Israel Wine Tour: The Best Wineries to Visit

Israel Wine Tour: The Best Wineries to Visit

April 30, 2019
Alicia
Israel Blog by Mazada Tours

Whether you're a connoisseur, an amateur, or are simply looking for a fun activity during your stay, an Israel wine tour will provide you with both fantastic flavors and sites of the country. Surprisingly, considering Israel's climate, wineries can be found throughout the country. While many of the wineries are concentrated in the north, particularly in the Galilee and Carmel region, there are also some unique ones popping up in the Negev desert. From north to south, there is a selection of diverse and unique wineries to choose from for your Israel wine tour.Israel's wine industry has been booming over the last decade, with some Israeli wines even winning international awards. Though the wine scene is still developing, there is a lot of history closely tied to wine-making, making an Israel wine tour a special travel experience.Here's a few of our most recommended wineries to stop at on your Israel wine tour.

Golan Heights Winery

israel wine tour_golan heights winery

Undeniably one of the largest and most influential wineries in Israel, the Golan Heights Winery is responsible for bringing new wine-making techniques to the country in the early 1980s. Visitors here can take a tour of the vineyards and cellars, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by local cheeses, and view a short movie explaining the history of the area. The wines produced here, namely the Gamla, Yarden, and Golan labels are distributed internationally in over 30 countries. Paired with the stunning mountainous surroundings, this winery is not to be missed on any Israel wine tour!

Tishbi Estate Winery

israel wine tour_tishbi winery

Located in the scenic town of Zichron Ya'akov overlooking the sea, Tishbi Estate is known for its delicious wines and rich history. The winery has a strong connection to the land of Israel, as it was originally established by Baron de Rothschild over 100 years ago. Visitors here can take a tour of their six vineyards, learn about its interesting history, and sample the wine. Other delicacies here include chocolates, wine jellies, and wine jams. The Tisbhi Winery and Estate produces over one million bottles annually.

Binyamina Winery

israel wine tour_binyamina winery

Also not far from Zichron Ya'akov and situated in an old perfume factory, the Binyamina Winery is another iconic landmark. Established in 1952, this winery has branched out since its humble beginnings and now offers wines under five different labels. Aside from touring the vineyards, visitors here can also enjoy wine workshops, a short film, and even grape juice tasting for its younger visitors.

Carmel Winery

israel wine tour_carmel winery

Another winery established by Baron de Rothschild, the Carmel Winery is one of the oldest and largest in the country. Its doors opened in 1882, and it now creates over 15 million bottles annually! Visitors to the Carmel Winery can take part in workshops, tastings, and of course tours. There is also a cultural center where there are often other activities.

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Tabor Winery

israel wine tour_tabor winery

Found at the foot of Mount Tabor, this winery is a great addition to any Israel wine tour. Though smaller than some others, this boutique winery offers flavoursome wines thanks to the fertile soil of the Galilee region. Their guided tour gives you a first-hand view of their wine-making process. In the summer months of July and August, they host an annual 'Family Harvest Day.' You can visit the vineyards, pick the grapes, and treat them yourself. Considering the quality of their wines, the stunning surroundings, and engaging tours, this is a winery visit the whole family can enjoy!

Pelter Winery

israel wine tour_pelter winery

This family-run boutique winery in the Golan Heights was founded by Tal Pelter. After studying wine in Australia, Tal returned to Israel. He and his brother started producing quality and accessible wines to the Israeli market. Interestingly, the winery is one of the only ones in the country producing sparkling wine. Visitors wishing to tour the Pelter Winery or enjoy a meal there need to make an advanced booking.

Yatir Winery

Israel wine tour_yatir winery

Located in the Negev desert, this winery is unique for its location. At the same site, you can also visit a historic fort and an archeological dig site. Due to the climate in the desert, the wine-making process at this winery is unique. Wine lovers will enjoy learning something new here, from the growing process, how the crops are cultivated and harvested, and different grape types. Definitely not to be missed if you're heading south into the desert!

Flam Winery

israel wine tour_flam winery

Established in the late 1990s, this family-run winery sits nestled in the Judean Hills not far from Beit Shemesh. The winery employs old-world winemaking tactics, and this shows in the strong flavor of their product. They're particularly known for their unique Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can book a private tour of the winery and enjoy an intimate wine tasting surrounded by nature and the imposing mountains.

Tulip Winery

israel wine tour_tulip winery

This winery is special for more than just its delicious wines on offer. The winery sits in the Jezereel Valley in Kfar Tikva (Village of Hope) not far from the major city of Haifa. Kfar Tikva is a village for people of special needs, and Tulip Winery employs the local residents at their winery. Stop here on your Israel wine tour for a look around the winery, a tasting, and to learn more about the town and its residents.

Boker Valley Farm & Vineyards

israel wine tour_boker farm

No Israel wine tour in the Negev is complete without a stop at Boker Valley Farm & Vineyards. This winery is credited with growing the popularity and prominence of wine-making in Israel's desert. The vineyards are planted 500m above sea level. In the winter the vineyards are irrigated with water from surrounding flash floods. The dry summer climate also lends itself to the unique methods and taste of the wine.We recommend stopping at as many wineries as you can. However, this list should help you narrow down your plan and create your ideal Israel wine tour itinerary. If you want to take the headache out of planning and just kickback and enjoy the wine and beautiful sights, let us do the work for you. Our travel experts will create an Israel wine tour for you based on your preferences. Contact us today to start planning!

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