Join the co-owner of Chateau Ksara, George Sara, and writer Michael Karam, for an evening exploring winemaking against all odds.
Event details
Lebanon occupies a unique place in the history of wine. Not only is it home to some of the oldest archaeological evidence of winemaking, but it was from the Lebanese coast that Phoenician merchants exported wine and vine as far afield as modern-day Marseille, Jerez and Rioja.
In the modern era, political, religious, and economic turbulence has threatened but never succeeded in snuffing out this heritage. Against the backdrop of civil and international conflict, Lebanese winemakers have doggedly built a modern wine industry, taking advantage of the arid, high-altitude vineyards of the Bekaa Valley to produce wines of extraordinary freshness and complexity.
During the evening, you'll receive an introduction to the country's winemaking history from writer and journalist Michael Karam, author of Wine of Lebanon and Wine and War (adapted into a documentary), before tasting through the wines of Château Ksara, Lebanon's oldest winery, with co-owner George Sara.
Guests will enjoy the wines alongside a selection of cheese from Mons.
Example wine list
- Château Ksara - Blanc de Blancs 2022
- Château Ksara - Merwah 2022
- Château Ksara - Chardonnay Cuvée du Pape 2021
- Château Ksara - Sunset Rosé 2022
- Château Ksara - Reserve du Couvent 2020
- Château Ksara - Rouge 2019
- Château Ksara - Rouge 2010
- Château Ksara - Rouge 2004
Tasting level
Intermediate: An in-depth exploration of a particular topic. Some prior knowledge is beneficial – such as a WSET Level 2 qualification – but these sessions will be enjoyable and educational for anyone with an interest in the subject.
About George Sara
George Sara is co-owner of Lebanon's oldest and largest winery, Chateau Ksara.
A graduate from the Lebanese American University in Beirut George has over 16 years of experience in the food and beverage industries. In 2010 he re-joined Chateau Ksara and has guided the winery through economic turmoil, COVID-19 and the devastating Beirut explosion in 2020.
Château Ksara was founded by Jesuit priests in 1857 and lays claim to having produced the country's first dry wine in the modern era. Despite the turbulence of Lebanon's recent history, Ksara has flourished since its sale by the Catholic Church to a group of ambitous entrepreneurs in 1973. Today, Ksara produces approximately three million bottles from vineyards in across the famed Bekaa valley.
About Michael Karam
Michael Karam is an English-born, Lebanese author, journalist, wine writer and communication consultant.
He is the author of Wines of Lebanon and the documentary Wine and War, which explores the intriguing relationship between wine and the complex historical context of Lebanon, particularly during times of conflict. His writings on politics, business, war and wine have appeared in The Spectator, The Times, Esquire, Decanter, Harpers Wine and Spirits weekly and Monocle.
He continues to write extensively on the country and its wines including Arak And Mezze: The Taste Of Lebanon and Château Ksara: 150 years of wine making 1957-2007 as well as contributing to the Oxford Companion to Wine, The World Atlas of Wine and the award-winning Wine Report.
Booking terms and conditions
Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.
Cancellations and transfers
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- WSET School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
Please note: The sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.