Among the wineries at the Ra’anana Wine Festival was the Villa Wilhema Winery.
Founded by wine growers on Moshav B’nai Atarot (near HaTayaasim Junction and Airport City), grapes are sourced from the Upper Galilee and Ben Zimra vineyard.
The winery has events on Fridays. Conviently located near Ben Gurion Airport, it’s worthwhile attending both for tourists looking to visit a (non-kosher) Israeli winery and residents.
Gat Shomron Winery, in Karnei Shomron, was one of the wineries at the Ra’anana Wine Festival and also was at Sommolier.
Founded by Avigdor Sharon and Lior Nachum on the settlement of Karnei Shomron, not far from Kfar Saba, in 2003, this small winery released its first wines from that harvest in 2005. Grapes are sourced from the areas of Shomron and the Upper Galilee.
Among their wines include two lines of Merlot and Syrah, one meant for early drinking and one that is heavier and more tannic. Both wines were enjoyable, with the heavier series wineries capable of aging 10-15 years — a real rarity in Israel. Their Syrah wines are among the best, most complex wines that I’ve ever encountered in Israel with an aging capacity that is only seen in Yarden’s Single Vineyard wines, considered the best in Israel.
For a select few, Avigdor and Lior also pulled out their latest wine, an ice wine. It is very syrupy, thick, and fruity, it is very enjoyable to drink and sense the complexity of the light summer fruits like mango and passion-fruit that can be tasted. This unique ice wine seems like it would be a great wine served with an ice cream sundae or delicious dessert.
The Forward’s Jew and the Carrot blog also mentioned Gat Shomron’s ice wine.
Gat Shomron Ice Wine
Although Gat Shomron Winery mostly produce red wines, specifically very nice Shiraz and Merlot, their ice wine is what grabbed my attention. Considering Israel’s warm climate, ice wine is difficult to produce and requires mechanically freezing the grapes to achieve the desired effect. A dessert wine, Gat Shomron’s rendition is sweet without being cloying. The flavors — apple and tropical fruits — are well balanced, and the wine goes down nicely. Located in the Karnei Shomron settlement in the West Bank, Gat Shomron has been making wine since 2003. It may be tricky to find in the United States, but winemakers Avigdor Sharon and Lior Nahum say they are happy to export to America. Email [email protected] for information.
Pair with: A cheese platter for dessert.
The first Ra’anana Wine Festival is next week!!!
October 26th and 27th, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30pm to Midnight in Ra’anana Park (Lev HaPark) on the west side (near the pond and cafe).
The festival costs only 60 NIS, which includes a collectable wine glass and all the wine you can taste!!!
It’s 55 NIS for Ra’anana residents (bring your ID showing your address for your discount) but the festival is expected to draw people in from the whole Sharon region (Hod HaSharon, Kfar Saba, Petach Tikva, and more).
The festival will feature dozens of Israeli wineries big and small including Barkan, Teperberg, Segal, Lavi, Eden, Kahonof, Domaine Ventura, Dede, Rota, Kfir, Negev, Yaffo, Hakerem, Galai, Ptura, Aligote, Nativ Hayian, Rimon, Alexander, Or Ganuz, Gvaot and Shamiam. More wineries are still signing up every day
There will be live entertainment each evening including Ronit Chen on Wednesday singing sweet Jazz and Soul, and onThursday night vocalist Liora will be singing the classic melodies of Mercedes Sosa. The Jazz Choir of Yoni Shaham will also be performing.
Besides the wine and music, there will be tobacco stands, gourmet cheeses and chocolates, smoked meats and olive oils offered at special prices to enjoy during the evening, whether to enjoy during the festival or to take home
Wines available for tasting will also be available for sale at special festival prices.
Many of the winemakers will be present to discuss their wines.
Thousands are expected to attend over the two evenings on what promises to be a great night out at a bargain price.
Festival organizer Sagi Epstein has held several wine festivals before in Beer Sheva and Rishon Lezion, and so he’s experienced at hosting a fun and hospitable evening with a lot of bang for your buck.
