Red with the taste of revival or port with quartz crystals? 10 wines to start 5787 with
Rosh Hashanah is the time when Israelis drink the most wine. Ahead of the holiday, we have put together a selection of ten local wines from the north and south of the country that are worth trying in the new year.
Rosh Hashanah is just around the corner. This is the time, along with Passover, when Israelis drink the most wine, and a very good opportunity to celebrate local produce. We chose to offer five wines from the north and five from the south — regions that have experienced difficulties in recent years.
Israel is an extreme country in terms of wine, situated at the edge of the world's wine-growing regions. The Negev is the extreme of the extreme, a harsh region for growing grapes, yet the quality is surprising, especially in white wines. The temperature difference between day and night creates favorable conditions that the whole world comes to see and taste. Our north produces richer, fuller wines. Today, almost every region in the country is capable of producing world-class wines, provided the winemaker is talented enough.
North
Alma Rose 2025, Dalton Winery — veteran Dalton Winery is one of my favorite Galilean wineries. Under the talented Guy Eshel, the winery is constantly renewing itself. This time I chose the Alma series rose — a blend of 50% Grenache Noir and Pinot Gris. It is a very light, acidic, and refreshing wine. 82 NIS, kosher.
Yarden Syrah 2022, Golan Heights Winery — led by the eternal Victor Schoenfeld, this winery continues to produce wonderful wines. His Syrah is a rich and serious wine, a fitting addition to any meat dish. Aged for a year and a half in French oak. 115 NIS, kosher.
Galil Rose 2025, Galil Mountain Winery — the current winemaker, Shahar Landman, joined recently, so this rose is the work of his predecessor, David Bar-Ilan. It is a floral and fruity wine with a deep color and taste, excellent with salads and fish. 65 NIS, kosher.
Abaya White 2025, Abaya Winery — winemaker Yossi Yodfat is a pioneer of natural winemaking in Israel. His Abaya White, made from French Colombard, is for advanced lovers who are not afraid of "funky" flavors. 135 NIS.
Petite Sirah 2023, Recanati Winery — created by Kobi Arbiv from old vines in the Jezreel Valley. The result is rich, fruity, spicy, and festive. 119 NIS, kosher.
South
Chardonnay 2025, Be'eri Winery — the work of young winemaker Tom Carbone. His Chardonnay is a rich and buttery dry white wine, which also maintains good acidity. 120 NIS.
Charsit 2025, Pauker Winery — a winery from Nir Oz where young winemaker Gal Pauker continues the path of his late grandfather. The new Charsit is a dry red blend of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. A charming wine with aromas of red summer fruits. 105 NIS.
Pinot Gris 2025, Ramat Negev Winery — the Tzadok family has been making the desert bloom since 2000. Their new Pinot Gris is a beautiful dry white wine with aromas of green apple and citrus. 79 NIS, kosher.
Malbec 2024, Nana Winery — winemaker Eran Raz manages his desert vineyard on a route often frequented by smugglers. His new Malbec is a rich, complex, full-bodied wine, perfect for meat. 150 NIS.
Pink Port Rose Quartz, Gems Winery — one of the strangest wineries I have encountered. Winemaker Idan Dadon adds quartz crystals to his wines during aging. This dessert wine from Gewurztraminer tastes of mango and lychee. It is strange, tasty, and sweet. 189 NIS.
