The beautiful district of Batroun is now home to a bunch of prominent Lebanese wineries. Lebanese mapping company pick their favorites for a road trip to the nor th Lebanon region that will satisfy your senses. All you need is a car, sunshine, and an ear
Zawarib
Head north along the country’s coastal highway for a scenic sea view. Once you pass Jbeil, keep an eye out for an army checkpoint from where you can take a mountain road that leads to Rachana, a village which features an open-air drivethrough exhibition of splendid sculptures by the Basbous family of artists. The art will keep you inspired until you reach the village of Smar Jbeil, characterized by a Crusader castle ruin. The village is also home to Mar Nohra Church, named after a Persian missionary who was blinded by the Romans. Today the church welcomes pilgrims from near and far seeking to be healed from eye disease. Further along the road, catch your last glimpse of the Mediterranean sea before being completely immersed in the Batroun Valley. Soon enough you will reach a fork in the road at a gas station. Take a left to reach ( – 06 720366, 03 271672, closduphoenix.com,) managed and run by a family of artisan winemakers. Enjoy a wonderful wine-tasting experience and breathtaking view on the terrace of the winery restaurant (open on demand for groups of 10 plus.)
Clos du Phoenix
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Drive back down to the town of Batroun, and expect to be taken aback by Batroun’s very own Hollywood signpost – the town’s name is realized in huge white letters that sit at the town’s entrance. Breathe in the mountain air and drink from the fresh water wells surrounded by endless groves of olive trees, before savoring wine and organic produce made by the monks. Nearby in Basbina lies ( – 71 631613, ixsir.com.lb,) another magnificent winery in a 17th Century bastion. Bask in the garden sunlight while enjoying the gifts of Mother Nature in a glass of wine. The
(71 773770) restaurant is open for lunch daily, excluding Mondays.
la Maison d’ixsir
Ixsir
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