Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Tabor Winery



Kfar Tabor is an agricultural settlement in the heart of the fertile Galilee. The settlement was founded over 100 years ago and one of its prime occupations were vineyards the growing of grapes. Its vineyards soon became famous as suppliers of quality grapes to the countries leading wineries.

It was no accident that the pioneers of Kfar Tabor decided to plant vineyards since the soil and climate are very suitable to growing grapes and the Galilee has been a center of wine producers since the days of antiquity. The winery is located near the Tabor Mountain in a village that was founded by the Baron De Rotchild The custom of growing grapes for the production of wines has been continued in Kfar Tabor ever since and to day its vineyards of grow, Merlot, Cabarnet-Sauvignon and other types of grapes.

Kfar Tabor is wine growing country and it supplied the needs of the countries wineries for a long, long time. For a hundred years they were the suppliers of raw materials but since 1999 they are also producing wine of their own.

In 1997 four enterprising families, Sela, Korman, Pelag and Ben Tanhum decided to set op their own winery by using the produce of the Kfar Tabor vineyards. They called it Tabor. They bought the most up to date wine producing equipment and hired Arie Nesher a Russian wine expert as the Chief Wine Maker who immigrated to Israel in 1990. When he came to Israel he was immediately hired first by Carmel Mizrahi and then by Tishbri and he was also a founding partner in the Caesarea Winery, from where he was hired by the new Tabor Winery.

Tabor Winery is considered a quality producer of wines, its wines were enthusiastically received by the public and by 2005 produced 300,000 bottles of wine a year of which 40,000 were exported. Its Kosher Cabernet- Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz wines are all produced from the best vineyards of Kfar Tabor.

Oren Sela, the CEO of Tabor Winery "Since our establishment we have made it a point to ensure the quality of our wines, that is our hallmark and that is the main reason for our constant growth. Our wines grace the tables of Israel, Western Europe and the USA and we are constantly developing new wines. Our vintage is considered one of the finest wines in Israel".

The Tabor Winery is not only a producer of quality wines it is also a tourist attraction, since 2001 it has opened a visitors center which shows the whole process of the production of wine. Kfar Tabor's Visitors Center is located just next to the winery and it also includes a marzipan museum, a chocolate store, a restaurant and a pub. The Visitors Center is open all week and it is possible to arrange tours for groups and individuals.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Adir Winery - Silver Medals Vinalies Argent


Silver Medals Vinalies Argent!

*Adir Winery, Adir Plato 2005

*Adir Winery, Kerem Ben Zimra Cab Sauv 2007


Visit Adir Today!

Barkan Wine Cellars Awards 2010!



Silver Medal! Barkan Cabernet sauvignon reserve altitude 412 Hauts du Golan Rouge 2006 Israeli Galilee Barkan Wine Cellars LTD

Silver Medal! Barkan Cabernet-sauvignon superior Haute Galilee Rouge 2006 Israeli Galilee Barkan Wine Cellars LTD

Gold Medal! Barkan Shiraz superior Jerusalem Rouge 2006 Israeli Mounts de Judea Barkan Wine Cellars LTD


Visit Barkan Wines Today!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Adir Winery



Combining four decades of agricultural experience, professional winemaking expertise and a spirit of grandeur, Adir wines are made with undivided attention. This family-owned and operated winery benefits from years of agricultural precision along with a true, hands- on knowledge of the land. From planting through growing, selection, harvesting, crushing and bottling, all processes are defined and controlled according to the highest professional standards. Making sure the utmost care is taken each step of the way- every bottle is an expression of the the expertise of a professional winery combined with the personal touch that only a family business can offer.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Tulip Winery



In Kfar Tikva ("Village of hope"), one of the most unique and exciting projects in Israel has been developed - an exclusive family owned winery that specializes in producing premium wines while at the same time contributing to the community. In 2003 the Itzhaki family decided to establish Tulip Winery.

"A profound love for wine encouraged us to embark on the adventure of wine making. We sought an appropriate place to establish the winery and to our great joy we were given the opportunity to combine the fulfillment of our dream of establishing the winery, while at the same time contributing to the community."

The family chose to situate the winery in "Kfar Tikva", near their home in Kiryat Tivon (near the city of Haifa). Kfar Tikva is a residential community that constitutes a unique model in Israel and worldwide. It is a community in which people with disabilities and special needs can develop and realize their potential. Tulip Winery has become an integral part of that vision by employing members of the community and giving them the opportunity to work in the winery and to be a part of the wine industry.

Tulip Winery's goal is to produce value for money, top quality wine with no compromises. From choosing the finest vineyards in Israel, through utilization of the most advanced technologies and production processes and ageing the wine in premium oak barrels. Tulip Winery provides its customers with high quality wines at affordable prices.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Ella Valley Wineries



The Valley of Ella is well-known throughout the world as the place of the famous battle between David and Goliath. In fact, in ancient times, the valley was no less famous for its wines.

The historical tradition involving vine growth and wine production, which was forgotten for hundreds of years, was revived in the last decade, thanks to the determination of a small group of visionaries.

The opening of the Ella Valley Wineries brought back to the region a wine culture that was thousands of years old, with the help of 21st century tools and skills.

The principles underlying the work of the founders of the Winery were to produce excellent wine, relying on the unique qualities and conditions of the area; and for the wine to be kosher, which would enable its dissemination to large publics in Israel and across the world.

The Ella Valley Wineries are considered one of the best and most advanced in Israel, with a production of over 200,000 bottles a year, all of which are premium quality wines. Approximately 40% of the production is exported, which is unprecedented in Israel's wine industry.

In addition to the significant export to Europe and the US, the Ella Valley Wineries are one of the few wineries in Israel that have succeeded to make its way into the Japanese market, which is known as being difficult to please and perfectionist.

The Ella Valley Wineries produce the following red wines: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Petite Syrah, and Syrah.

The wineries have encountered great success with the following white wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat.

The Ella Valley Wineries produce two series of premium wines:

Ella Valley - A quality brand, which has become very popular among wine aficionados at home, in restaurants and in wine shops, both among critics and among wine journalists in Israel and abroad. The series includes most of the types of wine produced by the Ella Valley Wineries, from various harvest years.

Vineyard's Choice - This is the Wineries' luxury brand. It uses the most exclusive grapes, which are picked in the best vineyards. This wine has undergone a long aging process, both in barrels and in bottles, prior to its release on the market. Each year, the winemaker decides which wines will be attributed the exclusive and binding VC label, which is why this series includes different wines each year.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Flam Winery



A quality boutique winery in the heart of the Judean Hills

The combination of our love of wine, of Israel, and our youthful spirit leads to the creation of the distinctive wines at Flam (winery). The resulting wines are exciting, Mediterranean in style, due to a never ending process of innovative creation in the heart of the Judean Hills for over a decade.

The vision of the winery was born in Tuscany (Toscana) - Chianti Classico in 1996. While on a fascinating tour amongst the splendid wineries of this enchanting region, Gilad & Golan decided to build a boutique winery in the Land of Israel, which shall be surrounded by superb vineyards, and would be the source of the best possible Israeli wines.

In 1998 this dream was becoming a reality. Golan & Gilad Flam established Flam winery in the Judean Hills. Their mother, Kami Flam, joined them as a founder & active partner, drawing from her extensive background as a businesswoman, and contributing to the great success. The winery has been drawing the faithful attention of wine lovers, restaurateurs, and numerous wine critics from Israel and abroad ever since.

The winery is situated in the picturesque view of the Judean Hills, at the origin of the Kisalon Creek and at the foot of the Kdoshim Forest, merged with the natural scenery, and combines high quality wines with Flam's second generations' refreshing attachment to the land.

Dalton Winery



The Dalton Winery is set in the beautiful green, mountainous country of the Upper Galilee, five kilometres from the Lebanese border, overlooking the Hermon Mountain.

The Winery was established in 1995 when the Haruni family from England came to settle in Israel. Initially the winery was situated in makeshift premises in Moshav Kerem Ben Zimra and produced some 20,000 bottles, but now it occupies its own home overlooking the Hula Valley and currently makes about 800,000 bottles annually.

THE WINEMAKERS

The winemaking team at Dalton is lead by winemaker Naama Mualem, Na'ama grew up in the north of Israel and comes from a family with close links to the wine industry. Na'ama joined Dalton in 2002 after completing her studies at the world famous Roseworthy faculty at the University of Adelaide, and with work experience in California and Australia. Naama is aided by Australian wine consultant John Worontschak. John has worked with the winery since its establishment in 1995 and has offered the winery both technical expertise and an international perspective in winemaking.

The winemaking philosophy is essentially new world fruit driven wines as befits a country with an abundance of sunshine, though lately the winery has been looking to develop some of its premium wines into more classical styles reminiscent of the European wineries.

THE REGION

Dalton Winery and its vineyards are located in an exclusive area of the Upper Galilee (Merom Hagalil). The vineyards of Kerem Ben Zimra reach an altitude of between 800 - 900 metres above sea level. This volcanic plateau combining high altitude, optimum soil conditions and a unique climate provide the ideal conditions for growing grapes in Israel. The cold winters provide an essential dormant period for the vines, while hot summer days with cool summer nights enable the grapes to mature at a steady rate, factors which allow us to grow excellent grapes for excellent wines.

Dalton is the only winery situated in this area, and can boast that it is one of the only wineries in Israel located minutes from all its vineyards. The proximity to the vineyards allows the winemaker to constantly monitor the vines throughout the year and, closer to vintage, decide the optimal time for harvest, it also ensures that the grapes arrive in the winery immediately after harvesting and do not have to suffer the indignity of traveling many hours in the midday sun, before they are processed.

Since the establishment of the Dalton, the Upper Galilee area has been transformed into a successful mainstream tourist destination. Surrounded by beauty and history, the Dalton Winery is close to a wide variety of attractions, many of great religious and historical significance. The area is distinctively picturesque, offering views of the surrounding vineyards, the Hula Valley and the snow-capped Hermon Mountain. Visitors are most welcome.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

From the Wines of the Binyamina Winery


Opal 2007
Sauvignon Blanc

Growing region
Single vineyard - Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galilee planted in deep and well drained basaltic soil conducive to cultivating rich grapes with a perfect balance between invigorating fruitiness and aromatic maturity.

Production process
The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested manually in September 2007. After manual sorting the bunches underwent gentle crushing. Only the first juice, rich in aromatic components and tartness, was chosen for this wine. After natural clarification the must underwent slow cold fermentation to preserve its aromatic qualities and was then transferred to one year-old French oak barrels for 6 months of aging.
After bottling the wine continued to age for another year in the winery’s cellars.

Tasting notes
While ripening the these 2007 vintage Sauvignon Blanc were subjected to three heat waves that resulted in a low crop yield of highly concentrated but balanced fruit. This bright clear lemon-yellow colored wine has green lemon and passiflora aromas seamlessly complemented by coffee and vanilla barrel influences.
Opal 2007 combines the richness and complexity of the barrel with robust fruitiness. It may be drunk immediately but will continue to develop flavors and aromas in the coming years.
Especially suitable served with baked sea fish, mustard and wine chicken and ripe soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert.

Wine Composition:
Alcohol: 12.8%
pH : 3.30
General acidity: 5.0g/liter

Bottles: 2,900

Thursday, January 14, 2010

From the Wines of the Golan Heights Winery


The Wine
The 2007 Yarden Sauvignon Blanc shows off bright notes of fresh lime, kiwi and hints of guava. Its green tropical character, medium body and fresh finish make the wine very drinkable and enjoyable.
Sauvignon Blanc is best consumed within a couple of years of harvest. We enjoy Yarden Sauvignon Blanc along with all sorts of foods. Try with Mexican style gazpacho, spiced with a bit of cumin, lime juice and chipotle chili pepper. We also like to sip along with marinated chicken breasts right off a charcoal grill or off the same grill whole rainbow trout, with three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish, rubbed inside and out with a mixture of olive oil, red chili flakes, and crushed dried herbs. Finish the trout with a healthy squeeze of lemon.


The Harvest
A dry winter preceded the 2007 season, resulting in 81% of normal rainfall. A cold March and April gave way to a warm period lasting through the end of July. August and September, our most stable months, did not disappoint us again this year, bringing exactly average temperatures coupled with zero rain- a winegrowing paradise. A warm October shortened the tail of vintage, resulting in a relatively short 13-week harvest. Low yields (8% below expected) helped contribute to a vintage of excellent overall quality.
The 2007 Yarden Sauvignon Blanc is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes from three vineyards in the cool northern Golan Heights: Ortal, Ein Zivan and El Rom. A small portion of the wine ferments and ages in French oak barrels, for a bit of added complexity.


Analytic data
Brix
% Alcohol 13.0
Acid(gr/L) 5.7
Ph 3.14
Sweetness Dry


Growth Area
The Galilee (or Galil) is the most northern, and generally considered the best, appellation in Israel. The highest quality area within the appellation is the Golan Heights (or simply the Golan), the coldest region in Israel. The vineyards on this volcanic plateau rise from 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and receive snowfall in the winter. The Golan Heights Winery is located in the town of Katzrin, in the central Golan.





The Wine
The 2008 Yarden Mount Hermon White shows off bright aromas of melon, citrus and green apple alongside attractive floral notes. This refreshing medium-bodied wine is ideal for everyday drinking.

Best consumed within a couple of years from harvest, Yarden Mount Hermon White is a great choice to complement delicately flavored foods such as seviche, grilled chicken breasts or gravlax.


The Harvest
The winter rains preceding the 2008 season came light and early. Winter temperatures were fairly normal with a couple of good snowfalls. Both March and April were unusually warm with average daily highs more than 3oC (5oF) higher than normal, moving the entire season up by about ten days. Good weather returned in May and stayed until the end of harvest, resulting in a relatively early and short harvest of very good quality fruit.
The 2008 Yarden Mount Hermon White is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay with a bit of Semillon, from vineyards located exclusively in the cool northern Golan Heights. Cold fermentation helps preserve the innate liveliness of these varieties.


Analytic data
Brix
% Alcohol 13.5
Acid(gr/L) 6.0
Ph 3.12
Sweetness Dry


Growth Area
The Galilee (or Galil) is the most northern, and generally considered the best, appellation in Israel. The highest quality area within the appellation is the Golan Heights (or simply the Golan), the coldest region in Israel. The vineyards on this volcanic plateau rise from 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and receive snowfall in the winter. Golan Heights Winery is located in the town of Katzrin, in the central Golan.

From the Wines of the Saslove Winery


Saslove Reserved, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Silver medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” Competition 2008, 2004 vintage
Gold medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” Competition 2006, 2002 vintage
Silver medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” Competition 2004, 2000 vintage

This Cabernet Sauvignon was aged 24 months in four kinds of barrels. Through the aging process, the wine has imbibed a wide range of flavors. “Taransaud” oak barrels, made of wood from the Allier forests in France , enriched the wine with tastes of clove, vanilla, mint, and cigars. American “Schahinger” oak barrels contributed touches of mocha and butter. French “Magrenan” barrels complement a long finish of Creme BrulĂ©e, coffee and dark chocolate. This wine has at least 8 years aging potential.




Saslove Aviv, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Silver Medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” competition 2008, 2006 vintage
Silver Medal in “Decanter" competition 2006, 2004 vintage
Silver Medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” competition 2006, 2004 vintage
Gold Medal in “Eshkol Hazahav” competition 2004, 2002 vintage
Gold Medal in "Challenge International du Vin" 2004, 2002 vintage

The source of this subtle yet intensive wine is to be found in our Galilee vineyards of basalt, terra rosa and limestone soil. The grapes were hand picked and treated gently and meticulously in the winery. This wine is characterized by the distinctive intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon, with the added traits acquired by American and French oak: chocolate, vanilla, mocha cloves, cinammon and smoke.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Saslove Winery



Saslove Winery is a family operated boutique winery. Barry Saslove, owner and wine maker, is one of the pioneers of the rejuvenated Israeli wine industry who has taught wine appreciation and winemaking to thousands of Israelis.


Barry's wines are elegant, soft, rich, complex and most of all a source of pleasure.


In 1998 the Saslove family established the Winery in Kibbutz Eyal, near Kfar Saba. Barry furnished the winery with state-of-the-art equipment from all over the world. The winery includes a temperature-controlled barrel room, a lab, and an open space where the club meetings and wine seminars are held. In 2007 a fermentation site was built in Tzuriel in the Upper Galilee near the vineyards to minimize transportation and for the grapes to arrive fresh and cool.

Golan Heights Winery



The Golan Heights Winery produces premium varietals, proprietary blends and traditional method sparkling wines, marketed under the labels "Yarden", "Gamla" and "Golan".


The winery was founded in 1983 and is located in the small town of Katzrin, high up on the Golan Heights.


By combining state-of-the-art technology with traditional vinification techniques, the company has succeeded in producing award-winning wines, firmly placing Israel on the international wine map.

Binyamina Winery



Binyamina Winery is the fourth largest winery in Israel and it produces some 2.8 million bottles annually under several labels. These are delivered to specialty wine stores, marketing chains, hotels, catering companies and restaurants in Israel and abroad.


The winery currently produces wine under four main labels - The Chosen, Binyamina Reserve, Yogev and Teva, as well as special limited edition wines and liqueurs. We regard each of our wine labels as reflecting a part of an entire enterprise that strives for and ultimately achieves product perfection.


Our Labels:


The Chosen -a reflection of our winemaker's creativity. This is Binyamina Winery's high-end label that includes six wines, each named for one of the Hoshen Stones (the biblical term for the carefully chosen precious stones set in the breastplate of the High Priest). During the production process the winemaker meticulously oversees the manual harvesting and sorting of the grapes, production processes that rely on gravitational forces rather than on mechanical processes, and the wine's long aging.


Binyamina Reserve - the winery's flagship label which reflects the vineyard and its qualities. This label includes eight red and white varietal wines produced from grapes that grow mainly in our Upper and Lower Galilee vineyards. The unique expression of vineyard qualities is the dominant feature in these wines.


Yogev - Binyamina's Yogev label is tribute to our winegrowers. In Hebrew, Yogev means farmer, toiler of the soil. This label reflects the winegrower's contribution to the production of quality wines. Yogev wines are aged in used barrels in order to preserve the natural qualities of the winegrowers' fruit. As a token of our appreciation, we have included the winegrowers' names on the back labels of all Yogev wines.


Teva - Binyamina's most popular label that we regard as reflecting the consumer. This label includes varietal wines, each attributed with a nature that wine consumers can relate to while we cater to the personal taste of each consumer.


Binyamina Winery strives to promote a wine culture in Israel and is regarded as a daring pioneer in the wide range of varieties it offers its customers under its different labels, which include classics from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Shiraz, Chardonnay and Emerald Riesling as well as less known varieties such as Pinotage, Tempranillo and Viognier. There is no doubt that even in the rich and diverse wine world it is important to constantly strive to diversify even further and to offer attractive options to meet developing and increasingly sophisticated consumer tastes. And nobody does it better than Binyamina!

Recanati Winery



The Recanati Winery was founded in 2000 by a group of wine lovers led by Lenny Recanati. Their goal was to create a new winery for the production of quality Israeli wines at reasonable consumer prices.


The Winery established its home in the Hefer Valley and is furnished with state-of the-art wine-making equipment.


The most important requirement in the production of quality wines is always the quality of the grapes. Dr. Pini Sarig, an international vine growing expert, was instrumental in assisting the winery in locating excellent vineyards as well as plots of land with vine-growing potential, where new vineyards were planted. Most of the vineyards from which the winery receives it grapes are in the Manara and Kerem Ben-Zimra regions in the Upper Galilee, a high region with an ideal climate for the cultivation of quality wine grapes. Additional growing areas are the Ella Valley and the Lower Galilee, which have a warmer climate that is conducive to producing the different grape varieties that provide additional nuances to our wines.


Most of our red wines are made from the noble Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. However, the winery is involved in cultivating and assimilating additional varieties that have great potential, such as Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Syrah, Barbera, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah. Our white wines are produced with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, French colombard and Emerald Riesling.


Our winemaking process is leaded by our head winemaker, Gil Shatsberg, a graduate of the Viticulture and Enology Program at the Davis University of California. Shatsberg accumulated vast experience while working in California and Israel. He had become Recanati's Head winemaker on January 2008, replacing Lewis Pasco and continuing his goal - making the best out of the fabulous Mediterranean terroir Recanati winery has in hands. Shatsberg is known to the Israeli wine lover's public as the winemaker and founder of "Amphorae", one of Israel's best boutique winery. His deeply ingrained sense of commitment to realizing the full inherent potential of the grapes is a significant contributing factor in the success of our wines. Our winemaking team includes a second winemaker, Ido Lewinsohn, a graduate of the Viticulture and Enology Program at the University of Milan. Prior to his arrival to our winery, Lewinsohn has worked in different wineries in Australia, France and Italy, among them the prestigious "Sassicaia" in Tuscany.


Recanati wines are marketed in leading wine stores and restaurants. New export markets have been developed, and Recanati exports its quality wines to ever growing markets in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Western Europe.


The winery looks back on its achievements in its initial years with great pride and sense of satisfaction, yet does not rest on its laurels and continues to cultivate new vineyards, invest in research in agricultural and enology and, most importantly, to produce wines with enormous love, while continually striving to enhance its products.

Teperberg 1870



The Teperberg 1870 vision is to stand among the leading forces of Israel's wine culture. Powered by a strong passion for wine and the passing down of expertise by six Teperberg generations, the Winery transforms its vision into reality while standing in the forefront of technology and maintaining its steadfast innovation. Holding true to its vision, the Teperberg Winery is currently hard at work in redefining the word ‘quality'. This includes establishing a state of the art winery which will operate by using the field's most advanced technology, planting vineyards in high quality regions, investment in advanced manufacturing technologies and the fine-tuning of the distribution system, among others.


The new winery is currently in the making on a 2 Hectars area, located at the heart of Judean lowland vineyards at the foothills of the Judean Mountains - Israel's most prominent wine tourism route. The Winery is focused on increasing its production to 7 million bottles a year and the construction of a visitors' center. Israel's forth largest winery, Teperberg 1870 exports first class wines to more then 22 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, France, England, Australia and more.


Teperberg 1870 new series are highly acclaimed by wine enthusiasts and have received numerous international prestigious awards. This overwhelming success is due to the marriage between the adopted "New World" philosophy of the Winery's chief winemaker Shiki Rauchberger and the ingeniousness of his French wine traditionalist colleague, Olivier Fratty.


Following the vision, the winery is currently in the middle of re-branding its quality wine series - Silver, Terra and Reserve. The re-branding included updating the series' labels in order to create a cohesive look that would simplify identifying the wines from Teperberg 1870 Winery.

Barkan Wines




Barkan Wine offers customers a wide range of wines - from the very simple to the most complex - in a variety of styles. We have specialized in red wines, especially varietal wines, and have pioneered the South African varietal Pinotage here in Israel.


Since the company's inception in 1990, we have developed new and better varietal vineyards - especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and have consistently made better wines from them that have time after time achieved impressive results in tastings and competitions both in Israel and abroad.


We feel that everyone deserves a good bottle of wine, irregardless of the price they paid for it, irregardless for what occasion or meal they bought it for, and we have designed our wine series accordingly, not just by quality or character, but to fit into the differing life styles and tastes of our customers.