Ep.363: Wine as a Vehicle with Michael Karam

0:00 Intro 2:22 The last three years 16:33 Tourism & narrative 24:27 Lebanon's role 32:56 Consequential to stability 37:24 Expression 42:31 Branding 48:00 Cosmopolitanism 56:39 Q&A 1:25:38 History of wine in the region We're with Michael Karam for Episode 363 of The Beirut Banyan, recorded live at Aaliya’s Books. Click for video version: https://youtu.be/gcNOVWJ830k We reflect on the past three years of political instability, economic collapse and rampant impunity, and the general viability of Lebanon's wine industry moving forward. Our conversation includes a reflection of Michael's co-created 'Wine and War' film available on Amazon Prime (for free), a general decline of Levantine cosmopolitanism in the region and the role free expression plays in both journalism and cultural identity. The episode wraps up with a brief history of wine in the region during the audience Q&A. Michael Karam is a journalist and wine writer. Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com