Les Vignes du Marje

Les Vignes du Marje is a family owned winery in Marjeyoun, southern Lebanon, operated by Carol Tayyar Khoury and her husband Imad. It is one of only a few wineries in the area, and its aim is to produce the first wine from Jdeidet Marjeyoun, a wine that reflects the character of the south and balances ripeness with restraint. In 2024, the bombing of southern Lebanon severely disrupted its operations. Equipment and the wine that could be saved were relocated to partner wineries in the north, yet 2,200 litres of wine and 8,000 newly planted vines were still destroyed, and more than half of the workforce was displaced. The winery has continued production with a reduced team, but with the ceasefire still being violated, particularly in the south, its ability to keep operating depends heavily on access to new markets.

Therefore, Izdihar Libnan imported Vin du Marje Rouge and Blanc into the Netherlands to open a new market in Europe. The first shipment of 840 bottles arrived in 2024, during the conflict, and a second shipment of 840 bottles followed in 2025. Of the 1,680 bottles imported, sales have reached more than 200 individuals and 10 businesses, including wine boutiques and restaurants. Consistent demand and repeat orders have allowed the range to expand by three additional wines.

In addition, the initiative is run on a nonprofit basis. All proceeds are reinvested in rebuilding the winery’s damaged infrastructure, sustaining its operations, and supporting the local farming and production networks that depend on it.