Law No.216/2000 on the production, manufacture, sale and import of wine.

This Law consisting of 22 articles divided in IV Parts aims at defining rules for the production, manufacture, sale and import of wine of different kinds.
The Law is divided into three core areas: 1. Regulations governing the production, sale and importation of wines; 2. Regulations defining the constituents and nature of Lebanese wine and Lebanese concentrated must (freshly pressed grape juice, prior to or during fermentation). Rules governing the fermentation of dry, sparkling, sweet, semi-sweet (demi-doux) wines, liqueurs and fortified wines. Rules governing the use and provenance of grapes, the cultivation methods for grapes used to make wine, and guidelines for the wine making process. Much of its technical regulations follow those set down by the International Office of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the Codex Alimentarius; and 3. Rules for labelling and origin designation. Article 12 defines the meaning of the word origin as the “geographic region of production”, regarding wine, the geographic indication is related to the origin of the grapes, the place of wine production, and the natural and human factors that are involved. Article adopts an administrative division at the level of provinces for the appellation of wine.
The Law establishes a Committee at the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for: studying and proposing in the field of growth and development of the vine and wine in Lebanon; monitoring all developments in the International Office of Vine and Wine in order to the possible implementation in Lebanon; studying the geographical, climate and chemical impacts on the various kinds of vine and their effects on the various types of winery in Lebanon; and studying and proposing the establishment of a National Institute of Vine and Wine and determine the duties and powers.