Major Ronald Barton (of Château Langoa-Barton and Leoville-Barton) stationed in Lebanon during World War II befriends Gaston Hochar, strengthening links with Bordeaux and influencing the Musar style.
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Serge Hochar becomes Chateau Musar’s winemaker while completing his winemaking studies at the University of Oenology in Bordeaux under the tutorage of Jean Riberau and Emile Peynaud.
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Ronald Hochar (Gaston’s second son) takes over the financial and marketing aspects of the winery.
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Michael Broadbent ‘discovers’ Chateau Musar at the Bristol Wine Fair, hailing the 1967 vintage as the “Find of the Fair”. Chateau Musar opens its UK Company to develop its sales into the UK market and thereafter into Europe.
Read moreDecanter magazine nominates Serge Hochar as their first ‘Man of the Year’, recognising his dedication to producing superb wines throughout Lebanon’s Civil War (1975-1990).
Read moreJane Sowter joins Chateau Musar (UK) in sales and marketing covering the UK market and eventually European markets.
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Serge Hochar receives the “lifetime achievement award” from the German magazine Der FeinSchmeker. Marc Hochar, Serge’s second son, joins his brother Gaston to help run and expand the winery’s activities.
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Chateau Musar plants a new vineyard in the Byblos region on the coastline at 400m of altitude.
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Publication of the “Chateau Musar: A story of a wine icon” book by Académie du Vin Library.
Read moreChateau Musar history in the making. To understand our unique winemaking philosophy, explore the remarkable Chateau Musar history that began in 1930, deeply rooted in the ancient winemaking traditions of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. Over generations, our family legacy has been defined by producing exceptional vintages under challenging conditions. Discover our dynamic journey over the years by viewing our recent Harvest Report updates.
The story of Chateau Musar History begins in 1930, when Gaston Hochar founded the winery in Ghazir, overlooking the Mediterranean. From the start, the Hochar family embraced a philosophy rooted in patience, authenticity and respect for nature. Because of this approach, the winery developed a distinctive identity that continues to shape its wines today.
Over the decades, Chateau Musar History has been defined by resilience. Despite regional challenges, the Hochars remained committed to producing wines that reflect the character of the Bekaa Valley. Its high altitude, dry climate and limestone soils create conditions that allow grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with remarkable depth and longevity.
As the winery evolved, each generation contributed new ideas while preserving traditional methods. Serge Hochar, who led the estate for nearly half a century, championed natural winemaking and minimal intervention. Consequently, Musar’s wines became known for their individuality, complexity and ability to age gracefully.
Today, Chateau Musar History continues to inspire wine lovers around the world. The estate’s dedication to heritage, terroir and craftsmanship ensures that every bottle carries the story of the Hochar family and the land that shaped it.
