Elias Maalouf crouched to examine a shriveling grapevine in his ancestral vineyard in the sun-kissed plains of eastern Lebanon. Last year, Israeli air strikes kept him from picking most of the grapes. Now, a drought has slashed his harvest.

Riyaq

Lebanese winemakers, particularly in the Bekaa Valley, are experiencing significant hardships due to ongoing conflict and extreme weather conditions. Elias Malouf, whose family has produced wine for six generations, reported that Israeli airstrikes last year prevented the harvest of most grapes, and the current drought has reduced his vineyard's production by three quarters. The region, central to Lebanon's agricultural output, suffered extensive damage during airstrikes, with Malouf estimating losses of $375,000 and no compensation received. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization noted that the conflict affected over 9,800 acres of crops and vineyards. Some farmers are also concerned about the long-term effects of white phosphorus on their soil. To adapt, Malouf has diversified his business by allowing others to use his winery for making wine and Arak. Despite the difficulties, he remains committed to staying in Lebanon.

Lebanese wine businesses struggle through war and drought

Lebanese winemakers like Elias Malouf are struggling to keep their businesses alive through war and extreme heat. Malouf's family has been making wine for six generations. Last year, Israeli airstrikes kept him from picking most of the grapes. Now, Lebanon's worst drought on record has slashed his harvest. Malouf said the vineyard's production has decreased by three quarters, about 66 tonnes, due to low rainfall this year. Our family's story is like any other family in Lebanon, and like any family living here in the Bekaa region, which is literally one of the most difficult regions for one to consider establishing oneself and working in. It's so beautiful, to the point you can't leave. But at the same time, there are a lot of problems. The Bekaa Valley is Lebanon's agricultural heartland and the capital of its winemaking industry. The region was hit hard by last year's deadly Israeli airstrikes, which began on the 23rd of September during the peak grape harvest season. Israel said it was targeting Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group backed by Iran. That afternoon, a three-story building near Malouf's winery in the town of Riyak was hit. In the first strike, 6,800 bottles were broken. The roof of the factory was blown off, and there was sun exposure to around 12,000 bottles. We have 5,000-litre containers. Four of them were nearly full, and a few had a little missing. Their caps blew off, and we didn't notice that until the wine smell spread, and it was ruined. Malouf estimated his losses at $375,000. No compensation was provided. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the war hit more than 9,800 acres of crops and vineyards in Lebanon. Some farmers are also worried that Israel's use of white phosphorus would have a long-lasting impact on their soil. To keep the business alive, Malouf has opened up the winery for other ventures. Wine lovers and restaurants can pay to make their own mixes from his grapes, or rent his equipment to make Arak, a traditional Lebanese grape spirit. The winemaker said he wants to stay in his homeland despite the challenges in the past five years. It's a toxic relationship, if I can put it that way. It's a one-sided love. The amount of love we have for this land, that's how much we have to suffer its misfortunes.

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