Photograph taken from foter.com website
Tasting wine is much more fun when experienced in the winery. This way you get to taste not only the wine itself, but also the wine's story, while meeting the people behind the wine. While visiting the winery, you can actually feel the wine's origins, view the grapes growing and experience the terroir, often amidst beautiful surroundings. Every period of the year is the perfect period for visiting vineyards and wineries in Israel. View the vineyards in springtime when the vines flower and the flowers later turn into petit grapes. Stroll beside the full leafy vineyards, glittering in green under the warm summer sun. Experience the recently harvested vineyards with the changing yellowish-red colors of the vine leaves and smell the wine fermenting in the winery in the autumn. Identify with the leafless "hibernating" vines during the cold and rainy winter.
Whether it’s the big or fancy wineries you prefer, or the small family owned ones, if you are planning only a short drive, or looking for the rural wineries located well off the beaten track, Israel has many wineries to offer where you can taste the wines in a special atmosphere surrounded by varied sceneries and of course, have a great time. Here is a selection of wineries which are ensured to provide an enjoyable visit, one not to be forgotten.
Taking into consideration that regretfully, not everyone is a wine lover, and knowing that you may be travelling with children who cannot fully enjoy the wine experience, and also with the purpose of enriching your winery touring day, we decided to add our recommendations for attractions, hikes and points of interest in the vicinity of the wineries, as to insure a complete experience for everyone involved.
Here therefore are our recommendations:
Upper Galilee
Galil Mountains Winery – a modern winery within a beautiful landscape
Among the pastoral Upper Galilee peeks and surrounded with vineyards lies the Galil Mountain Winery. Experience an interesting guided tour through this modern winery with a very special and up to date architecture, while enjoying a panoramic view of the awe-inspiring landscape of the Upper Galilee. Complete your tour by tasting the wines which constantly provide great value for money. Children will also love the tour and enjoy the grape juice in the tasting room.
Winery website: http://www.galilmountain.co.il/English/VisitorCenter
Adir Winery – a winning combination of cheese and wines
It is common knowledge that wine, be it white or red, pairs well with cheese. What can be better than a Winery and dairy at one location? In Adir Winery and Dairy in the Dalton Industrial Area they produce both products and of high quality. The visitor's center is modern and interesting.
Winery website: http://www.adir-winery.com/
Dalton Winery – Feel the Galilee
Dalton Winery is situated in the Dalton Industrial Park, surrounded by green pastures. The winery is cooperation between a veteran winegrower and an English businessman. The winery produces wines from grapes grown in the area. The visitor's center offers tours which include tastings and a store selling wines and various Galilee agricultural products.
Winery website: http://www.dalton-winery.com/
Ramot Naftali Winery – intoxicating views and wine
Ramot Naftali Winery is situated in the eponymous Upper Galilee village – a wine village built on the Naftali Mountain Ridge. The views over the Hula Valley and the Golan Heights are breathtaking. The grapes coming from the adjacent Kedesh Valley produce praiseworthy wines and there is a well-kept visitor's center.
Winery website: http://www.ramotnaftaly.com/
Naaman Winery – for music lovers
A small family winery in Moshav Ramot Naftali, producing two series of wines from high quality grapes - one for varietals and the second for blends. The blended wines are musically named after some of the greatest rock bands.
Winery website: http://www.naamanwine.co.il/ (Hebrew only)
On the way:
The area offers a choice of lovely short scenic walks in the Aviv and Dishon Wadis. You can try All-Terrain Vehicles driving in Dishon. In nearby Rechania you can find a Carting track and the unique Circassian Museum, where you can learn about the history, religion, language and exciting traditions of the Circassians, and end the tour with a Haleva preparing workshop – a delicious dough turnover filled with potatoes or Circassian cheese, fried in Olive Oil.
Western Galilee
Abaya Winery – just outside the Yechiam Fortress walls
Just outside the walls of the impressive Crusaders era Yechiam Fortress, resides Yossi Yodfat's Abaya Winery. Yossi, a genuine man of the land is an expert in monitoring vineyard pests. The winery will be happy to recommend other small agricultural producers in the area and also about hidden walking trails and natural gems.
Winery website: http://www.abayawinery.com/home
On the way:
For Grownups and children just beside the winery: The impressive great Yechiam Fortress, combining structures which date back to the era of the Crusaders, the Ottoman Empire and tells the story of bravery of the Independence War fighters defending Kibbutz Yechiam. We also recommend a magical walking trail along the springs of the Gaaton stream, which eventually continues to flow through the main street of the town of Naharriya on its way to the Mediterranean Sea.
Golan Heights
Northern Golan
Pelter Winery - Quality wines between extinct volcanoes
Situated in Kibbutz Ein Zivan in the northern Golan Heights beneath the Avital and Ben-Tal extinct volcanoes, and on the way to Mount Hermon – Israel's only winter ski resort, is the high quality Pelter Winery, producing wines from grapes grown in 3 different wine areas across the country. The visit includes a tour of the winery with explanations about wine production, varieties etc.
Winery website: http://pelter.co.il/en/
Ortal Winery – Volcanic wines
With incredible views on a hill top facing the extinct Avital and Ben Tal volcanoes the vine growers of Kibbutz Ortal grow and cultivate the Ortal vineyard, a place where the love of land, cold climate and Basalt soils produce quality wine grapes, the secret of the boutique winery's wines. In the visitor's center you can taste the appraised wines.
On Facebook: he-il.facebook.com/ortal.winery
On the way:
On the way to the wineries or back, you can climb up to the peak of Mount Ben-Tal for a fascinating visit to the old war bunker located there, to view the unique Golan Heights scenery including the Syrian town of Quneitra lying not far below, or for a cup of coffee at Coffee Anan, the highest located coffee shop in Israel. This is also an opportunity to visit the Hermon Mountain – Israel's highest, just a short distance away.
Odem Mountain Winery – a lovely family winery
Situated in the village of Odem, right next to the eponymous forest and nature reserve, lies this high quality winery, owned by the Alfasi family. The petit visitor's center offers a tour of the winery, including a visit to the grapevines planted at the foot of an overlooking hill, along with wine tastings, and special events.
Winery website: http://www.harodem.co.il/index.php?language=en_US
On the way:
Odem Forest is the habitat of the local Deer population and the location of the "Big Juba" – a unique large volcanic crater. You can also visit the local Carting track, experience horseback riding including ponies for kids, an Omega, a petting corner for the infants and more.
Central and Southern Golan
Chateau Golan Winery – a taste of prestige
Chateau Golan located near Eliad is one of Israel's most prestigious and expensive wineries, though a visit to its lovely visitor's center and garden is a must for every wine loving pocket.
Winery website: http://www.chateaugolan.com/
On the way:
More than wine is produced in Eliad. You can also find Olive Oil, and the "Eretz Gshur" Olive Oil Press visitor's center offers an interesting experience. Moshav Eliad itself houses a thriving artist's community. Not far from here you can find the hot springs and crocodile farm of "Hamat Gader" and also the awe inspiring "White Waterfall".
Bazelet Hagolan Winery – for relaxation after hiking
Bazelet Hagolan Winery is situated in Moshav Kidmat Zvi, in proximity to many of the Golan's well known nature attractions and trails .This is therefore the perfect site in which to loosen up your muscles and fully absorb the experiences of the day with a glass of quality wine in your hand.
Winery website: http://www.bazelet-hagolan.co.il/
On the way:
Nature and especially water resources are the main attraction of this area, whether you are veteran hikers and wish to hike down the Jilabun Stream or if you are only looking for a quick walk down to the waterfalls. Additionally, several firms in Moshav Kidmat Zvi offer attractions like horseback riding, AWD driving, The Jam house and more.
Golan Heights Winery – experience the revolution
The Golan Heights Winery is often noted as the winery which started the Israeli wine industry's "Quality Revolution" in the 1980's. The foundation of the then ultra-modern winery shifted the whole industry on a search for quality, before quantity. The winery is situated in the only town of the Golan – Katzrin, and its visitor's center offers several interesting winery tours and a large wine store. Many attractions are to be found nearby.
Winery website: http://www.golanwines.co.il/english
On the way:
Katzrin offers many attractions for grownups and children alike so we shall mention just a few of them: Golan Antiquities Park and Museum, Golan Olive Oil Press, Kessem HaGolan Amusement Center, various restaurants, etc.
Mount Carmel and the Coastal Plain
Amphorae Winery – picture yourself in Tuscany
Amphorae's Visitors Center is located in Kerem Maharal, in a gorgeous Italian style stone building in the midst of the Carmel Mountain range which reminds many of Italy's Tuscany. Tour the working areas and beautifully designed unique wine cellar, before tasting the quality wines.
Winery website: http://www.amphoraewines.com/eng/
On the way:
Immediately nearby you shall found the Makura Farm situated in the heart of an ancient extinct volcano, where you can find an organic garden and Olive Oil press. Only a short distance away is the interesting Neanderthal Caves, the picturesque Ein Hod artists village and you can also drop down to the seashore.
Vitkin Winery – quality wines only a short ride from the center
Though technically not located in a wine area, the Vitkin Winery is well worth a visit, not only because of its proximity to Tel-Aviv, but especially due to the excellent wines and the new luxurious visitor's center, located in a beautiful setting next to the famous "Turtles Bridge" on the banks of the Alexander River.
Winery website: http://vitkineng.90.kidumnet.com/
On the way:
Of course the beautiful coastline of the area, the Alexander River National Park with its "Turtles Bridge" right next to the winery, where you will find the children mesmerized by scores of water turtles swimming by. Also to be found nearby are large and diverse shopping centers.
Carmel Winery – a touch of history
A visit to the Carmel Winery in the town of Zichron Yaakov, is a small leap to the past. The winery built by Baron Edmund de Rothschild of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild in the 1880's and the town itself, are full with atmosphere and history. The winery provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient, old and new world of winemaking, all in one setting, in which visitors will learn about the history of Israeli wine from the 1880’s right up to date.
Winery website: http://www.carmelwines.co.il/en/
Somek Winery – Family vineyards since 1882
Somek Winery is a small family winery located in the heart of the town of Zichron Yaakov. The family vineyards are planted in the Biqat Hanadiv Valley close by and are self-cultivated since 1882, with the belief that this is a special quality area for growing wine grapes. In the intimate visitor's center you will be received with much warmth and love – the love of wine and man.
Winery website: http://somek-winery.co.il/site2/the_page.asp?page_lang=en&page_id=93
Tishbi Winery – wine, brandy, food, chocolate and jams
A visit to Tishbi wineries is not only about wine, but rather a full culinary experience. This family owned winery positioned on the South Eastern slope of the Carmel Mountain ridge, offers a visitor's center where you can view the producing facilities, taste the wines, enjoy a good meal and have some Valrhona Chocolate and locally produced jam and Brandy for desert. Also on offer is a delicious combined wine and chocolate taste.
Winery website: http://www.tishbi.com/en/
On the way:
Visitors to the Zichron Yaakov area wineries surely cannot miss the lovely historical center of Zichron Yaakov which at once takes you back in time to the beginning of the settler's era, with its cobbled streets, architecture and museums. The galleries, cafés, and restaurants scattered about the historical center fulfill the experience. Another interesting attraction in the town is the Artillery Corps Museum which includes a large display of intimidating war vessels which may be of great interest to the children. You may also tour through the galleries of Zamarin Hill, visit the Shuni fortress and the Zabotinsky Park or drive down the road to picturesque Binyamina.
Tulip Winery – committed to the community
The Winery, which integrates the production of quality wines with social responsibility, is located on a mountainside in Kfar Tikva (Village of Hope), a small pastoral settlement whose population consists of people with special needs. Guests will naturally witness the special nature of the place and are invited to taste the wines and hear about Kfar Tikva and the integration of its residents into the Winery’s workforce.
Winery website: http://www.tulip-winery.co.il/en
On the way:
The Beit Shearim National park at the ancient site located on the Sheikh Abrek hills, with its impressive findings proving that the ancient town of Beit Shearim was an important Jewish center at the period following the Bar Kochva uprising and the residence of the President of the Sanhedrin, Rabbi Yehuda Hannasi. You can also experience a short and peaceful walking trail along the lovely Hashofet Stream.
Recanati Winery – the new wave
The Recanati Winery was founded in 2000 by a group of wine lovers. Their goal was to create a new winery focusing on the production of quality Israeli wines at reasonable consumer prices. The Winery established its home in the Hefer Valley and is furnished with state-of the-art wine-making equipment and offers an interesting visiting experience.
Winery website: http://www.recanati-winery.com/eng/default.asp
On the way:
The Heffer Valley offers its visitors the Alexander National Park with its famous Turtles Bridge (see above on the way to Vitkin Winery), many walking and bicycle riding trails, horseback riding, amusement facilities for children and more.
The Judean Foothills and Central (Jerusalem) Mountains
Judean Foothills
Barkan Wineries – a breathtaking multi-sensual experience
Barkan Winery invites you to explore a different kind of multi-sensual experience, in the new state of the art visitor's center, an experience which will accompany you for a long time. Take a look into the wine, its color, its hue, continue to explore its unique smell and deep aroma provided by the grapes varieties and the assortment of barrels, and end your experience with a slow sip of the infinite tastes. The winery owns the largest barrel hall in Israel, hosting 5,000 barrels.
Winery website: http://www.barkan-winery.co.il/en
On the way:
Quite a few charming spots lie between the city of Rehovot and Nachshon Junction. One of them is the Hulda Forest with the Herzl House in its hub, the Water Tank, the Monument and more. The biblical Tel Gezer excavations site is another possibility and so is the historical center of the Mazkeret Batya colony. A short distance to the west lays the vast Bilu Junction Shopping Center.
Agur Winery – "Red headed" wines
The boutique Agur Winery is situated at the entrance to the Moshav with the same name, at the outskirts of the Brittania Park Natural Reserve. Much like the winery owner – redheaded Shuki Yashuv, the wines – all blends, are jumpy and special – each one of them in its own way. The winery's garden with the nice views is a marvelous place for tasting and rest.
Winery website: http://www.agurwines.com/homeen
Hans Sternbach Vineyard Winery – quality wines, a special courtyard and surrounding views
In Moshav Givat Yeshayahu, not far from the entrance to the Ella Valley stands the Hans Sternbach Vineyard Winery. The wines, known for their cellaring potential are produced from vineyards owned by the winery, planted in the nearby Hachlil Stream Valley. The wines, loyal to the terroir, are named after the vineyards. The winery has a large courtyard equipped with Vine Arbors from which an exceptional view of the surrounding hills can be seen.
Winery website: http://www.hsw.co.il/home.html
Zafririm Winery – a family winery in the heart of the Moshav
In the heart of Moshav Zafririm, besides the family house, a small vineyard and some wildly shaped fig trees stands the Lender Family's small winery. American born Lory, and Shayke, the owners and winemakers, are employees of The National Antiquates Authority and befitting, their wines – mostly blends, are named after ancient ruins located in the area. The Lenders will gladly recommend walking trails and attractions in the vicinity.
Winery website: http://www.zafririmwinery.com/english
Ella Valley Winery – between David and Goliath
The Ella Valley is known not only for its quality grapes, but also for the historic dual between David and Goliath, which took place not far from the site in which the eponymous winery is located today. The Winery invites you to enjoy a tantalizing and enjoyable experience descripting the Ella Valley area, the vineyards, wine production methods and the uniqueness of the winery and the wines.
Winery website: http://ellavalley.com/en/home-eng/
On the way:
Stroll through the Ella Valley Park, rich with antiquities, orchards and views, and absorb the beautiful natural surroundings. A short walking trail from the fascinating Hanut Ruins to Ein Mata and Ein Hanut springs. Visit the Adulam National Park including Hirbat Medras ruins.
Flam Winery – quality wines in the forest
This family owned winery operates in a beautiful pink coted farmhouse situated in the lower part of the Jerusalem Mountains, in the entrance to the Kedoshim (Sanctified) Forest. The winery visitor's center offers professional explanations about the Israeli wine industry and of the wine making process. During wine degustation, special emphasis is given to the proper marriage between the wine and the glass in which it is served.
Winery website: http://flamwinery.com/contact/
On the way:
Kedoshim Forest is a cool green gemstone and a hike through the dense of the forest starting at the entrance to the Yemenite Jewry Forest and continuing down to Kesalon Stream Valley and the Bnei Brit cave is highly recommended.
The Latroun Monastery Winery – silent wines
The Latroun Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Silent Monks, is located just a short drive from the highway that leads from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem, in the Judean foothills. There are numerous vineyards in the monastery grounds. Although the winery itself, carved into the rock face is closed to the public, it is possible to taste the wines, produced according to the French tradition of the Trappist Order, in the winery store inside the monastery gates. The store sells other products made by the monks, including Christian religious ornaments.
Winery website: http://www.holy-wine.com/
On the way:
Begin with a visit to the monastery itself with its well-kept gardens and to the Crusader's fortress on the hill top just above. Afterwards you can visit the Armored Corps Museum just a stone's throw away and a short way to the west is "Mini Israel" - a feast for grownups and children alike.
Jerusalem Mountains
Domaine du Castel Winery – one of Israel's finest
A small family managed winery whose wines are well known worldwide. The new modern and prestigious Napa Valley style winery in Yad Hashmona, with its luxurious visitor's center opening to the beautiful Judean Mountain scenery, state of the art production facilities and breathtaking cellar, offers a taste of the luxurious wines, while meeting the Ben Zaken family standing behind them.
Winery website: https://www.castel.co.il/en/default.aspx
On the way:
Begin by visiting the restored biblical village in Yad Hashmona, a village founded by Christian Israel lovers from Finland. The Arab village of Abu Gosh situated close by offers interesting churches and a variety of delicious Middle Eastern Cuisine restaurants. Kibbutz Tzuba's amusement park is also nearby.
Tzora Vineyards Winery – a taste of terroir
Probably the most terroir oriented winery in Israel and one of the country's finest, led by Israel's only MW, Winemaker Eran Pick. A guided tour of the well-known and scenic Shoresh vineyard, ended by a thrilling tasting of the exquisite wines at the winery in Kibbutz Tzora, is an experience to cherish.
Winery website: http://www.tzoravineyards.com/
Sea Horse Winery – Cinema, literature and music
Sea Horse Winery is a unique boutique winery owned by a unique man – Zeev Dunie – a former member of the movie industry who made a conversion to wine making. As fit of his former career the wines in Dunie's winery are taken from the worlds of cinema, literature and music. The wines themselves are produced from varieties less common in Israel.
Winery website: http://www.seahorsewines.com/
On the way:
The Sorek Stalactites Cave Natural Reserve and the Beit Jamal nun's monastery are great choices, as is the Sculpture Road going through Tzora Forest with the two ancient graves identified with biblical Samson The Great and his father Manoach lying side by side. Another recommended activity is a hiking tour through Katlav Valley and to the Mata Ruins.
The Negev
Rota Winery – Vineyards and art in the heart of the desert
In the core of the Haluza sands nearby Kibbutz Revivim lies the Rota Farm. A tour through the vineyards planted adjacent to the humble winery building is a fascinating desert agriculture experience. In addition to the vineyards and wine tasting you can also be impressed by the sculptures and paintings crafted by the colorful winery owner Erez Rota.
Winery website: http://www.rotawinery.co.il/ (Hebrew)
On the way:
Among many desert activities, you are invited to join an unusual AWD drive through the sand dunes, to visit the Revivim Lookout dating back to the days of the founding of the state of Israel, to sail a pedal boat on a small lake in the middle of the desert in Golda Park, or relax in the nearby Desert Oasis Spa.
Carmei Avdat Farm Winery – wines of the desert
The Southern Negev Desert with the awe inspiring Ramon Crater in its midst, is a challenging scenery for wine grape growers. Most of the wine in this area is produced in isolated farms, of which Carmei Avdat is one. Though not more than a small shed, this winery provides a unique tasting experience among vineyards planted in the desert sands. The adjacent luxury wooden cabins have been chosen as one of the world's best vineyard hotels.
Winery Website: http://www.carmey-avdat.com/
On the way:
The area is loaded with desert attractions including the Ben Gurion shack in Sde Boker, Zin Stream and Canyon, Avdat Canyon and Ein Avdat Spring, Havarim Wadi (especially on full moon nights) and the old renovated Nabataean town of Avdat.
A few general tips: As we have already noted, there are many more Israeli wineries of special interest so we suggest you treat our list as a short list only. Almost all Israeli wineries are open to visits and will gladly have you as their guests. We warmly recommend that you check the winery site or phone in to find out visiting hours and availability of tours, and best make an appointment, especially during the Jewish Holidays, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Winery phone numbers can be also found under "Israeli Wineries" on this website. It is also useful to know that some wineries charge payment for the visit or parts of it and this is another issue to check in advance. Last but certainly not least – do not drink and drive! Choose your designated driver. Oh, and don’t forget to have fun!
