Massaya Winemakers Ramzi and Sami Ghosn hope dynamic of peace will finally prevail in Lebanon in 2026.

Winemakers Ramzi and Sami Ghosn hope dynamic of peace will finally prevail in Lebanon in 2026

“Since the dawn of time, the people around Mount Lebanon have maintained a unique sense of humanity and developed a rich culture that has never been confined by borders.” So writes Ramzi Ghosn in the Christmas edition of the Massaya Vineyard newsletter.

Despite all the tribulations in the area, the newsletters are always brimming with hope. He lists some of those problems. “For Sami and me, those who reside on Mount Lebanon are the Guardians of the Temple. This edifice has suffered continuous shocks: occupation, endemic corruption, financial collapse, the Beirut explosion, and recent conflicts.”

“The slow, insidious erosion caused by corruption is eating away at the foundations, making our Temple fragile and vulnerable. We must find an anchor—a common ground to build shared institutions, a tangible sense of belonging, a solid Temple.”

He finishes with a call to restore the Lebanese spirit renowned for its “innate pragmatism, an infectious joie de vivre, and a rich, multicultural tolerance”. He hopes that, with fingers crossed, as they say, ‘that the dynamic of peace will finally prevail in Lebanon” and that it will be a peaceful year in and around Mount Lebanon.

And so say all of us! Let us raise a glass in solidarity with Massaya and wish the brothers and everyone there all the best in 2026. Hopefully, the newsletters will have better news in the months ahead.

Pic via roy-abi-saad-OPUCE2iGwiI-unsplash

* I first met Sami Ghosin, an architect who gave up the bright lights of the US West Coast to help brother Ramzi establish the vineyard back in 2012. He filled us in on the location and conditions at a lovely wine dinner, hosted by Conor and Ginny, in Star Anise in Cork. 

"Once peace reigns, Lebanon is a perfect place to make wine.The local conditions, no rain from April to September, but still moisture in the soil from the snow melt in the nearby mountains, the same mountains that hold back the rain clouds, plus the blue sky luminosity (a major factor in promoting growth) and the soil itself, lead to grapes of outstanding quality. Ninety per cent of the work is done for the winemaker."

Massaya Le Colombier 2021 14.5% ABV

€21.99 JN Wines 

Brothers Sami and Ramzi Ghosn continue to defy the odds and produce gems like this light and elegant red with a long finish.

A remarkable wine from a remarkable vineyard about 30 minutes drive from Beirut, yes that Beirut. Troubled Syria is also very close. Despite all the distractions, many of them dangerous, Sami and Ramzi, and partner Dominique Hébrard, continue to defy the odds and produce gems like this red blend of Cinsault, Grenache Noir and Tempranillo. Light and elegant, a little spicy and with a long finish, this easy-drinking red has it all. This door opener to the Bekaa Valley is Very Highly Recommended.

The Massaya winery and vineyards are nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean at two locations, producing a wide range of unique wines and the local Arak of course. It is run by the two brothers, Sami and Ramzi Ghosn, in partnership with Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe and Dominique Hébrard.

Massaya Blanc Bequaa Valley Lebanon 2022, 13.5% ABV

€26.95 JN Wines 

The 2022 Massaya Blanc is crafted, according to the label, from Clairette 20%, Rolle 20%, Sauvignon Blanc 20%, Chardonnay 20% and Obeidi 20%, all cultivated in Massaya's vineyards in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley at an altitude of 900 to 1,200 metres. The Obeidi, a fragile, soft-skinned indigenous grape, “imparts a hint of easygoing eastern style” to this delightful white. 

Cradled in the shadow of the Lebanon mountain range, the rich clay and limestone vineyards are shielded from the heavy rain and snow that fall in the mountains to the west. Free of frost, the Bekaa Valley's long gentle summers, wet winters and average temperature of 25°c, have made it ideal for viticulture for over 5,000 years.

This beautiful golden hued wine has an inviting floral nose. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant.There is an almost velvety texture and it is fresh and elegant with citrus and white stone fruits hints with a good mineral balance. The finish is pleasant and silky. 

An unusual and outstanding wine, it is Very Highly Recommended. It will complement shellfish, baked fish, blue cheese and most hearty charcuterie. Light and deliciously approachable, the Massaya Blanc is always a pleasure to drink on its own. Serve at 10 degrees.