Château Belle-Vue, Lebanon

Posted By Ronan on August 4, 2011 in Blog, Tastings, Wine trips |

I recently went to Lebanon and visited Château Belle-Vue in the mountain village of Bhamdoun above Beirut. I had been hearing some good things about their wines for some time but was not expecting the incredible story behind their creation.

It was named after the Hotel Belle-Vue, built in 1860 and subsequently destroyed during the civil war in 1983 when the village was literally massacred during the fighting. The town had never truly recovered until the arrival of Naji and Jill Boutros in 1999. Naji was a successful investment banker working for the likes of Merrill Lynch and Colony Capital – Bhamdoun was the town where he was born and after a moment of epiphany decided to move back and begin the renaissance of his hometown.

Château Latour dinner (2004 – 1945)

Posted By Ronan on July 16, 2010 in Blog, Tastings |

The Invite

We held a very exclusive £2,000 a ticket dinner featuring the wines of Latour with the gerant (manager) Frederic Engerer at the Greenhouse restaurant. Frederic is an amazing hands-on manager, who is involved in every stage of the wines journey from the vines, winemaking and the final sales and marketing. His contribution to the quality of Latour and his attention to the details have resulted in a wine that can proclaim to be one of the best in the world.

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Having worked with Ronan for over 10 years i have nothing but admiration for his drive and energy and the way he embraces new idea's to improve not only himself but the business' he works for. He is always entirely professional, generous with both his time and knowledge and a true showcase of leading by example. Ronan's knowledge of not only wine, but every aspect of the hospitality industry is impressive and he is always, it appears, a step ahead when embracing innovation to deliver a better result.

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