Wines

The history of Israeli wines can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of wine production in the region dating back to the biblical era. However, the modern Israeli wine industry began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Jewish immigrants from Europe began to settle in Palestine and establish wineries.

In the early days, the wines produced were primarily sweet and fortified, as the harsh climate and limited viticultural knowledge made it difficult to produce high-quality dry wines. However, as technology and knowledge improved, the industry began to evolve, and by the 1970s, Israeli wines were starting to gain recognition for their quality and uniqueness.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the Israeli wine industry underwent a significant transformation, with the introduction of new grape varieties, improved winemaking techniques, and increased investment in the industry. This led to the establishment of new wineries and the development of a diverse range of wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines.

Today, the Israeli wine industry is considered to be one of the most advanced and innovative in the world, with wineries located throughout the country, from the Golan Heights to the Galilee and the Judean Hills. The wines produced range from traditional varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay to unique local grape varieties such as Carignan, Marawi, and Petit Verdot.

In recent years, Israeli wines have gained recognition and awards in international wine competitions, and have become increasingly popular among wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide.

Top 10 Wines from Israel - 2024

Yarden Odem Vineyard Chardonnay: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Golan Heights and is known for its crisp acidity and flavors of apple, citrus and mineral.
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Heights: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Golan Heights and is known for its rich and complex flavors of black fruit and spices.
Recanati Winery Special Reserve Petite Sirah: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Galilee region and is known for its deep, dark color and flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and chocolate.
Carmel Winery Limited Edition Shiraz: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Galilee region and is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and spicy notes.
Tabor Winery Adama: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Galilee region and is known for its rich, complex flavors of dark fruit and spices.
Psagot Winery Edom: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Judean Hills and is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and notes of dark fruit and spices.
Domaine du Castel Grand Vin: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Judean Hills and is known for its rich, complex flavors of dark fruit, spices, and chocolate.
Tzora Vineyards Misty Hills: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Judean Hills and is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and notes of dark fruit and spices.
Château Golan: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Golan Heights and is known for its rich, complex flavors of dark fruit and spices.
Clos de Gat Winery: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Judean Hills and is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and notes of dark fruit and spices.

Local Wines to Consider

Adir Winery Kerem Ben Zimra Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Alexander Winery 'Alexander the Great' Amarolo, Galilee, Israel - Amarolo is a unique blend of red wines that is made by the Golan Heights Winery. Amarolo is made from a combination of grape varieties such as Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, which are blended to create a full-bodied and complex wine. The grapes are grown in the Golan Heights region of Israel, which is known for its volcanic soil and cool climate, ideal for growing high-quality grapes. Amarolo is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, which give the wine a rich and complex aroma and flavor. The wine is known for its deep ruby color, with aromas and flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and spices. It is a wine that pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews, and mature cheeses.
Alexander Winery 'Alexander the Great' Grande Reserve, Galilee, Israel
Alexander Winery 'Alexander the Great', Galilee, Israel
Barkan Vineyards Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Ben Ami 'Zmora' Cabernet Sauvignon, Israel
Binyamina 'The Cave' Old Vine, Galilee, Israel
Carmel Limited Edition, Galilee, Israel
Carmel Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Carmel Single Vineyard Kayoumi Shiraz, Galilee, Israel
Carmel Vineyard Mediterranean, Galilee, Israel
Cremisan Wine Estate 'Star of Bethlehem' Baladi, Israel
Dalton Alma Crimson, Galilee, Israel
Dalton Canaan-Kna'an Red, Galilee, Israel
Dalton Estate Oak Aged Petite Sirah, Samson, Israel
Dalton Matatia, Galilee, Israel
Dalton Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Upper Galilee, Israel
Domaine du Castel C Blanc du Castel, Judean Hills, Israel
Domaine du Castel Grand Vin, Judean Hills, Israel
Domaine du Castel Petit Castel, Judean Hills, Israel
Five Stones Vineyards 'Virtuous' Red Wine, Judean Hills, Israel
Flam Winery Noble, Israel
Flam Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Galil Mountain Winery Yiron, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery 'Golan' Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden 'Katzrin' Chardonnay, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Allone Habashan Vineyard Merlot, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Bar'on Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Bar'on Vineyard Syrah, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Chardonnay, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden El Rom Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Katzrin Red, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Merlot, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Mount Hermon Red, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Odem Vineyard Organic Merlot, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Petit Verdot, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Rom, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden Syrah, Galilee, Israel
Golan Heights Winery Yarden T 2, Galilee, Israel
Gvaot Winery 'Masada', Shomron, Israel
Hayotzer Lyrica GSM, Galilee, Israel
Hevron Heights Winery Armagedon, Israel
Hevron Heights Winery Isaac's Ram Cabernet Sauvignon, Judean Hills, Israel
Jerusalem Wineries '4990' Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Judean Hills, Israel
Margalit Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve, Galilee, Israel
Margalit Winery Enigma, Galilee, Israel
Monfort Village Carignan, Dan, Israel
Or Haganuz Winery Horkenus, Galilee, Israel
Psagot 'Edom', Judean Hills, Israel
Psagot Cabernet Sauvignon, Judean Hills, Israel
Psagot Peak, Judean Hills, Israel
Recanati Winery David Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Recanati Winery Marawi, Upper Galilee, Israel
Recanati Winery Reserve Wild Carignan, Judean Hills, Israel
Recanati Winery Special Reserve, Galilee, Israel
Rimon Winery Pomegranate Wine, Galilee, Israel
Sabra Chocolate Orange Liqueur, Israel
Segal's Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel
Shiloh Legend Fiddlers, Judean Hills, Israel
Shiloh Mosaic Exclusive Edition, Judean Hills, Israel
Shiloh Mosaic, Judean Hills, Israel
Shiloh Secret Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Judean Hills, Israel
Shiloh Secret Reserve Merlot, Judean Hills, Israel
Single Cask Nation 'M & H' Milk & Honey 2 Year Old Single Malt Israeli Whisky, Israel
Teperberg 'Legacy' Cabernet Franc, Judean Hills, Israel
The Milk & Honey Distillery - M & H Israel's First Single Malt Whisky, Israel
Tishbi Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Judean Hills, Israel
Tulip Winery 'Black Tulip', Galilee, Israel
Tzora Vineyards 'Judean Hills', Judean Hills, Israel
Tzora Vineyards Misty Hills, Judean Hills, Israel
Tzora Vineyards Shoresh Blanc, Judean Hills, Israel
Yatir 'Mt. Amasa' Red, Judean Hills, Israel
Yatir Forest, Judean Hills, Israel

Best Isareli Wineries

Domaine du Castel: Located in the Judean Hills, this winery is considered to be one of the most prestigious and renowned in Israel, known for its high-quality and unique wines.
Carmel Winery: Founded in 1882, this winery is considered to be one of the oldest and most established in Israel, known for its wide range of wines, including traditional and innovative varieties.
Golan Heights Winery: Established in 1983, this winery is located in the Golan Heights and is known for its high-quality wines, especially its reds and sparkling wines.
Tabor Winery: Located in the Galilee region, this winery is known for its high-quality wines, with a focus on traditional varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Recanati Winery: Founded in 2000, this winery is located in the Galilee region and is known for its high-quality wines, with a focus on Mediterranean varieties such as Petite Sirah and Marawi.
Psagot Winery: Located in the Judean Hills, this winery is known for its high-quality wines, with a focus on traditional varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Yatir Winery: Established in 2000, this winery is located in the southern Judean Hills and is known for its high-quality wines, with a focus on Mediterranean varieties such as Carignan and Petit Verdot.
Tzora Vineyards: Located in the Judean Hills, this winery is known for its high-quality wines, with a focus on Mediterranean varieties such as Merlot and Shiraz.
Clos de Gat Winery: Located in the Judean Hills, this winery is known for its high-quality wines, with a focus on Mediterranean varieties such as Syrah and Petit Verdot.
Yarden Odem Vineyard: Located in the Golan Heights, this winery is known for its high-quality wines, with a focus on traditional varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.