Israeli wine is an alcoholic beverage made from grapes grown in Israel's diverse wine regions. It has an alcohol content typical of wine and is produced by both large industrial wineries and small boutique establishments.
History
Winemaking in Israel dates back approximately 5,000 years, appearing around the same time as grape cultivation became widespread in ancient Judea. Wine played a significant role in religious traditions and was exported to Egypt and later to various parts of the Roman Empire. However, after Arab conquest in 636 AD, winemaking declined for over a thousand years due to religious restrictions. Modern industrial winemaking began more than 100 years ago with the arrival of Jewish settlers, who established vineyards in regions like Rishon LeZion, Zichron Yaakov, and Rosh Pina.
Wine regions
Israel has five main wine regions: Galilee (including Golan, Upper Galilee, and Lower Galilee); Judean Hills (around Jerusalem); Samson (between Judean Hills and the coastal plain); the Negev desert; and Shomron, including part of the Israeli coastal plain—Carmel coast and Sharon plain. In 2020, Judean Hills and Judean Foothills became Israel's first officially recognized wine appellations, with producers required to use at least 85% grapes grown in these regions to label their wines accordingly.
Grape varieties
Israel cultivates various grape varieties for winemaking, including Cabernet Sauvignon (18% of total harvest), Carignan (17%), Merlot (13%), Shiraz/Syrah (7%), Petit Verdot (5%), Argaman (5%), Colombard (4%), Muscat of Alexandria (4%), Chardonnay (3%), Riesling (3%), Emerald Riesling (2%), Petite Sirah (2%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Malbec (2%), Sauvignon Blanc (2%), and Semillon. These grapes are grown across different wine regions, with some varieties having specific preferred growing areas.
Kosher wines
Kosher wines must be produced according to strict criteria: vineyards must be at least 4 years old, with a required rest every seventh year. Only kosher materials may be used during production, and only Sabbath-observant Jewish individuals may handle the grapes and products derived from them from the moment they arrive at the winery.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Виноделие в Израиле, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.