Wine has been part of the land of Israel since 3300 BC, with grapes being one of the seven species recognized in the old testament as the land’s finest resources. The blossoming wine production in Israel is a good reason to visit some of its finest wineries
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By Ori Shaked
What does it take to make excellent wine? A hot and dry climate with temperatures ranging around the 15-40˚C (60-105˚ F), mild winters, little rain, and minimal humidity. Three climates fit this description: Martimine (like the Bordeaux area in southwest France), Continental (like Napa Valley in California) or Mediterranean, like Tuscany or…. Israel!
The great climate and historical importance of wine have made Israel a habitat for exquisite wines. Currently, the country’s wineries are focused on gaining international acclamation with wines such as Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot. Slowly yet surely, the Israeli wine industry is appearing on the global wine map, with over 300 wineries (most of them boutique).
We’ve dotted down a few nice wineries to inspire you. Le’chaim!
Carmey Avdat vineyard in the Negev of Israel. Photo by Udi Goren
1. Galilee wine region
Where: North of Israel, starting at the Lebanese border through the Golan Heights, and including Haifa to the west. Most wineries are located in the Golan Heights, and in upper and lower Galilee.
What’s to see, what’s to taste:
- Tabor, located between Nazareth and Sea of Galilee, is one of the first wineries to attract international attention, with the global Coca-Cola brand investing in it. The winery offers limited edition wines for the adventurous wine lovers and well acclaimed wines who’ve won awards around the globe.
- Golan Heights Winery in Katzrin is one of the most famous wineries in Israel, and one of Israel’s pioneering wineries, introducing premium wines to the market three decades ago.
- Pelter Winery, offering wine from mountain vineyards made with techniques from wineries all the way from Australian, this winery is consistently mentioned by local and international critics as top
Red grapes in one of Israel’s winery
2. The Shomron region
Where: Starting from the border with Jordan (Beit She’an) through the coast, including the Sharon area, slightly north of Tel-Aviv.
What’s to see, what’s to taste:
- Psagot winery has won the Decanter World Wine Awards golden award (with 95 points) for several years in a row. Located to the north west of the dead sea, this winery has a breathtaking view.
- Somek winery is located in the lovely Zichron Yaakov village, souther of Haifa. They offer a variety of wines, from premium to common, and are highly rated by visitors and critics alike.
3. The Judean Hills
Where: Jerusalem and surroundings, through Beit Lechem and Hebron
What’s to see, what’s to taste:
- Yatir Winery, one of the region’s most acclaimed wineries, constantly making it to the top 3 of Israel’s finest wines, and gaining international attention. It’s located in the desert, next to the city of Arad, providing amazing biblical views that enhance the experience.
Great view, great wine. Photo by Udi Goren
4. The Samson region
Where: The area spans from the area of Jerusalem to the coast of Ashdod.
What’s to see, what’s to taste:
- The Teperberg winery has recently won a gold award (scoring 96 points) from the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2018 for their Legacy Cabernet Franc. The winery has been established in 1830 and is owned by the 5th generation winemakers.
- Carmel, of Israel’s biggest wineries, dating all the way back to 1882 when it was established by Baron Edmond de Rothschild (who’d owned vineyards from the South of France and envisioned a similar region in Israel).
5. The Negev desert
Where: Israel’s tendency to be stubborn and do the impossible has created this wine region, which uses sophisticated irrigation systems to support crops.
What’s to see, what’s to taste:
- Midbar (literally meaning “desert”) is located in Arad’s artist quarter. It’s winemakers were taught and inspired by Italian wines of Florence and Tuscany, creating wonderful wines regarded as one of Israel’s best boutique wineries.
- Carmey Avdat is a small family winery that produces two kinds of wines – Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, in about 6000 cottles a year, mainly sold on the farm nearby.
It took a while, but now the Israeli wine is also winning awards (and hearts) locally and globally. Have a great wine!
