Château Kefraya takes Grand Gold in Brussels wine contest

BEIRUT — The renowned Lebanese vineyard Château Kefraya has been awarded the prestigious Grand Gold Medal at the 32nd edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) for its Château Kefraya 2021 vintage.

This year’s red and white wine tasting session was held in China’s Ningxia wine region, a rising hub in the global viticulture scene.

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious international wine competitions. Each year, it receives over 15,000 wine entries from across the globe. Wines are assessed in blind tastings, ensuring selections are made solely based on quality, without regard to label prestige or origin, according to the competition’s official website.

Launched in 1994, the CMB has built a reputation for rigor and credibility. The 2025 edition brought together 375 wine experts from 56 countries, including Lebanon, who tasted 7,165 wines from 49 countries over three days. Entrants vie for Silver, Gold, and the rare Grand Gold Medals, the latter of which was awarded to just 106 wines this year.

In a statement relayed by Lebanon’s National News Agency (ANI), Château Kefraya described the honor as a testament to the increasing international recognition of Lebanese wines, reinforcing the country’s standing on the global wine map.

Founded in 1979 by Michel de Bustros, Château Kefraya lies just a few kilometers from the ancient Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek. Over the decades, the estate has become a cornerstone of Lebanese winemaking, now producing around 1.5 million bottles annually. With this latest accolade, Château Kefraya further cements its reputation as a leader in the region’s wine renaissance.