The Vinifest wine festival will inaugurate its twelfth edition on October 2nd at Beirut Hippodrome, under the patronage of the Minister of Economy and Trade Mr. Mansour Bteish, and will take place until October 5th. According to Bteish, the wide participation in the festival reflects “the wine production sector’s growth despite the current economic situation” and represents for China, this year’s Guest of Honor, an opportunity to explore Lebanese production before it enters its market.
Minister Bteish noticed that “the increasing number of wineries reflects the vitality of this sector in Lebanon and contributes to boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities.” He also said that this festival “helps consolidating the position of Lebanese wine on the local market and introducing it to the world, since its quality has become well-known internationally.” “Lebanese food industries, including wine, constitute a sector in which Lebanon can excel worldwide. This requires supporting the development of this sector, strengthening it and marketing it locally and abroad,” he added.
Vinifest, which is the biggest wine event in the Middle East, is expected to host around 30,000 people from every part of the world for four days.
The festival showcases the extremely wide range of wine varieties in Lebanon and abroad. It teaches visitors to appreciate old flavors and discover new blends from small wineries and hidden gems across Lebanon. A stand dedicated to foreign wines will also be set up.
This year, Vinifest is hosting China as its Guest of Honor through the Chinese Arab Association (C.A.A.) for Promoting Cultural & Commercial Exchange. The festival will allow China to discover the quality of Lebanese production before Lebanese wine enters the Chinese market.
Live cooking shows will take place with the C.A.A and with French chef, Mr. Alain Leloup. His shows will focus on the “Cuisine of the Sun”, knowing that the “sun” is the theme of this year’s edition since it affects the quality of the wine.
The festival, which is organized by Eventions and opens its doors every day from 6:30 pm until midnight, will host the Chef Sommelier at l’Hôtel de Paris and winner of the best Maître Sommelier award in France, Mr. Patrice Frank.
In addition to that, visitors can listen to live bands and taste a special wine lollipop on ice.