From arak to aviation

In the late 1950s, a young boy in a small southern Lebanese village would assist his grandmother Latifeh in harvesting grapes for arak. As he worked, he would gaze at the sky, captivated by passing aircrafts and dream of a life in the clouds.

That boy was Habib Karam. He would describe his career as a pilot by saying: “I flew for 43 years and never worked a day in my life.” Yet, even as he soared above Lebanon’s southern mountains, his heart was drawn to the vineyards below.

The birth of Karam Wines

In 2002, driven by his passion for viticulture, Captain Habib Karam founded Karam Wines in his hometown of Jezzine. At the time, the country’s nascent wine industry was concentrated in the Bekaa Valley, with only nine wineries. Karam Wines became a trailblazer, establishing the first winery in South Lebanon and contributing to the now 56 wineries spread across Lebanon.

The winery sought to create a unique identity and flavor profile for Lebanese wine, distinct from its northern counterparts.

A family affair: the next generation

John Karam, an Agricultural Engineer and Enologist from Université de Bordeaux, was raised among vines. He trained at Château Angélus and worked with Château Latour and as a wine buyer for CASINO. Since rejoining the team in January 2024, John has brought international experience, a positive outlook, and innovative strategies to the company’s viticulture and winemaking.

Thouraya Karam, Head of Operations, graduated from AUB’s Olayan Business School and began her career as an auditor for Ernst & Young. She chose to continue her family’s legacy, bringing her expertise in financial and resource management to the company. Thouraya oversees the head office in Beirut, local sales, trade shows, events, and day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth business practices.

The wines

Karam Wines is revered for its respect to winemaking tradition while embracing innovation. This duality is evident in the Les Raretés series, a collection of mono-varietals that showcases exotic grapes from around the world. This includes Albarino from Spain, Touriga Nacional from Portugal, Saperavi from Georgia and Meksassi, an indigenous grape unique to the Jezzine region. The Les Raretés series offers a global wine journey from the comfort of a Lebanese dinner table.

The essence of Karam Wines

The vineyards of Karam Wines, perched at altitudes up to 1,400 meters, benefit from a unique terroir. Indeed, the high altitudes and coastal breezes impart a distinct minerality and freshness to the wines. This is coupled with rounded acidity and moderate alcohol levels.

The region’s geological diversity allows each grape varietal to thrive. The grapes are carefully cultivated using specific agricultural practices. Employing a small, unique lot approach, Karam Wines vinifies each parcel separately, ensuring the true character of each varietal is expressed.

Recognition and achievements

Karam Wines has consistently been recognized for its excellence, boasting 55 awards to date. The winery’s early success was marked by a gold medal for their Saint John blend. Indeed, Karam Wines stands as a testament to the power of dreams and the beauty of Lebanese terroir. The brand embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition.

Karam Wines received the award of “Special Prize Sommeliers” at Citadelles du Vin 2015 (Bordeaux) for the white wine Cloud Nine 2013.
For the first time in Lebanese history, a Lebanese wine was selected as the best white wine in the Mediterranean basin.

Karam Wines is an excellent example of what can happen when you let your dreams fly!

Visit the Karam Wines website to learn more about this beautiful winery, or call +961 1 370 516 for further information.

If you liked reading this, check our article of the best summer packages in Jezzine.