Although this country has been producing wine since pre-biblical times, Israel is regarded as a “New World” wine source. However, there is much debate in the case of “Old World” vs “New World” in regards to Israeli wine. Many enthusiasts refer to the region as “Ancient World,” recognizing the knowledge and production of wine from this region long preceding that of the “Old World.”
Over the last two decades, there has been an overall shift in focus toward quality — and terroir-driven wines. This pushed Israeli winemakers toward developing more structured, aromatic, and balanced wines. They’ve been experimenting with indigenous grape varieties and employing the latest technologies while competing and winning across the world. Their efforts have resulted in Israeli wines being celebrated internationally.
5 facts to know about Israeli wine
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Wine has been made in Israel for over 5,000 years.
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Israel has a total of 5,500 hectares under vine.
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Approximately 60,000 tons of grapes are harvested annually.
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Israel produces more than 40 million bottles of wine a year.
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Not all Israeli wines are kosher, but most are.
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Israeli Grape Varieties
Once labeled as sweet and unsophisticated, Israel is now known for predominantly elegant wines. The use of classic French Bordeaux varietals are most popular, but Mediterranean and indigenous grapes also produce notably delicious wine for the area.
Israeli Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon
Some of the finest wines in Israel are Cabernets and Cabernet blends. The grapes yield deep color and a strong tannic structure. Israel’s microclimates can encourage the development of jammy characteristics.
Syrah
Arriving on the scene in the 1990s, the Syrah vines are maturing and being touted as one of the country’s most promising varieties. Syrah thrives in Israel’s Mediterranean climate with the older vines offering delectably pronounced flavors.
Merlot
This elegant Bordeaux grape is produced as a varietal wine and is included in many Cabernet blends. The grapes tend to have a softer and milder profile. Merlot is cultivated throughout Israel. Due to the warmer climates these grapes tend to ripen early in this region.
Israeli White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular white wines produced in Israel. Wineries are growing newer plantings of the grape at high altitudes, harvesting earlier, and using a slow cold fermentation process in stainless steel resulting in a refreshing finish.
Chardonnay
The Chardonnay grape has widely been regarded as the finest white variety in Israel. Cultivated in the late 1980s, the area has produced this crisp and balanced Israeli white wine with cold fermentation in stainless steel.
Israeli Wine Regions
Israel
Much like California and Chile, Israel has a north-south growing axis. This creates complex terroir and a variance of microclimates of desert, mountains, and coastal plains. Israel has diverse soil compositions varying from limestone, chalk, and calcareous clay to terra rossa, alluvial loam, and volcanic tuff.
Galilee
Galilee is one of Israel’s largest producing wine regions. It is divided into two sections: Upper and Lower Galilee. The upper section has volcanic, gravel, and terra rossa soils, while the lower varies between volcanic and limestone. Grape varieties of French origin are most prominently planted here, but the Gallic influence is noticeable.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc are grown in this region.
Samson
Samson comprises the central coastal plain, Shefela, and Judean Foothills lying west of Judean Hills. Wine grapes used in Samson are a combination of classic southern French varieties and newer international varieties.
Grenache, Muscat Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay are found in this region.
The Judean Hills
The Judean Hills contain nearly a third of all Israel’s vineyards. Mostly small plots composed of mineral-rich terra rossa topsoil over limestone bedrock contribute to the region's ability to produce high-quality white wines marked by noticeable minerality.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat of Alexandria are grown in this region.
Shomron
First developed by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1882, Shomron is Israel’s most traditional wine-growing region. It is composed of valleys and mountains and benefits from the breezes off the Mediterranean Sea.
You will find wines made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah in Shomron.
Negev
The vineyards in Negev consist of green oases spread throughout the desert. This area is considered one of the world's first wine-making regions. Traditional varieties like Malbec and Chardonnay have drawn attention and tourism to the area.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and uscat of Alexandria are found in this region.
Now that we’ve tempted your palette, let us show you what makes Israeli wines stand out with our great selection of Israeli wines.