Chateau Musar stands out as the most renowned Lebanese winery, with a history that intertwines with Lebanon’s rich cultural tapestry. Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar after his return to Lebanon from Bordeaux, France, Chateau Musar has carved out a unique identity in the world of wine, becoming a symbol of resilience, tradition, and innovation.

A storied past

Gaston Hochar established Chateau Musar in the 1930s, a time when Lebanon was under French mandate.

This connection to France not only influenced the winemaking style at Musar but also positioned the winery as a key supplier to the French Army troops stationed in Lebanon.

The wines of Musar began to gain international recognition when, in 1979, the Chateau Musar 1967 was declared the “discovery of the fair” by auctioneer Michael Broadbent and journalist Roger Voss at the prestigious Bristol Wine Fair. This accolade marked the beginning of Chateau Musar’s journey on the global stage.

Perseverance through adversity

Throughout its history, Chateau Musar has faced numerous challenges, including the Lebanese civil war and ongoing regional tensions. Remarkably, the winery managed to produce wine every year apart from 1976, demonstrating a commitment to continuity and quality even in the face of adversity.

The dedication of the winery’s employees, who often worked under dangerous conditions, reflects the deep passion and perseverance embedded in Chateau Musar’s ethos.

A unique winemaking philosophy

The wines of Chateau Musar are often compared to those from Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhône Valley, yet they are celebrated for their unique character. Much of this distinction is attributed to Serge Hochar, Gaston’s son, who took over the winemaking process and championed a philosophy that allowed for vintage variations. This approach, embracing the natural inconsistencies of each harvest, has resulted in a portfolio of wines that are distinctly diverse, making each bottle of Chateau Musar a unique experience.

Commitment to sustainability

Chateau Musar was a pioneer in Lebanon, becoming the first winery in the country to be certified organic in 2006. The winery’s 180 hectares of vineyards, located in the Bekaa Valley, benefit from the region’s ideal conditions for viticulture.

Situated at altitudes over 1,000 meters (3,000 feet), the vineyards enjoy nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, fresh mountain air and a mix of snowy winters and hot summers. These factors, combined with minimal human intervention, have allowed the vineyards to thrive in harmony with nature for millennia.

Rooted in tradition 

The Bekaa Valley, where most of Chateau Musar’s vineyards are located, has been a hub for viticulture for over 6,000 years, dating back to the Phoenicians, who were among the first to introduce vines and winemaking to the Mediterranean region.

Today, this heritage is reflected in the way Chateau Musar tends to its vineyards and crafts its wines. All grapes are hand-picked by local Bedouin workers between August and October, and the winery employs wild yeast fermentation with minimal use of sulfur dioxide.

Additionally, Chateau Musar’s red wines are neither clarified nor filtered, preserving the natural flavors and characteristics of each vintage. All the grapes are hand-harvested by local Bedouins between August and October.

In the winery, ambient yeasts do the work of fermentation. The bare minimum of sulphur is used and the Chateau Musar Red wines are neither fined nor filtered.

Chateau Musar also produces L’Arack de Musar, Lebanon’s purest aniseed-flavored spirit.

A legacy of excellence

Chateau Musar’s dedication to quality and its unique winemaking philosophy have earned it a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide.

The winery’s commitment to organic practices, minimal intervention and preserving the terroir’s natural characteristics make its wines a true expression of the land and its history.

With every bottle of Chateau Musar, one can taste the resilience, tradition and passion that have defined this Lebanese icon for nearly a century.

For more information on Chateau Musar, check out their website or call them on +961 1 328 211.