The grape is one of the Seven Species mentioned in the Bible as typical of the land of Israel. The spies sent by Moses to tour the country returned from their mission carrying an enormous bunch of grapes. Wine was one of the main commodities and exports of the Holy Land, whilst the wines of Gezer, Ashqelon, Lachish, Giv'on and Caesarea were well known throughout the Ancient World. All of this nearly came to an abrupt end since the seventh century A.C. during the Islamic conquest, when the riches of the wines of Israel were lost almost forever.
The revival of wine in the Holy Land began in the middle of the 19th century between the walls of the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. The production of wine received a great boost in the 1880's, when Baron Edmund de Rothschild of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild established modern wineries in an effort to help the struggling Jewish colonists. Just more than a century later, Israel's wine industry experienced what is now referred to as The Quality Revolution, with the establishment of the Golan Heights Winery and the appearance of many boutique wineries.
Today, quality wines from the Holy Land are once again renowned worldwide. The scenic wine routes of Israel follow the historical paths of wine production in biblical times. Ancient wine presses stand as remnants of the past alongside Modern wineries and vineyards.
Grape Man invites you to join us in a magical journey through time along the beautiful Wine Routes of Israel, from the mountains and valleys of the Galilee in the far north, through the once volcanic Golan Heights, down to the Carmel Mountain beside the coast, east to the Judean and Samarian Mountains and their foothills, through the vine covered hills of Lachish and south to arid Yatir and the Negev Desert
Private Tours
Our private wine tours are guided by members of our team, local wine experts who speak great English and who will gladly endow you with their knowledge and passion for wine, and especially for Israeli wine. Our private tours range from high standard to premium, according to your choice. In any case you will enjoy a quality ride, an expert guide, and visits to highly regarded wineries where you shall meet interesting owners and wine makers and drink quality wines. Tours can be arranged in all wine regions throughout Israel, Durations of tours may vary relatively. Pick-up can be at your accommodation, or any other location agreed upon (extra payment may be required according to pick up location).
Tours can be organized any week day, according to availability. Tours on the weekend - Friday or Sabbath are also possible, although choice of wineries and meals may be limited, due to kosher limitations. Prices vary depending on number of participants, length of tour, region, etc. Call us for a price quote.
Classic Tours
The Classic Tours are our standard private wine tours on weekdays and are accompanied by an English speaking driver and/ or guide. The tour includes a full day (8-9 hours) visiting 2-3 different wineries (depending on wine region) with wine tasting, cellar or vineyard tours. A light lunch at a winery or in a local eatery is included.
- Recommended for: curious wine enthusiasts
- Private for min: 2 pp - max 8 (possibly also bigger groups).
- Tours possible on weekends subject to limitations stated above.
Premium Tours
The Premium Tours are full day (8-9 hours) private tours available on weekdays that go to 2-3 (depending on wine region) carefully selected high quality wineries, with wine tasting, cellar or vineyard tours. A full lunch in a winery or similar is included, and the tours are accompanied by our wine expert.
- Recommended for: serious wine enthusiasts & collectors
- Private for min: 2 pp - max 8 (possibly also bigger groups)
- Tours possible on weekends subject to limitations stated above
GRAPE MAN offers you a once in a lifetime experience, touring amongst wine routes, wineries, Whisky distilleries and gastronomical gemstones of the world. Join us for an intoxicating and unforgettable experience of wine & alcohol, food, breathtaking views and lots of fun. Be our guest on intimate 6 days - 5 nights in-depth tours to the highest quality and most prestigous wineries and for tastings of the world's most well-known wines, on one of our organized tours to the leading regions:
Whisky distilleries of Scotland