Lebanon as guest of honor at Brussel’s wine fair 2016

For the second year running, Lebanon participated in the biggest wine fair in Belgium, MEGAVINO, which opened last Friday in the capital Brussels from October 21 to 24. Some 21 producers from across Lebanon showcased their products which was made possible with the support the Lebanese Ambassador to Belgium, Rami Mortada and the special efforts of the organizing team, and with funding from the Beirut Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. With Lebanon selected as the guest of honor for the year 2016, every visitor to the venue was handed a booklet with a cover page and opening article devoted to Lebanese wine. Ambassador Mortada inaugurated the Lebanese pavilion in the presence of the President of the Union Vinicole du Liban, Zafer Shawi, and a number of concerned dignitaries. During the opening ceremony, Mortada outlined the old tradition characterizing Lebanese wine and the development of its presence in European markets and around the world. Shawi, for his part, stressed the quality of the local wine which has demonstrated its excellence and ability to compete globally. (presently exported to 45 world countries). To close, Bart Verhoeven gave a presentation on the history of the Lebanese wine accompanied with the latest production statistics. (Al Diyar, October 25, 2016)