Wine and Liquor Stores in Lebanon: How to Shop Well
Buying wine and liquor in Lebanon is easy compared to many regional countries — alcohol is widely sold, taxes are reasonable, and the selection at specialist shops is genuinely good. Where you buy, however, makes a real difference in advice, freshness, and pricing on premium bottles.
Specialist wine shops (cavistes)
Staff who can recommend by price, occasion, or food pairing; rotating selection of small-producer and older vintages; sometimes tastings. Best for serious gifts, occasion bottles, or building a cellar.
Supermarkets
Larger chains (Spinneys, Carrefour, TSC) carry credible mainstream selections and seasonal promotions. Convenient for daily drinking and party stocking. The expensive end of supermarket shelves often costs more than the same bottle at a caviste — check before splurging.
Storage and serving basics
- Store wine on its side, cool (10–18°C), away from light and vibration. A wine fridge pays for itself if you keep more than a case at home.
- Once opened, finish whites within 2–3 days and reds within 3–5 days, with a stopper in the fridge.
- Decant young reds 30–60 minutes before serving for fuller aromas.
- Chill whites and rosés to 8–12°C; lighter reds also benefit from a slight chill, especially in summer.
Good value picks
Lebanese rosés in the USD 8–15 range are reliable everyday drinkers. Mid-priced Bekaa and Batroun reds (USD 15–30) deliver real quality. For imports, southern French and Spanish wines often offer the best value-per-bottle in Lebanon. Spirits like local arak and gin start affordable; imported single malts and aged spirits rise quickly.