Producer Spotlight: IXSIR – A New Chapter for Lebanese Wine

At the meeting point of heritage and modernity, nestled in the hills above Batroun, Lebanon, stands IXSIR - one of the country’s most visionary wineries. A proud part of the Enotria&Coe portfolio for over a decade, IXSIR has long impressed us with its bold approach, elegant wines, and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. As we move into the summer season, there’s no better time to shine a light on this exceptional producer and invite more of our customers to discover what makes IXSIR so unique.

 

The Name Says It All

The name IXSIR – derived from “Iksir,” the Arabic word for elixir - reflects their mission to capture the essence of Lebanon’s unique terroir in every bottle. Nestled in the hills above Batroun, IXSIR has earned its reputation not only for producing elegant, expressive wines, but also for redefining what Lebanese wine can be in the 21st century.

The vision behind IXSIR is to uncover and revive Lebanon’s most promising – and often long-forgotten - mountain terroirs. All of IXSIR’s vineyards are located in the mountains of Lebanon, beginning at 400 metres and reaching up to an astonishing 1,800 metres above sea level, making them among the highest in the Northern Hemisphere. Spread across the country from Batroun in the north to Jezzine in the south, these sites are planted on clay-calcareous and limestone soils and benefit from a remarkable diversity of microclimates. This mosaic of altitudes, soil types, and exposures allows IXSIR to craft wines that are complex, balanced, and deeply expressive of their origin.

Innovation Meets Sustainability

IXSIR doesn’t just make wine - it redefines how wine can be made. The winery itself is a marvel of sustainable design, carved into the mountainside and built with a gravity-fed system that minimises energy use while preserving the quality of the grapes. It’s one of the world’s greenest wineries, having received international accolades such as CNN’s “Greenest Buildings in the World,” the Architizer A+ Award, the Green Mind MENA Award, and the Good Green Design Award.

But their innovation goes beyond infrastructure. IXSIR’s commitment to sourcing grapes from a wide range of elevations and terroirs gives them access to an incredible array of varietals and expressions. This allows the winemaking team to create wines with depth, freshness, and precision - a remarkable achievement in a region often associated with warmer, heavier styles.

The Art of Surprise

IXSIR excels at the unexpected. Whether it’s using native Lebanese varieties like Obeideh or coaxing cool-climate finesse from warm-weather vineyards, their wines stand out for their freshness and finesse.

Take their Altitudes range: bright, aromatic, and elegantly textured, these wines punch well above their weight. Meanwhile, the Grande Réserve line elevates Lebanon’s potential to the world stage, with serious structure, concentration, and ageability - all while remaining unmistakably drinkable.

At a time when origin, authenticity, and sustainability are more important than ever, IXSIR offers a model for how tradition and modern winemaking can go hand in hand.

Three IXSIR Wines to List This Summer

Looking for standout by-the-glass options this summer? These three IXSIR wines bring freshness, versatility, and a strong sense of place – ideal for al fresco dining, curated wine flights, or premium list rotations.

IXSIR Grande Réserve White

(Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay)

Why list it: A beautifully textured white that offers both freshness and finesse. With ripe stone fruit, citrus blossom, and a hint of spice, it’s a versatile wine that elevates everything from grilled seafood to summer risottos. This is a premium white with real depth – ideal for restaurants looking to offer something elegant and slightly off the beaten path. The story of high-altitude vineyards and sustainable winemaking adds a compelling talking point.

 

IXSIR Grande Réserve Rosé

(Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Syrah)

 

Why list it: A gastronomic rosé that balances freshness with structure. Delicate in colour but rich in flavour, it brings notes of wild berries, herbs, and a savoury edge that pairs beautifully with charcuterie, grilled fish, and spiced dishes. A premium choice for venues that want a rosé with personality and poise.

 

IXSIR Altitudes Red

(Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Caladoc, Tempranillo)

Why list it: Smooth, juicy, and bursting with ripe red fruit and subtle spice, this is a crowd-pleasing red that works brilliantly by the glass or with chargrilled meats and mezze. Despite the warm climate, there’s impressive freshness thanks to Lebanon’s mountain vineyards. It’s a great “house pour with personality” – familiar enough in style, but with a distinctive twist that makes it memorable.