Posted at 12:08h in Events, Food by David Rhodes 0 Comments There’s a saying among winemakers, “it takes a lot of beer to make wine.”  The point being that whether its toiling in the vineyards or moving barrels, pumps and cases of bottles at the winery, it’s easy to break a sweat making wine and a mug of ice cold brew sometimes is more in order to quench the thirst hard labor can invite than even the most seductive glass […]

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Posted at 14:42h in Wine industry by Avi 0 Comments Here are the Israeli wines that won in Terravino 2012 Special Awards Ben Haim Winery Israel Best Boutique Winery (up to 100,000 bottles) Ella Valley Vineyards Ella Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard´s Choice 2007 Israel Israel´s Grand Champion Trophy Ella Valley Vineyards Ella Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyards 2007 Choice Israel Best of Category 106 – Price us$ 37,00 to 49,99 Barkan Wine Cellars Ltd. Barkan Superieur Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Israel Best […]

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Posted at 14:11h in Reviews by Avi 0 Comments Congratulations to Carmel Winery and winemaker Lior Laxter, and the whole team for Carmel Winery’s recent win at the Decanter World Wine Awards! As Decanter described it: Carmel Winery in Upper Galilee has beaten some of the world’s most renowned producers of Syrah and Shiraz at the Decanter World Wine Awards. The Galilean winery last night won the Red Rhone Varietals Over £10 trophy for its Kayoumi Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008. […]

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This post includes the best Israeli wines I tasted in 2012 (for a more comprehensive list, including non-Israeli wines, check out my website). As with prior years, in addition to the “best” wines of 2012, I have also included a list of the most… Posted at 14:05h in Wine industry by David Rhodes 0 Comments Being a critic isn’t an easy job. Whether it’s about food, music, art, movies or wine, a critic must not only give their opinion on […]

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The history of the Israeli wine industry is an illustrious story, beginning with the Bible and continuing today. But, the modern Israeli wine industry owes tremendous debt to the Montefiore family. Sir Moses Montefiore was the first to urge the Jews in Israel to work the land and plant vines. He made tremendous contributions to Israeli agriculture. Descendents of his business partner’s family, the Rothschilds, founded Carmel Winery. Moses Montefiore was a lover of wine, and when he visited Israel, […]

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Posted at 20:55h in Wine industry by David Rhodes 2 Comments There are many winemakers and grape growers whose families have been involved in making Israeli wines for generations. The Margalits, the Sasloves, the TIshbis, the Shors and the Boxers are among many Israeli families that have passed their passion for wine making or cultivating from at least one generation to the next. Even though his family name isn’t synonymous with winemaking, Adam Montefiore is one of the most recognizable […]

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Posted at 09:23h in Wine industry by David Rhodes 0 Comments Here’s what we know what’s coming up in May 2013 for wine events and festivals in Israel May 2nd Thursday 09:00-18:00 4th Annual Israeli Wine Convention & Festival in Rosh Pina Stop by the 4th Annual Israeli Wine Convention in Rosh-Pina, at the Cinemateque- a professional convention under the theme this year of: “Growing Vineyards & the Production of Sustainable Wines”. The Israeli Wine Convention (for professional participants), , […]

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Posted at 10:08h in Wine industry by David Rhodes 0 Comments Previously, I had tasted Tabor wines on several occasions at festivals and a few times at the winery and each time I was politely presented their wines by an assistant winemaker or someone from their marketing department yet on my latest opportunity I finally got to sit a bit with the senior winemaker, which to me speaks to the DNA of a wine, knowing the winemakers intentions when I’m […]

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Posted at 19:18h in Wine 101, Wine industry by Avi 0 Comments The following article is from the New York Jewish Week For oenophiles, Israel is becoming a serious destination for wine tourism. Tuesday, February 7, 2012 About five years ago, I was scanning reds by the glass in a Park Slope wine bar when something unusual caught my eye. “Recanati,” read the listing. “Cabernet Sauvignon, Israel.” Suddenly, in the last few years, it’s Israel’s turn to be one of […]

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When Daniel Rogov passed away there was a real void left in the Israeli wine world. Rogov’s Guide to Israeli Wine was one of the most important books in the Israeli wine world, providing a comprehensive guide to hundreds of Israeli wines, including tasting notes and scores – notably in English (Rogov was raised in New York). Several writers tried to take Rogov’s place and taste and score wine but none have succeeded. A new contender, however, is trying to […]

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