Chateau Musar

Château Musar is a legendary winery from Lebanon, blending ancient winemaking traditions with modern expertise. Renowned for its iconic wines and distinctive terroir in the Bekaa Valley, Château Musar is a global ambassador of Lebanese viticulture.

History of Château Musar

Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, Château Musar is steeped in Lebanon’s 6,000-year-old winemaking history. Inspired by his travels in Bordeaux, Gaston Hochar envisioned a winery that would unite Lebanon’s ancient viticultural heritage with French winemaking techniques.

In 1959, Gaston’s son, Serge Hochar, took over as winemaker, dedicating years to perfecting the winery’s signature style. Under Serge’s stewardship, Château Musar gained international acclaim, notably when its 1967 vintage was named "Discovery of the Fair" at the Bristol Wine Fair in 1979. Despite the turbulence of the Lebanese Civil War, Serge maintained production, missing only two vintages (1976 and 1984), a testament to his unwavering commitment to winemaking.

Serge Hochar’s contributions earned him the title of Decanter Magazine’s first ‘Man of the Year’ in 1984. Following Serge’s passing in 2014, the third generation of the Hochar family, led by Gaston and Marc Hochar, continues to uphold the winery’s legacy, supported by a team of dedicated winemakers.

Region and Vineyards

Château Musar’s vineyards are situated in the Bekaa Valley, a region with a viticultural history dating back to the Phoenicians. The vines thrive at an altitude of 1,000 meters, where the unique microclimate, characterized by hot days and cool nights, ensures excellent grape maturation while preserving acidity and aromatic complexity.

The gravelly soils with a limestone base contribute to the wines’ characteristic minerality and depth. This terroir, combined with traditional viticultural practices, allows the grapes to develop their full potential, reflecting the distinctiveness of the Bekaa Valley.

The winery also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Its vineyards have been managed organically since 2006, highlighting its commitment to preserving the environment while producing wines of exceptional quality.

Wine Range of Château Musar

Château Musar offers a diverse portfolio of wines, each reflecting the winery’s philosophy of minimal intervention:

• Château Musar Red: The flagship wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan, known for its complexity and ability to age gracefully.
• Château Musar White: Crafted from indigenous Obaideh and Merwah, this wine is often likened to aged white Burgundy for its depth and elegance.
• Hochar Père et Fils: A single-vineyard red wine that offers an approachable alternative to the flagship red, suitable for earlier enjoyment.
• Musar Jeune: A vibrant range of red, white, and rosé wines made without oak aging, emphasizing fresh fruit flavors.

Did You Know?

Château Musar was the first Lebanese winery to achieve organic certification in 2006. The indigenous varietals Cinsault, Obaideh, and Merwah used in their wines date back thousands of years, showcasing Lebanon’s ancient winemaking heritage.