Lebanon is among the oldest sites of wine production in the world. The Israelite prophet Hosea (780-725 BC) is said to have urged his followers to return to Yahweh so that "they will blossom as the vine, and their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon" but in modern times until 1992 there were only three wineries in Lebanon. The international success of Massaya has helped spur a renaissance of wine production in the Bekaa Valley and today there are thirty-five wineries in this burgeoning region. Sami Ghosn and his brother Ramzi run Massaya. Their winemaking is inspired by the French varietals and techniques from Bordeaux and the Rhone. The dominant grapes are Cinsault and Syrah, while Cabernet Sauvignon is clearly important. Sami will host this evening of paired wines and food, providing a fascinating insight into the history of the region, the wines it has produced and the future of wine making in Lebanon. Reception: - El Massaya Arak Menu: - Cox apple-sweetened heritage baby beetroots, homemade pickled walnuts, whipped goats curd + wild rocket - Massaya Blanc 2015 - Dunkeld smoked salmon on toast - Massaya Rosé 2015 - Carpaccio of Scottish wild venison with shaved pecorino cheese, gem lettuce + black truffle dressing - Le Colombier 2014 - Dry aged Aberdeenshire fillet on the bone, Béarnaise sauce, goose fat roast potatoes + wild greens - Terrasses de Baalbeck 2012 - Chilled bread and butter pudding, tipsy sultanas + custard - Cap Est 2013 Over 18s only. Valid ID required. Please note that the ticket price is per person. Latecomers may not be admitted.