Situated at the eastern extremity of the Mediterranean winelands, Syria shares its borders with Lebanon and Israel to the south, and Turkey to the north. In the country's southwestern region, approximately 65 km (40 miles) inland from the coast, the landscape ascends to form the rocky Golan Heights plateau, a historically contested area that has been under Israeli control since the passage of the Golan Heights Law in 1981. This region has seen the establishment of several Israeli wine estates.
Notably, Domaine de Bargylus, situated in Latakia province on the slopes of the Coastal Mountain Range (Mount Bargylus) to the north of Lebanon, is Syria's most renowned winery. Owned by the Saadé family, who also possess Château Marsyas in Lebanon, their wines have gained international recognition and are featured in esteemed restaurants globally.
Despite being less affected than other provinces, the Syrian civil war has posed challenges to winemaking in Latakia. Domaine de Bargylus, notably, has faced threats to production. Due to safety concerns during the conflict, the Saadé family and their consultant, Stéphane Derencourt, oversee winemaking from a distance, relying on samples sent to them for tasting. The vineyards have experienced losses due to mortar fire, and workers have had to seek shelter during nearby gunfire exchanges.
The grapevine holds significant historical and symbolic importance in Syrian culture. Traditional Syrian art often incorporates the elegant and resilient form of the grapevine, which is a common sight in the courtyards of traditional Syrian homes. As-Suwayda, located in southern Syria near the Jordanian border, hosts an annual vine festival every September. Known as Dionysias in ancient Greek times after the wine god Dionysus, this town was once at the heart of a well-known and established wine region
