We have the immense privilege of welcoming Sami Ghosn, from the prestigious Massaya estate. Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 6pm on our mezzanine to discover a fascinating story of boldness, passion, and resilience.

The Visionary Who Brought Massaya to Life

For Sami Ghosn, childhood was shaped by Lebanon’s civil war—an experience that left scars but also an unshakable rooting to his homeland. While his parents sought safety and a new life abroad, Sami felt a deeper calling: to reclaim his family’s legacy and rebuild what was lost.

In a moment of courage and conviction, Sami handed over his U.S. green card—choosing Lebanon over a comfortable life in America. With just a one-way ticket to Beirut, he returned home in the early 1990s, determined to breathe life back into the land his family had cultivated for generations.

With the Beqaa Valley estate back under his care by 1992, Sami began where Lebanese tradition runs deepest: with arak, the spirit of Lebanon. Renting an old still, he handcrafted small batches of arak, packaging them in what would become the iconic blue “Massaya” bottle, a name inspired by twilight—symbolizing hope after darkness.

From arak, Sami’s vision expanded to winemaking, a craft that soon became a symbol of resilience, pride, and cultural identity.
“A glass of wine from Lebanon is more than a drink. It’s a message of civilization, tolerance, and identity,” Sami says.

Sami’s relentless passion has since placed Massaya on the world stage, building a network of international wine merchants inspired by the ancient Phoenician trade routes. From the fertile terroirs of the Beqaa Valley stretching to the heights of Mount Lebanon, Sami’s work has ensured that every bottle of Massaya reflects the soul of Lebanon—its history, its struggles, and its beauty.

Today, Sami divides his time between the vineyards he revived on the eastern Mediterranean shores and roaming the globe, carrying with him a simple mission: to share the spirit of Lebanon, one glass at a time.

Please join us on Thursday, September 17 at 6pm on our mezzanine to meet Sami, to taste his exceptional wines but also to discover the soul of his land, his challenges, and his vision of a radiant Lebanon. Prepare for an unforgettable tasting experience, defined by elegance and a spirit of sharing.

Seating is limited. Tickets for this class are $40 and a $20 store credit will be issued with your purchase.

Cancellations can be processed for a refund with at least 48 hours' notice before the start of class. See all our policies here.