5 Lebanese wineries to visit that aren't Ksara or Kefraya

Spending your Saturday or Sunday sipping wine, enjoying delicious cuisine and taking in a picturesque location all while learning a bit about wine production can be the perfect way to spend your weekend in Lebanon.

Although we definitely love trekking out to Lebanon's famous Chateau Ksara and Chateau Kefraya wineries, there are so many more options to choose from. Here are 5 wineries that you should definitely visit for a perfect weekend escape.

Chateau Musar stands out with its high quality and international reputation. Established in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, the chateau maintained its winemaking throughout Lebanon's 15-year civil war. Although it's vineyards are located in the Bekaa Valley, Chateau Musar's winery facility is located in Ghazir. For reservations and more information contact +961 09 925 056.

Massaya is a product of much love and dedication launched just in the early 1990s. During Lebanon's civil war, the Ghosn family behind Massaya moved abroad. After the war, the two brothers, Sami and Ramzi, returned to their land in the Bekaa and began distilling arak. As the family also owned land in Faqra, the brothers decided to open a winery there, which opened its doors in 2014. Now, wine connoisseurs can tasted the family's wines at the Massaya Fireplace restaurant in Faqra. For reservations and more information contact +961 70 122 414.

Situated in the picturesque mountains of Batroun, Ixsir is an ideal place to relax and spend your weekend with friends. The winery was established by a group of friends with a passion for fine wine and Lebanon. Blending rich varieties of grapes cultivated from carefully selected terroirs, the aim is to create wine that will always be associated with its homeland. For reservations or more information contact +961 71 773 770.

Established in 1923, Chateau Nakad is the result of three generations of winemakers. Today, the grandchildren of Joseph Nakad carry on the tradition he began. Located in the village of Jdita/Chtaura, the winery is built on the remains of wine cellars dating back to the Bronze Age. For more reservations or more information contact +961 08 540 191 or +961 03 982 654.

Founded in Chatura all the way back in 1868, Domaine des Tourelles draws on the millennia of winemaking history that Lebanon has long been known for. In the 1960s, the winery was famous for its rose and its arak. Today, the winery continues to welcome guests to taste its unique blend of local grapes. For reservations or more information call +961 08 540 114.