Chateau Qanafar is a family-owned winery located in West Bekaa, on the mountain of oak forest above the village of Khirbet Qanafar. We explore its vineyards.
Photo: Norbert Schiller
History
In 2004, George Naim planted a single hectare of vines with three varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. His hobby for cultivating the land quickly turned into a family project. Today, the vineyards of Chateau Qanafar are spread over 17 hectares, and the winery produces an average of 50,000 bottles per year. Over the next five years, Chateau Qanafar intends to increase its production and reach about 200,000 bottles per year. The execution of the plan is still under review since the winery’s utmost aim is to offer high-quality wines.
Vineyards
The red varietals include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo and a small vineyard of Primitivo/Zinfandel. Chateau Qanafar’s white grape vineyards include: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and a small Riesling Vineyard.
The soil is ideally suited to producing quality grapes, consisting primarily of limestone. Most of the vines are bush and VSP trained and lie above the village at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. A dramatic swing in temperature between night and day means that the grapes naturally maintain a wonderful balance between flavors and sugar levels while retaining a crisp acidity. The resulting wine is well-structured, rich and complex with intense flavors of fruit.
Superior quality
Quality is the main focus of the winery, which is why the taste and blend of the wine might vary but quality remains consistent. The winery doesn’t modify the attributes of the grapes.
The mantra of Chateau Qanafar is to grow great fruit and respect it from berry to bottle.
Our wines are vibrant with rich fruit flavors that embrace the palate to create a pleasurable and memorable experience: a true reflection of our terroir.”
Photo: Greg Demarque
Tours of the winery
Winery visits are available by appointment only. The winery tour is extensive and includes a view of the vineyards, a walk-through of the fermentation area, barrel room, bottling line and bottle storage area. Detailed explanations are provided throughout the tour, which finishes with a wine tasting session. The tour is free of charge for groups below 10 people. For groups of 10 people or more, a nominal fee of USD 10 per person is applicable. This fee is waived with the purchase of a wine bottle.
Photo: Greg Demarque
Chateau Qanafar Boutique, Sioufi, Achrafieh, Beirut
The boutique is located in Beirut and tastings can be booked by appointment only. Tastings are free of charge for groups below 10 people. For groups of 10 people or more, a nominal fee of USD 10 per person is applicable. This fee is waived with the purchase of a wine bottle.
Photo: Greg Demarque
Private gatherings can be organized at the winery and the boutique.
Chateau Qanafar Winery: Khirbet Qanafar, Khirbet Qanafar Main Road, West Bekaa
Chateau Qanafar Boutique: Boutros Arslan Bldg., Amine Gemayel St., Sioufi, Beirut
Contact Numbers: +961 1 398782 / +961 3 126695 / +961 79 303051
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