Domaine Wardy

Domaine Wardy traces its origins to 1881, when Rachid Cortas established the estate in Zahle, at the heart of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. The winery takes its name from Wardy Mousallem, the great-great-grandmother who inherited the vineyards and became matriarch of the Wardy family. The first modern harvest was completed in 1997, marking a new chapter in the estate's evolution. A significant rebranding and renovation project launched in 2018 signaled the family's commitment to long-term quality. Today, four Wardy siblings own and operate the estate, which also features horse stables alongside its vineyards.

• Founded in 1881 by Rachid Cortas in Zahle, Bekaa Valley
• Named after Wardy Mousallem, the matriarch who inherited the original vineyards
• First modern harvest in 1997; rebranding and renovation began in 2018
• Currently owned and operated by four Wardy siblings

The Domaine Wardy vineyards sit in the Bekaa Valley between 950 and 1,600 meters above sea level. Soils are composed of limestone and gravel, classic terroir for fine wine production in this part of the Middle East. The climate is dry Mediterranean with wide diurnal temperature shifts, meaning warm days drive ripeness while cool nights preserve natural acidity and aromatic intensity in the grapes. These conditions support a broad range of both red and white varieties.

• Elevation ranges from 950 to 1,600 meters above sea level
• Limestone and gravel soils characterize the vineyard sites
• Dry Mediterranean climate with significant day-to-night temperature variation
• Located in Zahle, the capital of the Bekaa Valley

Domaine Wardy cultivates an extensive portfolio of varieties spanning both international standards and local heritage grapes. Red varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, and Tempranillo. Whites include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Muscat, and the indigenous Lebanese variety Obeidi. The winery produces single-varietal wines, unoaked blends, and oaked blends, with select wines aged in French oak barrels. The portfolio also extends to limited edition wines, arak, vodka, and verjuice.

• Grows both international varieties and the indigenous Lebanese grape Obeidi
• Select wines aged in French oak barrels
• Range includes single-varietals, unoaked blends, oaked blends, and limited editions
• Also produces spirits including arak and vodka, as well as verjuice

Domaine Wardy has accumulated 351 prestigious international awards, establishing it as one of Lebanon's most decorated producers. The standout achievement is the Obeidi 2016, which earned a 96 out of 100 score and won the International Wine and Spirit Competition Trophy. The recognition surrounding the Obeidi is particularly significant as it highlights the quality potential of indigenous Lebanese varieties on the world stage. The estate operates with sustainable farming practices including solar energy systems, reflecting a forward-looking approach to production.

• 351 international awards won across the range
• Obeidi 2016 scored 96/100 and took the IWSC Trophy
• Sustainable farming practices include use of solar energy systems
• Recognition of indigenous Obeidi grape elevates Lebanese wine's international profile