Domaine des Tourelles, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Domaine Des Tourelles, Lebanon

Domaine des Tourelles is at the forefront of Old Vine Heritage in Lebanon. Their success with heritage vineyards of Cinsault and Carignan reflect the conviction and enthusiasm of Faouzi Issa, co-owner, MD, and winemaker. Faouzi, who is 36, studied agricultural engineering at the American University of Beirut.  At first he was not convinced about joining the family’s wine and arak business, but he then decided to study winemaking in France in Supargo de Montpellier where he learnt the craft of winemaking and got the “ Diplome national d’oenologue”.  He then spent time in two of France’s best known names – Domaine Renée Rostaing and Chateau Margaux.

Faouzi returned home to Lebanon in 2008 and took up the reins at Domaine des Tourelles where his wines have gone on to gain international recognition, winning awards and being exported to over 20 countries.

Faouzi was a speaker at the inaugural Old Vine Conference, and you can listen to him talk to Tim Atkin MW about Lebanon’s old vine heritage here.