Syrian Vintner Carries On in a Time of War
Looking out from the Bargylus vineyard (Photo: Domain de Bargylus)
We're looking for Syria's biggest Mediterranean port – and its 5th largest city.
The seaport is the centerpiece of a region known for its Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
That's perfect for growing grapes and making wine.
The Greeks did it. The Romans did it. So did the Phoenicians.
Whoever held the ancient reins power also enjoyed the fruit of the land. Grapes.
But with war now raging in parts of his country, Syrian vintner Sandro Saade says it's a challenge to run a wine business.
"We're happy to be able to continue producing wine when things are not easy everywhere else in the country," he says. "Thank God we're doing okay for the time being."
The war in Syria has been devastating in many ways. An estimated 80,000 people killed, innumerable families and businesses destroyed.
But life has to go on. That's the sense you get speaking to Sandro Saadé. He owns the Bargylus vineyard located on the outskirts of the northwest Syrian city of Latakia.
Latakia is the answer to our Geo Quiz.
Bagylus owner Sandro Saadé spoke to The World about the day-to-day challenges of running a winery, and maintaining a successful business while a war is going on in Syria.
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