stand (N11).

Tim Atkin MW and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam will be presenting an overview of Lebanon’s winemaking industry, together with a tutored tasting, and other tastings taking place throughout the day include:

Overcoming the cliché: Positioning Lebanese wine on the international market
Lebanon: the terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture

The generic Lebanese stand at the LIWF has attracted new wineries this year, keen to gain a foothold in the UK market. Lebanese wines are gaining ground in the UK with exports up by 26% from 2010 to 2011 (source: Lebanese Government Customs Figures).

Nine wineries will be represented at this year’s show:

· Batroun Mountains

· Chateau Ka

· Chataeau Kefraya

· Chateau Ksara

· Chateau St Thomas

· Coteaux de Botrys

· Domaine des Tourelles

· IXSIR

· Karam Winery

We are really excited to be exhibiting at the Fair again this year,” says Madeleine Waters who runs the Wines of Lebanon campaign in the UK. “Last year was about introducing people to the concept of Lebanon as a wine-producing country and we received a lot of interest. Over the last 12 months, we have run tastings and masterclasses throughout the UK to give the trade more insight into Lebanese wines and the people behind them. This year we want to encourage people to take a closer look at Lebanon and the diverse range of wines produces.”

Discover Lebanon Tastings

2011-11-14T04:05:00.000-08:00

Discover Lebanon

A series of Tastings

Manchester

21 November 2011, 11.30am & 1.30pm

Malmaison Manchester, 1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LZ

Discover Lebanon Masterclass: Tim Atkin MW & Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam will host a Masterclass showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs, with a look at Lebanon’s rich winemaking history - from 5000BC to the present day.

Bristol

22 November 2011, 11.30am & 1.30pm

Hotel du Vin Bristol, The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol BS2 2NU

Discover Lebanon Masterclass: Food and wine matching specialist and Guardian wine columnist Fiona Beckett will join Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam for a Masterclass showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs, with a look at Lebanon’s rich winemaking history - from 5000BC to the present day.

RSVP Essential

Places for masterclasses are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

RSVP:

Madeleine Waters
E: madeleine@cocopr.co.uk (preferred) T: 01225 835544

winesfromlebanon.co.uk

London

Wednesday 23 November 2011, 12-2pm

at L’atelier des Chefs, 9 Wigmore Street W1U 1PH London

Discover some of the flavours of Lebanon with food writer & blogger Bethany Kehdy who will be demonstrating some Lebanese recipes
Learn more about the history of winemaking in Lebanon from 5000BC to the present day with Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam
Meet the producers and taste their wines

RSVP:

Madeleine Waters
E: madeleine@cocopr.co.uk (preferred) T: 01225 835544

winesfromlebanon.co.uk

Lebanon hits the road!

2011-10-13T03:48:00.000-07:00

Save the date for some exciting events next month:

Monday 21 November - Malmaison, Manchester

A chance to discover Lebanese wines with a tasting for trade and press
Lebanese Wines Masterclass: Join Tim Atkin MW and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam to discover even more about Lebanon, its wines and its long history of winemaking

Tuesday 22 November - Hotel du Vin, Bristol

A chance to discover Lebanese wines with a tasting for trade and press
Lebanese Wines Masterclass: Join Guardian wine columnist Fiona Beckett and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam to discover even more about Lebanon, its wines and its long history of winemaking

Please email to register your interest. Invitations will be mailed next week.

Pride Awards

2011-09-07T04:49:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to have been nominated for a CIPR Pride Award.

The CIPR says:
"Recognising excellence and rewarding achievement in public relations and communications – PRoof of your success in the PR industry.

The CIPR PRide Awards recognise excellence in PR and communications across the UK. These awards grow year-on-year as consultancies and organisations increasingly recognise the benefits of industry awards, and past winners continue to reap the benefits of receiving one."

The Wines of Lebanon campaign has been nominated in the Corporate & Business Communications category of the West of England area. The Awards Dinner is on 21 October when we find out whether we have won or not....

Guest Post from Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam

2011-07-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam has kindly agreed to provide a guest post on Lebanese reds here. Michael has written two books: Wines of Lebanon and Michael Karam's Guide to Lebanese Wines 2011. The full article can be read on his blog.

Big Lebanese reds

I was recently asked byExecutive magazine http://www.executive-magazine.com/ to provide a list of my dozen favorite full-bodied Lebanese reds.

For those who missed it, here they are.

Comte de M 2007

This behemoth of a wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It has a deep cherry hue with aromas of black pepper and thyme on the nose. In the mouth there it has a wonderfully elegant structure and a smooth finish. One of Lebanon’s most famous reds, and deservedly so. The first Lebanese wine to be championed by US guru critic Robert Parker who was wowed by the ’96.

Château Ksara

Le Souverain 2006

Initially made to celebrate the winery’s 150^th birthday, it has stayed on by popular demand. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and the little-known Arinarnoa, it has a deep cherry hue with bell pepper and hints of figs on the nose. The Arinarnoa gives wonderful flavors of cassis and cured meats. Texture is silky, while the finish is dry and powerful.

Château Musar 2003

A celebrated label made from Cinsault, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. All vintages are aged for seven years before release. The 2003 has a deep garnet hue and aromas of oranges and cinnamon with hints of berry fruits. In the mouth, there is a heady combination of peppers and fruits with hints of chocolate.

Château St Thomas

2006

A gentle giant made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. It has an intense dark cherry hue. Nose of strawberries and cinnamon. Texture is soft and warm and the tannins are integrated to give a wonderfully balanced drinking experience. Older vintages age wonderfully.

Domaine des Tourelles

Syrah du Liban 2006

Possessing a deep cherry hue. Nose is peppery with eucalyptus and roast coffee beans. Possessing a robust texture with nicely integrated tannins, there a lot of fruit on the middle palate and the finish is powerful and sustained. Good aging potential but drinking now. Syrah du Liban won many admirers at the recent London International Wine and Spirits Fair.

Domaine Wardy

Private Selection 2004

This elegant and suave wine is made with Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a dark ruby hue and an intensely smoky nose. Balanced in the mouth with a fruity finish. Good aging potential with well-integrated soft and velvety tannins.

Ixsir

Grande Reserve 2008

Ixsir is based in Batroun but has vineyards across Lebanon. Its top red is made with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a deep purple hue and a menthol nose with hints of black pepper. Forest fruits on the mouth herald a sustained finish to bring out the spices.

Karam Winery

St John 2004

South Lebanon’s only producer (and no relation to moi). This gloriously playful red is made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. It has a black cherry hue with a nose of chocolate, peppers and other spices. In the mouth, the tannins have developed well and in no way obscure the abundance of fruits that dance around the mouth. The finish is sustained and memorable.

Note: These wines are not for what people like to call easy drinking. They can be drunk now but most won’t have reached their best for at least seven to ten years after vintage, assuming, they are allowed to age properly. They should also be decanted at least three hours before serving.

This post originally appeared on Michael's blog

Lebanese wine masterclass

2011-06-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

We've uploaded clips from the recent London Wine Fair, where we held a Discover Lebanon Masterclass, on our You Tube Channel which you can see here http://www.youtube.com/user/WinesofLebanon

There is a clip of each of the 8 wines presented by Tim Atkin MW, as well as an overview of the history of wine production by Michael Karam:

"Lebanon's on the verge of something..."

2011-05-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

... says Adam Lechmere after meeting producers at the London Wine Fair last week..

Read what he thinks about Lebanese wines on his blog.

It's been great to read feedback from the Fair. A number of other bloggers have posted their thoughts on the wines they tasted at our stand. Phil Innes from Sloshbox's views are here and Early Bird Wine News reported that their post on Lebanese wines received the most page views ever! And Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam's thoughts on the Fair are here.

Exciting times...

Fun at the Fair

2011-05-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Phew it's been a busy week for Lebanese wineries!

Eight came together for the first ever Wines of Lebanon stand at the London Wine Fair last week and there was a huge amount of interest. We also had a Masterclass with Tim Atkin and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam which was oversubscribed and had people queueing round the block to join!

But it wasn't all work work work. On Wednesday evening we boarded a coach at Excel, bound for the other side of town to have a fabulous meal at Stevie Parle's Dock Kitchen, armed with bottles of Lebanese wine to match the menu of Labneh, followed by Salt Marsh Lamb Chops and Freekeh. Described by Decanter.com as 'raucous', it was a great fun night in true Lebanese style.

Discover the wines of Lebanon at the London Wine Fair

2011-05-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Wines of Lebanon is hosting a masterclass on Tuesday 17th May at 1.45pm at the 2011 London Wine Fair.

Take a tour of Lebanon during this tutored tasting with Tim Atkin MW and Lebanese wine expert, Michael Karam.

Tim will pick his top wines from eight different wineries in a tutored tasting showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs within this small country. Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam will explain Lebanon’s rich winemaking history – from 5000BC to the present day - showing how centuries of tradition have been harnessed with modern winemaking techniques to create what is arguably Lebanon’s greatest export.

Tim Atkin MW comments: “Lebanon is one of the wine world's great secrets. I'm delighted to have the chance to talk about some of my favourites after an inspiring trip to the country, where I was captivated by the people, the architecture, the landscape and of course the best wines.”

Michael Karam is a Beirut-based author and journalist. He has published two books on Lebanese wine: Wines of Lebanon (Saqi Books, 2005) and Michael Karam’s Lebanese Wines 2011: A comprehensive guide (Vinehouse Media, 2010).

For further information please contact madeleine@cocopr.co.uk.

Wines of Lebanon at 2011 London Wine Fair

2011-04-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Wines of Lebanon will be exhibiting for the first time at the 2011 London Wine Fair with a generic presence, as part of the first ever campaign to promote Lebanese wines which started last year.

The stand will see eight wineries coming together to exhibit under the Wines of Lebanon banner at the Fair, with a masterclass hosted by Tim Atkin MW and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam which will allow visitors to Discover Lebanon.

Tim Atkin comments: “Lebanon is one of the wine world's great secrets. I'm delighted to have the chance to talk about some of my favourites after an inspiring trip to the country, where I was captivated by the people, the architecture, the landscape and of course the best wines.”

The eight wineries exhibiting at the show are:

· Chateau Ka

· Chateau Ksara

· Chateau St Thomas

· Coteaux du Liban

· Domaine des Tourelles

· Domaine Wardy

· IXSIR

· Karam Winery

For information about the Masterclass pease contact: Madeleine Waters madeleine@cocopr.co.uk

-ends-

Notes to editors:

Michael Karam is author of Lebanese Wines 2011: A comprehensive Guide and The Wines of Lebanon

Further information:

madeleine@cocopr.co.uk 01225 83344 / 07778 702221

Vines on the Frontline

2011-01-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

Today's Radio 4 Programme by Jeremy Bowen, called Vines on the Frontline, gave a fascinating insight into the world of winemaking in Lebanon, a country that is often better known for conflict.

Avaialble on the BBC iPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00x97hw for 7 days from today.

The programme information from the BBC website says:
" The message from a glass of Lebanese wine should be tolerance and openness between civilizations. It's more than fermented grape juice." Ramzi Ghosn, Massaya Wines.

For Radio 4, the BBC's Middle East Editor, Jeremy Bowen, takes time out from reporting conflicts to give vinophiles a new perspective on an ancient story. Lebanon is not a place you naturally associate with winemaking.

It is a Middle Eastern country nestled between Arab neighbours whose religion forbids them to drink alcohol. It is also a country that has been scarred by war, from the 15-year civil war from 1975-1990, to the recent Israeli-Lebanon conflict in 2006.

But Lebanon is also an ancient civilisation, a country of merchants and traders - its history dating back to Noah, the first winemaker in the Bible. Fittingly the Temple of Bacchus, an impressive tribute to the God of wine, is situated amongst the ruins of Balbek, in the Bekaa Valley, a region these days better known for Hezbollah than hedonism. But the temple, like Lebanese wine, has survived centuries of war and the winemakers of the Bekka are optimistic wine will outlive war.

Sharing stories with the wine makers who, in defiance and dedication to their craft, continue to grow their vines so close to the frontline, Jeremy delves into the cultural and ethnic mosaic of this unstable but extraordinary country.

Lebanese wine makes the headlines

2011-01-10T01:06:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to see such great press about Lebanese wines in the weekend papers. Victoria Moore in the Daily Telegraph called Lebanese wines "Edgy, Exciting and Drinkable" - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/wine/8243878/Lebanese-wine-Edgy-exhilarating-and-drinkable.html

And Fiona Beckett wrote about her discovery that there was more to Lebanese wine than her 'first love' Chateau Musar in The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jan/08/lebanese-wine-review-fiona-beckett?INTCMP=SRCH

Wines of Lebanon was definitely a hot topic on Twitter over the weekend as people retweeted these articles and chatted about their experiences of Lebanon.

Finally, Jeremy Bowen's excellent radio programme Vines on the Frontline will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Wednesday 12th January at 11.00am.

So, all in all, very positive as Lebanese wines finally get the recognition they deserve!

Welcome!

2010-12-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog where we'll be posting news about events, interesting articles and facts about Lebanese wines.