IXSIR Winery

IXSIR was founded in 2008 by Etienne Debbane, Hady Kahale, Carlos Ghosn, and Gabriel Rivero. The name comes from the Arabic 'Al-Ikseer,' meaning 'elixir,' a fitting reference for a winery committed to extracting the best from Lebanon's diverse mountain terroirs. IXSIR entered the Lebanese market in 2010 and quickly became the fastest-growing wine producer on both domestic and export markets. The winery joined the Union Vinicole du Liban on May 11, 2010.

• Founded 2008; entered market 2010
• Name derives from Arabic 'Al-Ikseer,' meaning 'elixir'
• Fastest-growing wine producer in Lebanon and on export markets upon launch
• Joined Union Vinicole du Liban on May 11, 2010

IXSIR sources fruit from six vineyard sites spread across the Lebanese mountain ranges from north to south: Batroun, Jezzine, Niha, Halwa, Bechwat, and Ainata. Together they total 120 hectares and span elevations from 400 to 1,800 meters. This dramatic altitudinal range creates a sweep of climatic conditions, from Mediterranean coastal sites with marine breezes to high-altitude continental zones with winter snow. Soils shift accordingly, from clay-calcareous and limestone to ferruginous clay. Ainata, the highest site, carries ancient viticultural significance, as does Basbina, an ancient village with winemaking traditions stretching back to the dawn of civilization. The broader Batroun region was known as Botrus in the Byzantine era, the Greek word for 'grape.'

• Six mountain vineyard sites from north to south Lebanon, totaling 120 hectares
• Elevation range of 400 to 1,800 meters across all sites
• Soils include clay-calcareous, limestone, and ferruginous clay
• Ainata is the highest vineyard in Lebanon; Basbina has viticultural history dating to antiquity

IXSIR grows an exceptionally broad range of varieties across its mountain vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Caladoc, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Touriga Nacional, Viognier, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sémillon. All wines are blended; the winery does not produce single varietals. This blending philosophy reflects a commitment to capturing the purity, freshness, richness, elegance, and complexity of the Lebanese mountains rather than showcasing any one grape. Wines are aged in French oak barrels.

• 15 grape varieties grown across red, white, and aromatic categories
• No single varietals produced; all wines are blends
• Red, white, and rosé styles in the portfolio
• Aging conducted in French oak barrels

The IXSIR winery is built 12 meters underground into the mountain, housed within a 17th-century traditional Lebanese building. This design is not purely aesthetic: the facility consumes 75% less energy than any other winery in the world and was named by CNN as one of the greenest buildings on the planet. The winery has won multiple international architecture awards, including the Architizer A+ Award, the Good Green Design award, and the Green Mind MENA Award. Gravity fermentation is used throughout production to minimize pumping and energy use. IXSIR supports over 250 farming families through sustainable and Fair Trade agricultural practices.

• Built 12 meters underground into the mountain within a 17th-century Lebanese building
• Consumes 75% less energy than any other winery in the world
• CNN-recognized as one of the greenest buildings in the world
• Uses gravity fermentation to reduce pumping and energy consumption
• Supports 250+ farming families through Fair Trade and sustainable practices

Chief winemaker Gabriel Rivero, one of the winery's founders, previously served as winemaker at Chateau Sociando-Mallet in Bordeaux. Consultant winemaker Hubert de Bouard, co-owner of Chateau Angélus, brings further Bordeaux expertise to the team. The winery earned international critical attention early when Jean-Marc Quarin awarded it the best grade for a Lebanese wine at Bordeaux's La Semaine des Primeurs 09. IXSIR now exports to 35 countries and 22 U.S. states.

• Chief winemaker Gabriel Rivero: former winemaker at Chateau Sociando-Mallet
• Consultant: Hubert de Bouard, co-owner of Chateau Angélus
• Jean-Marc Quarin awarded IXSIR the best score for a Lebanese wine at La Semaine des Primeurs 09
• Exports to 35 countries and 22 U.S. states