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LEBANON
DISCOVERY
Touma, a fourth-generation winemaker who holds
a PhD. in Food Sciences, underscores the importance
of highlighting the Bekaa’s unique attributes to
create vibrant, balanced wines that are appreciated
by a global clientele.
Their long winemaking legacy is clearly noticeable in
their exceptional cellar where oak barrels age some
phenomenal wines and hundreds of ancient bottles
adorn the baroque-looking space.
The ‘Family Reserve’ was the first label to be released
in 1997. The red blend was composed of the best
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah parcels and grapes,
carefully vinified and aged in oak barrels. Since
then, their international-award winning line-up
has grown to include 10 blends and 4 single varietals.
CHATEAU KEFRAYA’S VINEYARDS
FABRICE GIBERTEAU, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND
WINEMAKER AT CHATEAU KEFRAYA
THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION
Chateau Kefraya is the brainchild of founder and
visionary Michel de Bustros, who in 1946 started
building the Chateau on an artificial hill used by the
Romans to overlook the movement of their troops.
He went to great lengths to plant the hills and landscape
of Kefraya. The first vines were planted in 1951
and in 1979. At the height of the Lebanese Civil War
(1975 – 1990), Chateau Kefraya was producing wines
from its own grapes grown in its own vineyards and
vinted in its own cellars. These balanced wines are
enjoyed by a global audience.
During the 1980s, Chateau Kefraya started exporting
to France and won its first international medals in
1982 and 1983 for its ‘Les Coteaux de Kefraya’. Today,
Chateau Kefraya is present in over 40 countries
around the world. The range now includes 16 blends
and 16 single varietals of red, white, and rosé wines.
The winery is very much intertwined with art,
cuisine, wine, viticulture, and music. This intersection
of highly evocative experiences creates similarly
evocative wines at every touchpoint. It is no wonder
Chateau Kefraya was voted as one of the Top 50 Best
Wineries in the World by the ‘World’s Best Vineyards’
in 2023.
Fabrice Giberteau, the winery’s technical director
and winemaker, immerses you in enchanting details
about terroir and the importance of preserving
AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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