During the two-week period preceding Rosh Hashanah, Israelis purchase 40 percent of all the wine that is sold during the entire year. It’s not that people go on drinking binges during this time of year, but fine wine is increasingly perceived as part of the cultured way of life, especially when consumed in moderation, during meals with friends and family. As recently as 20 years ago, the vast majority of wine consumed during the holiday season was red, sweet and […]

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Posted at 12:00h in Reviews, Wine industry by 1 Comment Israel’s only Beaujolais-style wine is the Golan Gamay Noveau. The Golan Gamay Noveau is the Golan Heights Winery’s first red wine from the 2008 vintage. The wine, just like those in the Beaujolais region of France, comes from 100% Gamay grapes, that came from the Tel Fares vineyard on the Golan Heights. The Tel Fares vineyard has the unique conditions of the Golan Heights: cold climate, volcanic soil, and height. […]

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Posted at 18:18h in Wine industry by 0 Comments I will be drinking the 2007 Yarden Gewurztraminer tonight with a Shabbat dinner of sushi. This light wine with a variety of foods and this unique varietal is grown in the Golan Heights’ volcanic soil. The 2007 Yarden Gewurztraminer displays an aromatic mix of characters:  juicy litchi, fresh flowers, green apple, orange blossom, persimmon and a hint of fresh mint and spice.  The wine’s very subtle sweetness makes it great as […]

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Posted at 08:22h in Wineries by 0 Comments We all know that red wines have compounds that can be quite healthful, in moderation. The health benefits of red wines have been touted for decades. Yet, these health benefits do not exist in white wines — except for the Israeli winemaker Binyamina’s wines. According to this report: A white wine with the same health benefits as red has been developed by scientists. The wine, from Israel, has boosted levels of plant […]

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The latest Ha’aretz review from Israeli wine critic Daniel Rogov. This time, on what he calls good values in local wines. Note that all the prices are the Israeli local price and not abroad. Are the non-kosher wines available in the US beyond those carried by Israeli Wine Direct? Wine and Spirits / Best deals on local wines By Daniel Rogov Finding good bargains for local wines these days is becoming increasingly difficult, the very best wines being justifiably expensive […]

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Posted at 22:44h in Wine industry, Wineries by Avi 1 Comment Keeping up with the Jones is tough.  Keeping up with the Mondavi’s is even harder.  Cabernets, Merlots, and even Zinfandels from California to France keep getting top headlines and top scores.  With the Israeli wine scene growing by the day, coming up with the right taste for an ever evolving pallet is the biggest challenge any winery has. So what’s an up and coming winery to do?  Blend, blend, […]

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DR: Over the last several years, Israeli wineries have been winning more than their fair share of international recognition and awards. When visiting any of the best Israeli wineries, the recognition they seem to hold most dear is that from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Robert Parker is the founder of the 100 point wine scoring system and a glowing review from his magazine can assure a winery an easier path to higher demand (i.e., easier sales at higher prices). The […]

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Posted at 14:19h in Events by 1 Comment The Jerusalem Wine Festival has come and gone for the year. This wine tasting festival is only a few years old but it has already become a Jerusalem tradition for Israel’s Anglo population and Jerusalemites, thirsty for some culture in the holy city. Last week, I attended the event and came in with mixed feelings. From the perspective of the festival organization, I was a bit disappointed compared to last year. There […]

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Posted at 12:12h in Wineries, Wines by David Rhodes 1 Comment Wine has evolved over the millennium into an important part of celebrations for billions of people all around the world. Yet, for Jews in and outside of Israel it holds special significance. Every week’s Friday night dinner and Saturday lunch, it’s common to go through a bottle or two of wine with family, friends and guests while observing the Sabbath. Even less religious families frequently have family meals over […]

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Posted at 11:20h in Events, Wines by Avi 1 Comment My favorite Jerusalem wine event is here! Jerusalem Wine Festival. At the just reopened Israel Museum, this year’s Jerusalem Wine Festival is bound to be a success. Here are the details: Tuesday through Thursday, 3-5 August at the Israel Museum Admission is 60NIS and includes a free tasting glass and unlimited tastings. Check out my previous reports of this Israeli wine tasting festival here. Please send us your pictures as […]

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