Passion and heritage has been passed down through the Bou Sleiman family for four
generations. When Joseph Bou Sleiman took over the reins at Château Oumsiyat, he
blended respect for local tradition with modern techniques to craft contemporary
wines. A passionate vine grower, Joseph also built a modern winery in the village of
Mtein, where he creates wines that are a fusion of Old World and New World. The
grapes are grown in the 78-hectare vineyard, situated at over 1,000 metres elevation in
the beautiful Bekaa Valley, between Mount Lebanon to the west and the Anti-Lebanon
Mountains to the east. The altitude, microclimate and soils combine in this ancient
terroir to produce fresh wines with a very Mediterranean “feel.”

The Bekaa Valley, located between the Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges, is the heart of Lebanon’s wine industry and home to the country’s most important vineyards. Sitting at elevations of 900–1,200 metres above sea level, the region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool winters. The high altitude provides significant diurnal temperature variation, which helps retain acidity and aromatics in the grapes. Rainfall is confined mainly to the winter months, so drought and water scarcity can be challenges in some years, while occasional spring frosts also pose a risk.

The soils of the Bekaa Valley are varied but generally based on limestone, with areas of clay, gravel and alluvial deposits. These well-drained, mineral-rich soils are well suited to both international and indigenous grape varieties.

Red wines dominate production, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan widely planted. These produce rich, full-bodied wines with ripe black fruit, spice and herbal notes, often aged in oak for added complexity. Merweh and Obeideh are local white varieties, while Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also common for white wines, which tend to be fresh, aromatic and mineral-driven.

Key growing areas include Ksara, Kefraya and Baalbek, and leading producers such as Château Musar, Château Ksara and Château Kefraya have helped establish the Bekaa Valley’s reputation for distinctive, age-worthy wines.

Merlot is one of the world’s most widely planted and popular red grape varieties, prized for its soft texture, approachability, and rich fruit character. Originating in Bordeaux, France—particularly prominent in the Right Bank regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol—Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties to add suppleness and ripe fruit.

Viticulturally, Merlot is an early-ripening grape, making it well-suited to cooler climates. It thrives in clay-rich soils, which enhance its plush texture and depth. However, it can be sensitive to frost and overly vigorous if not carefully managed, sometimes leading to high yields and diluted flavours.

Today, Merlot is grown extensively around the world, including in France, Italy, the United States (especially California and Washington State), Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. In each region, it adapts to different styles—from soft and fruity to structured and age-worthy.

Merlot wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with smooth tannins and flavours of plum, black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, and sometimes herbal or earthy notes. In warmer climates, the wines tend to be richer and fruitier, while cooler regions produce more restrained, elegant expressions. Merlot’s versatility and charm make it a staple of both varietal wines and blends worldwide.