November 12, 2024 - 4 comments
Heya Wines: Shaping Lebanon’s Future Through Natural Winemaking and Female Empowerment.
Sometimes, turmoil and dark times ignite new strength and growth. Amidst the backdrop of war, in the heart of Lebanon’s rugged mountains, Claudine Lteif and Michelle Chami are forging a new path for the country’s winemaking and advancing gender equality in the industry.
Our journey into natural winemaking comes from a genuine love for Lebanon and its rich heritage. Many don’t realize that our country is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world, with the temple of Bacchus in Baalbek as a reminder of our roots. We choose to embrace ancestral techniques to honor the traditions that have been passed down through generations. Moving from the city to the mountains, we seek a simpler life that reconnects us to the land. That’s why we make our wines with minimal intervention—unfined, unfiltered, and we even use an amphora (for our Kanz wine which is a whole cluster red wine made of Syrah and Grenache, aged in amphora). With methods like carbonic maceration and skin contact, we aim to create wines that reflect the true essence of Lebanon, capturing the unique characteristics of our beloved land. Through our work, we hope to honor our past while looking forward to a sustainable future for this beautiful country we cherish.
Empowering women is truly at the heart of Heya Wines. We have the privilege of witnessing the incredible dedication of the women in the fields, many of whom are Syrian refugees who have faced immense challenges in their lives. These women rise before dawn, working tirelessly to support their families and contribute to the harvest, often without the recognition they deserve. We believe it’s essential to provide equal pay and genuine appreciation for their hard work, creating an environment where their contributions are truly valued.
More than just financial support, we strive to build a sense of community with these remarkable women. We sit together, share meals, and laugh, fostering connections that go beyond work. We recognize that true value comes from love and belonging, and we want them to feel that they are an integral part of our journey. These women are our heroes, and we’re grateful for the strength and resilience they bring to Heya Wines. Together, we are not just making wine; we are nurturing hope and a brighter future for all.
Being female winemakers in Lebanon feels both like a privilege and a responsibility. Our country’s rich cultural heritage deeply influences our work, and we see it as our mission to challenge traditional norms by highlighting the important role women play in winemaking. Through our wines, we want to honor the strength and resilience of women, sharing their stories and celebrating our shared heritage while promoting inclusivity in the industry.
Our labels feature the women we work alongside in the fields, captured in candid moments with our phones. They reflect the authenticity and simplicity we strive for, representing the real and pure essence we want our wines to convey. In doing so, we aim to honor not just our craft, but also the community of strong women who inspire us every day.
Our philosophy revolves around respecting nature and allowing it to guide us. We practice minimal intervention in our winemaking, meaning we don’t fin or filter our wines and use only naturally occurring sulfur. This helps preserve the true essence of the grapes.
Being in a mountainous region at high altitude, we don’t irrigate; instead, we rely on dry farming methods that utilize natural rainfall. This approach encourages deep root growth and enhances the resilience and flavor of our grapes. Additionally, since our winery often lacks electricity, most of our work is done by hand - we even hand label! This not only fosters a deeper connection to our craft but also significantly reduces our carbon footprint.
Through these practices, we aim to honor the land that nurtures us, ensuring its vitality for future generations while staying true to our commitment to sustainability and the natural process.
Collaborating with Mersel Wine has been a pivotal part of our journey. Working alongside Eddie has given us invaluable hands-on experience and support. His encouragement to use the resources at Mersel allowed us to experiment freely and find our footing in winemaking. This collaboration created a nurturing environment where we could learn and grow, helping us transform our passion into Heya Wines while staying true to our values. We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and belief he has shown in us, which has made all the difference in our path.
Each of our wines tells a unique story that reflects both the terroir of Lebanon and the experiences of the women involved in their production. "Farha," which means happiness, is especially meaningful to us. As our first wine, its release felt like the birth of something we had poured our hearts into—bringing us immense joy. Just as women often bring happiness to their families and communities, our time on the land filled us with gratitude and joy, making "Farha" a perfect name for our journey.
"Kanz," meaning treasure, symbolizes the precious nature of both the grapes and the women who work alongside us. During the process of carbonic maceration, the berries burst open, revealing their hidden treasures in the wine, much like the stories and resilience of the women in the fields. Kanz is a reflection of the precious nature of our land and the women who we feel are the treasures.
In naming our wines, we hope to honor not only the land but also the incredible women who inspire us every day.
Adapting to Lebanon’s economic challenges has required flexibility and creativity. We’ve learned to work with what we have, often improvising to overcome resource limitations. This has involved simplifying our processes, focusing on minimal intervention, and embracing the natural conditions of our environment. While these challenges are tough, they also inspire us to be resourceful and resilient, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and authenticity.
Looking ahead, we hope to grow Heya Wines while remaining committed to our core values of empowerment and sustainability. Our aim is to create more opportunities for women in the vineyard and winemaking processes, fostering a community built on support and appreciation. We want to share our story and philosophy with a broader audience, inviting others to discover the beauty of natural wines and the incredible women who craft them. We want people to try Lebanese wine when looking down wine lists, not because it is good but because in the case of Heya Wines, it supports the people we support. Our journey is just beginning, and we are excited for what lies ahead!
Amidst the challenges of climate change, wars, government issues, floods, and more, times are growing tougher for winemakers everywhere. We want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude and admiration for all the winemakers who work tirelessly every day to bring us the wines we love.
