Chateau Ksara: Taste Wine at Lebanon's Oldest Winery

1. Visitor Fee

• Visitor Fee: The fee for visiting Château Ksara typically ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 Lebanese Pounds (approximately $6 to $13 USD). This fee usually includes a guided tour of the winery and a tasting session. Prices may vary, so it’s best to check with Château Ksara for the most current information.

2. Transportation

• By Road: Château Ksara is located in the Bekaa Valley, near the town of Zahle, approximately 50 kilometers east of Beirut. The drive usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours via the Beirut-Damascus Highway (M1) and local roads.
• Public Transport: Public transport options include buses or shared taxis from Beirut to Zahle. From Zahle, local taxis can take you to Château Ksara.
• Within the Area: The winery is accessible by foot from its parking area. Local taxis or rental cars can help with exploring other nearby attractions.

3. Things to Do

• Wine Tasting: Enjoy a guided wine tasting session featuring Château Ksara’s range of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés.
• Winery Tour: Take a tour of the winery to see the production facilities, learn about the winemaking process, and explore the historic wine cellars.
• Explore the Cellars: Visit the underground cellars, which date back to Roman times and are used for aging the wines.
• Purchase Wine: Buy bottles of Château Ksara wines and other related products from the winery’s shop.

4. Why People Enjoy Coming Here

• Wine Experience: Château Ksara offers a comprehensive and enjoyable wine-tasting experience, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.
• Historical Cellars: The winery’s historic cellars, including those dating back to Roman times, add a unique element to the visit.
• Scenic Location: Situated in the Bekaa Valley, the winery provides beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains.
• Cultural Insight: Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of winemaking in Lebanon, and Château Ksara’s role in this heritage.

5. How Old is This Place?

• Age of Château Ksara: Château Ksara was founded in 1857 by Jesuit priests. The winery has a rich history, including the use of Roman-era cellars for aging wine. It is one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in Lebanon.

6. List of Activities

• Wine Tasting: Sample a variety of Château Ksara wines.
• Winery Tour: Explore the production facilities and historic cellars.
• Cellar Exploration: Visit the ancient Roman-era cellars.
• Wine Purchase: Buy wines and related products from the winery shop.

7. Additional Nearby Attractions

• Zahle: About 10 kilometers from Château Ksara, Zahle is known for its vibrant food scene and picturesque setting along the Bardouni River.
• Anjar: Approximately 30 kilometers southeast, Anjar features ancient ruins from the Umayyad period and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Baalbek: About 60 kilometers north, Baalbek is famous for its impressive Roman ruins, including the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Bacchus.
• Qaraoun Lake: Located around 20 kilometers north of Château Ksara, the lake offers opportunities for relaxation and scenic views.

Chateau Ksara provides a unique and historical wine experience in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, combining wine tasting with a deep dive into the region's winemaking heritage.