Located in the West Bekaa Valley, the large estate of Château Kefraya has been the Bustros family’s property for generations.
The castle is built starting 1946 on an artificial hill used by the Romans centuries ago to observe their troop movements. Founder and visionary Michel de Bustros undertakes massive works to implant Château Kefraya’s vineyards on those magnificent hillsides. The first vines are planted in 1951 and in 1979 - despite the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990) - Château Kefraya starts producing its own wine with its own grapes grown in its own vineyard and vinified in its own cellar.
In the early 80’s, “Les Coteaux de Kefraya” 1982 and 1983 win the winery’s first international medals and Château Kefraya starts exporting its wines to France. In 1997, American wine critic Robert Parker awards Comte de M 1996 91/100, qualifying it “An amazing accomplishment in Lebanon”. Today, Château Kefraya is present in more than 40 countries over the five continents.
The influence of a rich and diverse terroir and the use of its own grapes has always been key to Michel de Bustros’ project. Since foundation, Château Kefraya adopts a vision:
The vineyard spreads over 300 hectares of terraced slopes, 1000 meters above the Mediterranean Sea, on the foothills of Mount Barouk in the Bekaa Valley. It crosses the Yammouneh tectonic rift, source of a wide diversity of terroirs, with some geologies dating from the Jurassic and the Cretaceous period.
Clay-limestone, clay-chalk as well as sandy and gravelly soils compose a real mosaic of terroirs. The vines enjoy an exceptional sun exposure with no irrigation. They are mainly trellised with a planting density of 4000 vines per hectare and an average yield limited to 35 hectoliters per hectare.
In addition to the diversity of soil, Château Kefraya uses a wide and exciting range of grape varieties in its blends, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier as well as more unusual varieties such as Carménère, Marselan and Muscat à Petits Grains.
Moreover, Chateau Kefraya also grows indigenous varieties, such as Obeidi, Merwah and Mekssessé (white grapes) and also revived ancient historic Lebanese red grapes such as Assouad Karech and Asmi Noir, after years of pedologic terroir researches with international institutes.
We are proud to offer worldwide wine lovers organic certified wines and vegan wines.
A sustainable wine-growing policy allows the vines to flourish, while respecting the terroir’s expression. Significant variations in temperatures between day and night ensure a perfect ripening of the grapes and optimal harvest conditions.
The journey from vine to bottle is carried out with the most meticulous attention to detail and the oenologist ensures a perfect balance between tradition and modernity in a cellar endowed with state-of-the-art equipment.
Exclusively manual harvest of the grapes Selection of berries on an optical sorting table Separate vinification of micro-parcels
Wine is aged in French oak in a 1000-barrel capacity cellar, as well as in Amphora jars made of clay, perpetuating the Phoenician and Roman tradition.
Every Château Kefraya wine is the result of a blend of several grape varieties. Michel de Bustros: ‘‘The work of art results from the art of blending. Just like a painter combines colors to create a painting, the oenologist blends grape varieties to obtain harmonious wines of distinctive identity”.
After a series of 20 labels featuring the canvas of Lebanese female artists, Château Kefraya designs a new bottle that captures the heritage of its very first historical wine.30 year-old vines spread over 22 hand-harvested hectares give birth to this wine of character. The best grapes of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre are aged in oak barrels for 18 to 24 months. Combining power and elegance with silky tannins, the Château Kefraya is characterized by subtle notes of cherry, spices, leather and vanilla. Enjoyable young, it will age favorably for a decade or more.
Amphora is the first Lebanese wine made in clay jars to be released ... since the Phoenicians.
Chateau Kefraya created this cuvee to rediscover the identity of Phoenician wines, which gained notoriety 4,000 years ago, thanks to the richness of our terroir and the "amphora winemaking" know-how.
Recreating this winning combination is the challenge undertaken by Chateau Kefraya on this same terroir. The result is a singularly different wine, with exclusive flavors that cannot be found in any other wine in Lebanon.
Chateau Kefraya revisits the art of blending and frees itself from the time-constraint, by creating Millesima: a ''multiple-vintage'' wine.
This timeless sophisticated cuvee is a blend of several consecutive vintages, all aged in oak barrels and each bringing its own expression to this innovative wine.
Phoenician Gate is a tribute to the Lebanese diaspora who - since our Phoenician ancestors - has spread throughout the world, embracing the values of their adopted country, while staying true to its roots.
This cuvee is an expression of this blend of cultures, combining Syrah with the oriental sweetness of an indigenous white Lebanese grape variety, Obeidi. Our grapes grow exclusively in our vineyard in the Lebanese Bekaa at 1,100 meters above the Mediterranean and are carefully harvested by hand.
Named after Château Kefraya’s very first red wine, launched in 1979, Coteaux is a red wine with a proud heritage. With its slight hint of oak, it has the fruit and the freshness to be appreciated upon release or after a few years of aging. Born from a unique blend of Syrah, Marselan and Cabernet Franc, Coteaux reveals an intense nose of roasted coffee and vanilla. The wine is rich and smooth on the palate, with harmonious spicy notes of black cherry. Michel de Bustros: "Coteaux is a return to our origins; the wine is different, but the emotion is the same."
Lebanon’s Cinsault has been growing in the Bekaa Valley for more than a century. In this respect, and bearing in mind the other exciting grapes that make up the blend, Bretèches is a quintessential Lebanese wine.With a finely spiced nose of blackcurrant and cherry, it reveals silky tannins and generous red fruits flavors.The launch of each vintage is celebrated with a limited edition label designed by a young Lebanese artist.
Château Kefraya is rooted like a cedar in Lebanon’s terroir, the essence of its identity.Blend of 2 ancient Lebanese grape varieties, Adéenne (ADN) is an atypical wine, with a surprising color and palate. Refined 2 months in amphora, it expresses all the richness of the Orient’s aromas.
Elegant and complex, Château Kefraya Blanc combines mineral and fruity notes, with a slightly-wooden and long velvety palate.Born from a careful selection of Chardonnay and Viognier, this white wine is the Château Kefraya red’s alter ego.
This cuvee was designed to rediscover the Lebanese heritage, through native grape varieties.
Each plot has been carefully selected to sublimate the three originally-Lebanese grapes that make up this white wine: Mekssesse, Obeidi and Merwah.
A very special cuvee of beautiful complexity.
Since year 2000 and "La Cuvée d’Aïda", each Blanc de Blancs vintage is a tribute to an opera bearing the name of a lady.Atypical trio of Viognier, Chardonnay and Muscat à Petits Grains reveals floral notes such as lily and acacia, mingled with flavors of honey, apricot and mango. Its aromatic expression is rich, vigorous and extremely fresh.
This limited edition of Blanc de Blancs was specially created by Chateau Kefraya to be enjoyed over ICE.
Bretèches Blanc is a fresh wine marked by Muscat à Petits Grains, a noble grape variety planted in the Bekaa Valley that expresses the Lebanese terroir. With a nose of white flowers, Bretèches combines intense refreshing notes of exotic fruits and citrus on the palate.
A glassful of sunshine… This natural sweet wine is made from a selection of golden Clairette grapes harvested in October, then softly pressed. It will enchant you with its gold shiny color and sweet aromas’ expression.
Nectar de Kefraya is a mistelle, a must made from over-ripe grapes, fortified with brandy of wine distilled at the château and aged in barrels for several years.
The Ugni Blanc reveals scents of evolved hazelnuts, honey and warm chocolate. Served chilled, it pairs well with goat cheese, foie gras and chocolate desserts. It can also be served as a digestive.
This complex and elegant rosé wine, blend of Lebanese Cinsaut and Tempranillo, reveals a pastel and shiny pink robe, with silver highlights. Subtle and delicate, Château Kefraya Rosé combines aromas and flavors of citrus and red fruits, with slightly-wooden and long velvety palate.
Glamorous Myst distinguishes itself by a bright pink robe, with silvery glints. Feather-shaped, the label is a symbol of lightness.Aromas of the charming Lebanese Cinsaut reveal subtle floral nuances and notes of forest berries and litchi. The Syrah softly fills the palate with flavors of redcurrant, strawberry and a final hint of blackcurrant.
Bretèches Rosé is a fresh and light wine, bearing a limpid and pale pink robe. This charming and pleasant rosé, particularly marked by Cinsaut, offers a nose of red fruits and citrus smoothly merging on the palate.
This delicious white spirit has been made in Lebanese villages for centuries. Selected from the finest grapes and aniseed, Arak undergoes four distillations to ensure optimal purity.
Mix Arak with water (it will turn white) and serve it in a traditional small glass with an ice cube.
The “Château Kefraya” wines are emblematic of the domain. Harmoniously combining power and elegance, they are the finest expression of our micro-terroirs.
Light, fresh and fruity, these are wines for all seasons and all occasions.Bretèches gets its name from a “bretèche”, a projecting window with floor openings originally used for defensive purposes, which is a feature of the castle on the Château Kefraya estate.
Lebanon’s Cinsault has been growing in the Bekaa Valley for more than a century. In this respect, and bearing in mind the other exciting grapes that make up the blend, Bretèches is a quintessential Lebanese wine.
With a finely spiced nose of blackcurrant and cherry, it reveals silky tannins and generous red fruits flavors.
The launch of each vintage is celebrated with a limited edition label designed by a young Lebanese artist.
Bretèches Blanc is a fresh wine marked by Muscat à Petits Grains, a noble grape variety planted in the Bekaa Valley that expresses the Lebanese terroir.With a nose of white flowers, Bretèches combines intense refreshing notes of exotic fruits and citrus on the palate.
Elegant and aromatic wines, suitable for various culinary experiences, but also for the simplicity of a casual atmosphere. They are modern and contemporary wines.
Since year 2000 and ‘’La Cuvée d’Aïda’’, each Blanc de Blancs vintage is a tribute to an opera bearing the name of a lady. Atypical trio of Viognier, Chardonnay and Muscat à Petits Grains reveals floral notes such as lily and acacia, mingled with flavors of honey, apricot and mango. Its aromatic expression is rich, vigorous and extremely fresh.
Glamorous Myst distinguishes itself by a bright pink robe, with silvery glints. Feather-shaped, the label is a symbol of lightness. Aromas of the charming Lebanese Cinsaut reveal subtle floral nuances and notes of forest berries and litchi. The Syrah softly fills the palate with flavors of redcurrant, strawberry and a final hint of blackcurrant.
A natural sweet white wine and a mistelle, to enhance your starters or desserts.
Lebanon’s national drink, Arak is typically enjoyed withmezze dishes or as an aperitif.
Tribute to the Phoenicians who used to grow their vineyards in the same Bekaa Valley more than 4000 years ago, the labels of Comte de M and Comtesse de M portray our ancestors who invented the first alphabet and used to export wine around the Mediterranean Sea.
A careful selection of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes - grown on an area limited to 9 hectares at 1100 meters of altitude - is specially dedicated to Comte de M. Aged up to 24 months in French oak barrels, this dark purple-colored wine is a complex bouquet of black fruits and cedar wood.
It is finely smooth on the palate, with elegant and melted tannins. Subtle balance between fine oak and inherent fruit, it was first noticed by Robert Parker who rated Comte de M 1996 91 points and more recently 93 points on vintage 2012.
In line with Comte de M, Comtesse de M is subject to tight qualitative requirements and is a blend of our best white grapes harvested on a selected parcel of 3 hectares.
Chardonnay and Viognier are vinified and aged up to 24 months in French oak barrels.
Timeless, rich and delicate, it offers aromas of vanilla, followed by hints of peach and lime. On the palate, it reveals the fine woody flavors of toasted bread and a complexity that distinguishes the white grand crus.
More than 4000 years ago, vines were already growing in the land of Canaan, what is today Lebanon. Our Phoenicians ancestors were among the first to ferment grape juice from the vines growing in the Bekaa valley.
More than 4000 years ago, vines were already growing in the land of Canaan, what is today Lebanon. Our Phoenicians ancestors were among the first to ferment grape juice from the vines growing in the Bekaa valley.They exported their wine around the Mediterranean Sea, where wrecks of two Phoenician vessels were found in 1999 with hundreds of wine amphorae on board, evidencing that the wine from our terroir has been appreciated for thousands of years. To honor this tradition, our wines are shipped from the ‘’Phoenicians’ Gate”.
A few centuries later, at the beginning of the first millennium, the Romans - who inherited wine knowledge - built the temple of the god of wine Bacchus in Baalbeck (50km from Kefraya).The Romans settled for a long period on the land of Kefraya and left many vestiges such as a wine press made of stones…
Since the 11th century, the inhabitants of the region have been producing Arak, an aniseed-based eau de vie made from distilled grape juice, a tradition that is now the cornerstone of Lebanon's culinary heritage.
The West Bekaa region offers a rich cultural heritage and history. On your way from the Shouf region to Kefraya, don’t miss Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve and the 19th century Beit-Eddine Palace, together with the spectacular view over the Bekaa valley.
Château Kefraya offers a guided tour of the estate. The “train” leaves l’Allée du Château and takes you to a tour of the vineyards, until the “observation point” and its panoramic view over the vines.
Explore the exceptional site of Dahr-el-Moghr and its hypogea or underground tomb, a reminiscence of the Roman presence in the 3rd century A.D.
In the museum, discover Château Kefraya’s history, then take a tour of the cellar where you will learn the different steps of winemaking before reaching the Treasure Room where Château Kefraya’s most valuable vintages rest, some of them being still available for sale at the boutique.
Arak lovers will enjoy the Alembic Room where our Arak is distilled exclusively from grapes.
Take a stroll in the winery’s parks, all named after famous opera composers; the perfect venue for weddings and banquets.
The domain welcomes you all year long and our team is at your disposal to organize tours and private events.
In the heart of the vineyards, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Le Relais Dionysos and enjoy great vintages at friendly prices.
You are then invited to the Dionysos boutique for a wide tasting of our wines. We also propose a rich assortment of wines accessories, in addition to our collection of furniture that gives a second life to oak wine barrels.
At L'Atelier workshop, you will experience the art of blending by making a tailor-made wine from a wide range of grape varieties. A unique opportunity to create a cuvée bearing your own name.
Michel de Bustros' passions for art and opera have accompanied the development of the domain, where wine and art have been intimately linked through several artistic tributes over the time.
For 20 years, a new canvas painted by a Lebanese female artist has been selected for the label of the Château Kefraya red wine. The private collection of paintings is now displayed in the main hall of the chateau, converted into an art gallery.
Château Kefraya also offers young graphic Lebanese artists the opportunity to entirely create a new label for every Les Bretèches vintage, printed in limited edition.
Named after lyric composers such as Verdi, Bellini and Puccini, the winery’s gardens are a tribute to opera, while each Blanc de Blancs vintage is dedicated to an opera heroine.
Château Kefraya: Huguette Caland, Martha Hraoui, Minou Tabbara, Mouna Bassili Sehnaoui, Yvette Achkar, Ghada Saghyeh, Youmna Asseily, Joanna Rizk, Mireille Boustany Angelina, Afaf Zurayk and Rim el Jundi.
Les Bretèches: Mazen Kerbaj, Yazan Halwani, Lara Khoury, Ivan Debs, Zena Assi, Karen Klink, Antoine Salamé, Sandra Sahyoun, and Carla Sayad.
In 2022, CHATEAU KEFRAYA adopted the principles and values of the Amfori BSCI Code of Conduct, while endeavoring for its equal implementation from all its business partners worldwide.
The Amfori BSCI Code of Conduct refers to international conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, OECD Guidelines, UN Global Compact and International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions and Recommendations, all relevant to improve working conditions at every stage of supply chains.
The long-term goal of this commitment is ensuring best working conditions and total respect of human rights.
We invite our business partners to read BSCI code of conduct https://www.amfori.org/amfori-BSCI-code-of-conduct.pdf and to adhere to it.
In line with a sustainable development policy and an integrated approach to viticulture, the vineyards are not irrigated. Vines are grown naturally with minimal intervention, encouraging biodiversity in a healthy environment. The domain is surrounded by pyracanthas while many other species flourish in a sumptuous setting of pine, cypress, oak, cedar and olive trees.
“A wine-grower who loves his vines visits them, talks to them and touches them. The vine feels it and responds positively. There is certainly a communication between man and the fauna. Then, why not between man and the flora?” Michel de Bustros.