I have recently watched a beautiful film about Lebanon on YouTube that ends with this phrase “Lebanon is too diverse to visit only once”. How true that is!
The magic of Lebanon
So many historic sites to visit in a tiny country! So much mystic beauty in mountainous countryside that takes one’s breath away! Ancient coastal cities along the blue Mediterranean that attract with their charming hustle and bustle. Excellent food everywhere and Lebanese savoir vivre spirit in the most difficult circumstances will make your stay a memorable one – Always.
Our small country holds a surprise for you anytime and each time you visit. Throughout the seasons, the historical places, the charming towns and the stunning landscape change in colours and shades becoming even more gorgeous and attractive than the last time you have seen them. One constant that will never ever deceive you is the excellent Lebanese cuisine. Whether street or restaurant food, it will always satisfy your taste buds and arouse your curiosity for more culinary adventures.
The Land of wine and arak
Food is not the only culinary adventure in the country of the Cedars; however, wine and arak are an essential component of the Lebanese cuisine. This summer I went on an arak and wine tour with Vamos Todos, a company that offers hiking and guided tours to all the major sightseeing attractions around the country. We only visited three wineries out of many excellent ones throughout the country.
The wine tour
With my children and niece on my side, I did some excellent wine and arak tasting in three different wineries in the Bekaa valley. We started off in Beirut driving about two hours to our first destination, Le Domaine des Tourelles in the town of Chtaura. We tasted the excellent arak brand “Brun” named after Francois-Eugène Brun, a Frenchman and founder of the winery in 1868. Wonderful White and Rosé accompanied a generous breakfast that consisted of man’oushe bi zaatar and jibneh (Lebanese kind of Pizza with Thyme or cheese topping) and of raw liver and meat tartar.
We also loved the red wine we tried at Nakad, a family-owned business in third generation. We actually loved everything, the warm welcome of the junior owner, the informative tour and the red wine in the shade of their family home terrace.
Our final tour in the more modern and newer winery Masaya, established in 1998 in Taanayel, was extremely interesting.
Our lunch, a rich mezza and delicious regional food, in the garden of the famous Hotel Masabki, was indeed a bonus!
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