Aurora Winery: A Boutique Mountain Gem

Aurora Winery, located in the village of Rachkedde near Batroun in northern Lebanon, is a family-owned boutique winery dedicated to crafting fine wines through meticulous viticulture and winemaking practices. Established in 2002, the Geara family has been cultivating their own vines in mountainous vineyards that span approximately 2.3 hectares. At an altitude of 850 meters, the Aurora vineyards are surrounded by hills of olive and oak trees, offering stunning views of the Jawz River and the Mediterranean Sea. The winery's name is inspired by the neighboring village of Aoura, where the vineyards are located, and also alludes to the French word "l'aurore," signifying the dawn before sunrise. Fadi Geara, the founder, initially pursued a career in medicine, discovering his passion for wine during a decade-long stay in France. Today, he balances his work as a doctor with his dedication to winemaking, producing around 4,000 bottles annually. Aurora is considered a genuine "garage wine," characterized by its small production volume and high-quality standards, producing two red wines and one white wine. The vineyards feature clayey and calcareous soils, terraced and generally west-facing, benefiting from the maritime climate of the Batroun region. This terroir differs from the Bekaa Valley, resulting in wines with distinct characteristics that mature faster and have well-balanced acidity. Visitors can explore the winery's journey from grape to bottle, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy personalized wine tastings in the cellar. The Garden at Aurora offers a culinary experience with open-fire grilling paired with Aurora wines, set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean mountains.