It may seem surprising that a country as small as Israel can boast such a diversity of terrains for its vineyards. Indeed, Israel’s wine industry is so varied and flourishing that visitors can now follow a wine route that stretches the length of the country: from the green Galilee and Golan Heights in the North, through Mount Carmel, Sharon and the coastal plains, and the Judean Hills, down to the hot, dry Negev Desert in the South.
Each region has its superstars and its newcomers, its traditionalists and experimenters. While the industry is decidedly dominated by men, there have been some talented women in the field: Orna Chillag (Chillag) and Na’ama Sorkin (Dalton) are two notable examples. The Tulip Winery in Kfar Tikva has a unique business model: many of its employees are adults with disabilities and special needs.
Driven by new technologies, new ideas, and new consumer appreciation for fine wines, Israel is undergoing what many are calling a wine revolution.
Selected Stops on Israel’s Wine Route:
Ramat HaNegev
Zichron Ya’acov
north of Mitzpe Ramon
Yahud
Ayalon Valley
Ramat Dalton Industrial Park
Mitzpe Ramon
Ramat Raziel
Golan Heights
Halutza
Emek Hefer Industrial Park
Kibbutz Revivim, Sde Boker
Mitzpe Ramon
Kibbutz Sde Boker
Kiryat Tivon
Tel Arad