Chateau Rayak — Attraction in Rayaq

Château Rayak, by Mr. Elias Maalouf is one of those places once you visit fills you with joy and satisfaction, and then you won't forget thr experience. Its a home winery/distillery where the family have been making wine for 5 generations. Now, owned and run by Mr. Elias, who is such a cool honest hard-working man, very professional and perfectionist when it comes to wine/arak making. He meets you with a warm smile and while you are trying 6 types of wine, you will also be enjoying the story of the winery, where each type is named and inspired by a certain historical event or a personal story. Then you get to try the Arak with an explanation of how its distilled and how to spot out authentic pure Arak. This was amazing. If you are an Arak lover like me, you will find the experience one of a life time. If you are a wine expert or wine lover you will surely appriceate and enjoy the experience and the 100% natural wine (no sulfates added). Now to ppl who don't have a big knowledge about wine or who are curious to know what this wine-thing is all about, thats where you get lucky. 6 different types of wine, makes you understand how and why good wines can be different and how they should be enjoyed. Something you don't get from wines bought from supermarket, or even those from big wineries where the commercial aspect affects the authenticity of their wine. Something you won't find at Château Rayak, and this makes the...

I just returned from my visit to Chateau Rayak. I have to say that I have never written a review, and this is my first one ever because this place deserves everyone’s attention. We arrived at the winery after a long day in the bekaa, and Elias greeted us with a smile and guided is towards the winery. We were a group of five, people from Lebanon, the IS and France. This is a tiny winery (I know people with bigger living rooms), yet your senses will take a big leap once inside. Elias Maalouf, the owner of the winery is the guide and goes through the family history, the past of Rayak and all his passions poured with love in those oak barrels. From the brother of his grandfather, to his grandfather, the train stations, and the planes made in Rayak to end with a beautiful Love story which you can taste in a glass or porte. The visit is crowned by the Arak, that made me, a arak hater fall in love with it. This was the perfect ending to a wonderful day we had, and one that none of us will forget. Do your best...

It was an amazing experience, to get to find a peaceful hideout, among all the chaos around, where the true Lebanese spirit still lingers around. Chateau Rayak is where tradition is valued and wine is made with patience and Love. Elias is very informative as well as a generous and friendly host. We even got to fill and mark our own bottles! Most important of all, the wine tastes very good, the Arak is a must have experience. The prices are affordable. We definitely advise you to pass...