Château St Thomas: A Legacy of Lebanese Winemaking
Discover Château St Thomas, a Lebanese winery in the Bekaa Valley, where ancient history meets modern winemaking. Experience exquisite wines and vineyard tours.
Château St Thomas, established in 1990 by Saïd Touma and his family, stands as a beacon of Lebanese winemaking in the heart of the Bekaa Valley. The estate spans 65 hectares, with vineyards benefiting from the valley's fertile soil and ideal climate. The location is rich in history; the Romans once built the Temple of Bacchus nearby, a tribute to the god of wine. Saïd Touma, who had over 55 years of experience in distillation and fermentation, passed his passion for winemaking to his son, Joe-Assaad, who studied in France. Together with family members Nadia, Nathalie, Claudine, and Micheline, they craft wines that reflect the terroir of the Bekaa Valley. Château St Thomas is known for introducing the first Pinot Noir in Lebanon and reviving the indigenous Obeidy grape. Visitors can explore the vineyards, tour the cellar dug into the rocks, and sample a range of wines. The estate also features a chapel dedicated to St Thomas, hosting special events. The winery produces 450,000 bottles a year of red, white, rose, and sweet varieties.
Local tips
- Book your tasting or tour in advance to ensure a personalized experience, especially during peak season.
- Pair your wine tasting with local Lebanese cuisine for an enhanced experience.
- Visit in the spring or fall for mild weather and picturesque vineyards.
A brief summary to Château St Thomas
- Main Road, LB
- +9618500812
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-2 pm
Getting There
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Taxi
From Beirut, a taxi to Château St Thomas takes approximately 1 hour and 11 minutes, covering a distance of 83 km. The estimated cost is $90-120. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
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Public Transport
Take the public bus line ML1 from the Palace of Justice roundabout in Beirut's Adlieh district to Chtoura. The fare is LL200,000. From Chtoura, you can take a local bus towards Qab Elias, and ask to be dropped off near Château St Thomas. Alternatively, take a taxi from Chtoura to the winery.
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Driving
From Beirut, drive towards the Bekaa Valley. The journey to Château St Thomas takes approximately 1 hour and 11 minutes via the Beirut-Damascus Highway, covering a distance of 83 km. Parking is available at the winery.
