Lebanon is among the oldest sites of wine production in the world. The Israelite prophet Hosea is said to have urged his followers to return to God so that "they will blossom as the vine and fame be like the wine of Lebanon, [and] their fragrance will be like that of Lebanon". The Phoenicians of the coastal strip were instrumental in spreading wine and viticulture throughout the Mediterranean in ancient times. Despite the many conflicts of the region, the country has an annual production of about 12,000,000 bottles of wine.
The wine making headquarters of Château Ksara, in Bekaa, Lebanon
Bottle of Château Musar 1999
Wine producing areas in Lebanon (red)
Visitors at the chateau, on a wine-tasting visit.
Lebanese cuisine is the culinary traditions and practices originating from Lebanon. It includes an abundance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood. Poultry is eaten more often than red meat, and when red meat is eaten, it is usually lamb and goat meat. Dishes include copious amounts of garlic and olive oil, and dishes are often seasoned with lemon juice. Chickpeas and parsley are also staples of the Lebanese diet.
World famous Hallab baklava, produced in Lebanon and sold everywhere around the world.
Variants of manaeesh and other bread presented in a Lebanese eatery
Kashkaval cheese originates in Balkan cuisine
Nabulsi cheese is named after Nablus in Palestine