The Vineyards

The Majestic

Belle~Vue Vineyards

Centuries ago, our ancestors tamed the mountainside with a maze of handmade stone terrace walls, allowing farmers to plant crops. It quickly became clear that the soil and climate of the valley were best suited to growing grapes; thus, a legacy of viticulture began.

Belle-Vue was a beautiful hotel high on the mountain, built by Naji Boutros’ great-grandfather. When war broke out in 1975, the hotel closed its doors and became the family’s residence. Symbolically, the first vines we planted in April 2000 took root in the ruins of the hotel. Years later, dozens of plots in and around the village are green with vines once again.

Every family in our community has land with us, which means the entire village is invested in our success. In fact, vineyard lands are still identified by the names of village elders who once owned them! This feels respectful in line with our intention to act as custodians of the valley, in this moment of history.

We’ve made every effort to use traditional farming practices, including the use of cover crops and shunning herbicides and pesticides completely. Grapes are hand-harvested by varietal in 20 kg cases at the moment of optimal balance between potential alcohol and acidity, then fermented in stainless steel using only natural yeasts in our winery facility in the village.

Custodianship

Our fertile valley is also home to olive groves, fig trees and heritage grape varietals (38 at last count!).

Join us to harvest figs in August, grapes in September and olives in November.

Explore

Our Organically Farmed Lebanese Vineyards

The specs

Vineyard Data

Region

Eastern Mediterranean
Appellation: Mount Lebanon

Altitude

950-1250 Meters above Sea Level

Latitude

33.79793

Longitude

35.66136

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot, Syrah
Miksasi
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier

Climate

Dry in summer, moderate temperatures, low humidity

Our Land and Soil

After the war, the vineyards were left in ruins. The fields that are green today, they used to burn every year.

Bhamdoun’s mineral-rich terrain marries rocky limestone, moisture-retentive clay and calcareous soil in a perfect storm for winemaking.

ACRES

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ANNUAL SNOW/RAIN WINTER ONLY

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GRAPE VARIETIES

Chateau Belle-Vue's Sustainability Pledge

We practice traditional low-yield, dry farming practices, utilizing organic agriculture without any pesticides or herbicides. We prioritize water management and utilize fermented manure from vine cuttings as organic fertilizer.

We promote biodiversity to create a natural symbiosis supporting insects, bacteria, flora, and fauna.

Water Management Traditional low-yield, dry farming practices across all vineyards
Organic Agriculture No pesticides or herbicides used, EVER. Our manure is fermented with vine cuttings for use as organic fertilizer.
Ground Cover Alfalfa suppresses weed growth and fixes nitrogen in the soil. It is harvested and used as animal feed.
Solar Energy Panels generate electricity and hot water.

Vegetable Garden Supplies bulk of summer produce for Le Telegraphe.
Fruit, Honey, Olive Oil Grown/produced on vineyard land, part of village heritage. Olive press is local.
Biodiversity Aromatic herbs, fallow land, olive groves, and healthy vineyards create natural symbiosis supporting insects, bacteria, flora and fauna.
Recycling Glass and plastic collected at Le Telegraphe.

Water Management Traditional low-yield, dry farming practices across all vineyards
Organic Agriculture No pesticides or herbicides used, EVER. Our manure is fermented with vine cuttings for use as organic fertilizer.
Ground Cover Alfalfa suppresses weed growth and fixes nitrogen in the soil. It is harvested and used as animal feed.
Solar Energy Panels generate electricity and hot water.