Studio Caramel Unveils a Premier Landmark in Lebanon

Design Duo Rami Boush and Elie Bassil Selected from Seven Finalists to House the Nation’s Largest Wine Collection

Studio Caramel, the acclaimed Beirut & Paris based design practice led by Rami Boush and Elie Bassil, is proud to announce the completion of Lebanon’s most ambitious wine sanctuary, Levain Wine Bar. Following a competitive selection process involving seven prominent design firms, Studio Caramel was chosen to envision a space that houses the country's most extensive selection of wines, blending architectural rigor with the sensory poetry of viticulture.

Levain is Lebanon’s first bar and boutique dedicated entirely to Lebanese wine, offering the widest by-the-glass selection, immersive educational rituals, and refined food experiences, all within a warm, modern space that celebrates local stories, terroir, and transformation.

“LEVAIN was always envisioned as a dialogue between wine and space,” said Founder Selim Yasmine. “Just as every bottle carries the imprint of its terroir, every corner of LEVAIN reflects intention, material, light, proportion, and emotion. We wanted the interior to feel warm, timeless, and alive.”

The core inspiration for the project stems from a unique vantage point: the aerial geometry of the Lebanese vineyards. Looking down upon the vineyards, Rami & Elie captured the rhythmic, linear patterns of the vines, translating this topography into a sophisticated interior landscape. The design moves beyond the traditional 'cellar' aesthetic, opting instead for a narrative that celebrates the earth, the sun, and the fruit.

The material palette is a masterclass in saturated luxury and organic warmth. Deep walnut wood serves as the architectural foundation, grounding the space in a rich, earthy texture. In a bold cinematic move, the walls and bespoke fabrics are drenched in a saturated red wine hue, evoking the soul of the harvest. This monochromatic depth is punctuated by striking emerald green accents, representing the lush foliage of the vine and refined brass detailing that mimics the Mediterranean sun cutting through the valley's morning mist.

The design approach centered on creating harmony between structure and storytelling. Architectural angles were softened through texture; clean lines were balanced with tactile materials; minimal décor allowed the wine itself to remain the protagonist.

“We wanted the guest to feel the scale of the land before they ever tasted the wine,” says Elie Bassil. Rami Boushdid adds, “The interaction between the dark walnut and the red wine-colored velvets creates a cocoon-like intimacy, while the brass elements ensure the space remains luminous and celebratory.”

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