First ever Lebanese Fairtrade wine launched

Wine importer Ehrmanns is launching the world's first ever Lebanese Fairtrade wine in the UK, in time for Fairtrade Fortnight (February 25 - March 10).

The wine is made by a Co-operative called Coteaux Helipolis which has 220 members and 240 hectares of vineyards. The land was formerly home to illegal cannabis plantations which were destroyed following Lebanese government orders in 1993. But this left farmers out of pocket and without a livelihood. A French department (l'Oise) stepped in and assisted the local farmers in planting vines. Funds generated by the Fairtrade premium will go towards the conservation of natural resources, including water through the cultivation of non-irrigated crops; the prevention of desertification and increasing cultivated land mass.

The wine, Coteaux les Cedres du Liban (rrp £13.99), is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Caladoc and will retail at £13.99.

UK sales of Fairtrade wine grew by 12% in value and 6% in volume in the last year and there are now over 250 Fairtrade wines certified in the UK.