Lebanon has a long history of winemaking, dating back to ancient times. However, the country has also faced significant political turmoil and conflict, including a devastating civil war that lasted from 1975 to 1990.

During the civil war, many Lebanese vineyards were destroyed or abandoned as fighting raged throughout the country. However, some small-scale winemakers continued to produce wine despite the difficult conditions.

One of the most famous stories from this period involves the winemaker Serge Hochar, who owned the Chateau Musar winery in the Bekaa Valley. Hochar and his team had to navigate through checkpoints and minefields to get to their vineyards, which were located in a war zone. Despite the danger, they continued to harvest grapes and produce wine, often relying on donkeys to transport the grapes to the winery.

Hochar’s determination and skill paid off, and his wines gained international acclaim for their unique flavors and quality. Today, Chateau Musar is still producing wine, and the winery has become a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The story of Lebanese winemaking during the civil war is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of culture and tradition. Despite the many challenges they faced, Lebanese winemakers refused to give up on their craft, and their perseverance has helped to preserve an important part of Lebanon’s cultural heritage.

A must-watch is the documentary Wine and War on Prime.