Karam Wines is a South Lebanon winery that is putting the spotlight on the country’s rich winemaking heritage. Founded in 2002 by an airline pilot, Captain Habib Karam, the estate is located in his hometown of Jezzine, and is one of the earliest pioneers of contemporary wine in this part of the country. Karam’s son John, who studied oenology and viticulture at the University of Bordeaux and is currently training at Château Latour, is also involved in the business.
Karam Wines produces white, rosé, and red wines, as well as one fortified sweet wine made from Muscat, with all their wines characterized by freshness, rounded acidity, minerality, and moderate alcohol. The winery also produces the traditional Eau de Vie, Arak.
Guests can book interactive tours of the winery, where they will receive a brief history of the estate, a walk through the winery, and a tutored tasting of the full range of 12 wines. Visitors are encouraged to indicate their areas of interest so that the experience can be tailored to their preferences.
At Karam Wines, wine’s place on the dining table is emphasized, and guests can stay on for home-cooked meals and sunsets out over the Mediterranean. Jezzine has many other attractions, including one of the world’s highest waterfalls and the Middle East’s largest pine forest, just south of Bkassine.
Karam Wines’ vineyards are located at an altitude of up to 1,400 meters, offsetting the warm climate of the region. The westerly aspect of the vineyards makes them susceptible to breezes from the Mediterranean coast, ensuring that concentration is matched with freshness and acidity, producing excellent Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Karam’s ‘Raretés’ line of mono-varietals from around the world experiments with the Spanish Albariño, Portugal’s Touriga Nacional, and Georgia’s Saperavi, in addition to international varieties. Karam Wines is a winery that is putting South Lebanon on the map for wine lovers worldwide.
