In the Israel of the nineteenth century, a few small wineries were owned by Jews. These were small household presses catering mainly to local consumption and religious needs.

To Jews there is no communal, religious or family life without wine. Each Sabbath starts with an act of blessing, the Kiddush or “Sanctification” is chanted over a cup of wine: “Blessed are you O Lord, Our God for creating the fruit of the vine.”

By: Daniel Rogov

Dr. Yair Margalit has been a constant figure of the Israeli wine scene during the last 20 + years.

Lior Laxer is one of the new bright lights on the Israel’s wine scene.

The Golan Heights Winery has led the way on the Israeli wine scene for 25 years.

Yatir Forest is the de-luxe, prestige wine of Yatir Winery, which is situated at Tel Arad in the north east Negev desert

Not all wines produced in Israel are automatically kosher. In fact there are more wineries producing non kosher wine in Israel. However more than 90% of the Israeli wine produced is kosher. This is because, without exception, the largest wineries only produce kosher wines.

Israel is a tiny country, which would comfortably fit into New Jersey or Wales. It is a country that is always in the news there is a fascination by the media quite out of proportion to its size.

Carmel have launched a new look for their Private Collection label.