By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
With a landscape that alternates between majestic mountain peaks, lush coastal stretches and fertile valleys, Lebanon is a country of extraordinary beauty and diversity. Its varied terrain and microclimates create ideal conditions for viticulture and for nearly 6000 years, its vineyards have produced wine that reflects the soul of the land.
Today, a new generation of wineries is reshaping the Lebanese wine industry, marrying ancestral techniques with modern innovation and inviting the world to discover wines that are vibrant, expressive and utterly unique.
On Wednesday, September 24, Love, Tilly Devine will celebrate this remarkable heritage with a Tilly Takeover showcasing the wines of Lebanon. From 6 pm, Nicole Burfitt-Williams of Vins du Liban will pour a curated selection of bottles from some of the country’s most exciting producers.
Alongside her, guests will be able to enjoy a one-off mezze plate crafted by Head Chef Brent Wilson, making for an evening that combines culture, cuisine and conviviality in the heart of Sydney.
Three wineries will take centre stage during the evening. Heya Wines, Lebanon’s first fully female-run winery, was founded by Claudine Lteif and Michelle Chami. Their passion for natural wine, ancestral winemaking techniques and elevating women in a traditionally male-dominated industry is evident in every bottle. Heya’s Kanz Chilled Grenache Syrah is a playful, aromatic wine that pairs effortlessly with light snacks and lively conversation.
Mersel, perched at the highest vineyard in the Northern Hemisphere, focuses on indigenous Lebanese varietals and has become renowned for Pet Nats and skin contact wines. Wines like Mersel Elevate Merwah and Jaffa Crush Orange Merwah Viognier capture the essence of Lebanon’s rugged landscapes and sun-drenched slopes, revealing a depth of flavour that is rare and intriguing.
Nicole’s own label, Vins du Liban, completes the line-up, introducing wine lovers to her personal vision of Lebanese viticulture. A highlight is the Vins du Liban Rose, crafted from Tfeifihe and Merlot grapes, which is delicate, nuanced and perfectly suited to mezze and warm evenings alike.
The Tilly Takeover will feature wines available by the glass, by the bottle or in flights of three, offering guests the chance to explore different styles for $35 or $50. Alongside these wines, Brent has prepared a special mezze platter for the evening, including white bean dip, hummus, falafel, roasted peppers, olives and flatbread from Fabbrica Bread Shop. It is a menu designed to complement the wines while celebrating the vibrant flavours and textures of Lebanese cuisine.
Love, Tilly Devine is renowned for creating spaces where food, drink and hospitality come together seamlessly and this takeover promises to be a memorable evening. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious about Lebanese wines, it is a chance to explore new varietals, enjoy expertly crafted mezze and be guided through the story of a country whose winemaking heritage is both ancient and alive with innovation.
Bookings are encouraged and can be made via Seven Rooms. The Tilly Takeover: Wines of Lebanon begins at 6 pm on Wednesday, September 24. Alternatively, Love, Tilly Devine’s Happy Hour will run as usual from 5 pm to 6 pm, offering the perfect prelude to an evening of discovery for Sydney wine lovers to be transported to the hills and valleys of Lebanon, where they can discover a remarkable land amidst a celebration of culture, craftsmanship and conviviality…without leaving the city.
