Israel has recently developed a world-class network of wineries stretching across the country.

Vineyards in the Golan Heights by Flickr user Eagle XDV

Israel has recently become a major center on the world wine-making map. The country has more than 200 wineries scattered across the country, from the Tuscan-esque Galilee to the more barren Negev. Many of these wineries are very historic playing an important part in the formation of the State, whilst others are newer. AND…Most are open to visitors in one way or another, whether it be a visitors center in the larger wineries, or a visit to the makers home in a boutique winery!

The Golan Heights Winery by Flickr user KRS Juan

If you wish to include a visit to a winery into your visit, check ahead, and you’ll be sure to pass one (or more) on your journey around this super-cool country. A map of the Wine Route marking the wineries is produced by the Tourism Ministry. If you wish to make a day (or more) of it, we say you should aim to visit about four in a day, and no more than five. And remember, not to drink and drive, perhaps appoint a tour guide, or make sure someone doesn’t drink, no matter how tempting it might be!

Visiting Wineries in Israel

Golan Heights Winery Visitors Center

A high alititude, cold winters, lots of sun, and rich soil make the Golan Heights a perfect wine-making region. The Golan Heights Winery is one of Israel’s largest and most well-respected wineries producing under the Golan, Yarden, and Gamla labels. With a large visitors center, this is one of a few wineries really geared up to wine-lovers. Visits include a tour of the winery, as well as a movie, and wine tasting.

Visits should be booked: 04-6968435. Katzrin Industrial Estate, Katzrin (Map)

Binyamina Winery Visitors Center (Coastal Plain nr Zichron Yaakov)

In the town of Binyamina, on the coastal plain close to Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov, the Binyamina Winery visitor center is in an old perfume factory established by the Baron Rothschild early on in the establishment of Israel. The visitor center is fairly  new, and visits include a tour, film explanation, and of course, wine tasting.

04-6388643, binyaminawines.com. Hanasi St, Binyamina (Map)

Tishbi Winery Visitors Center (Coastal Plain nr Zichron Yaakov)

Located near Zichron Yaakov on the coastal plain, the Tishbi Winery was first established by the Baron Edmund de Rothschild over 100 years ago who commissioned the Tishbi family to grow grapes. The name has now changed, and the winery, tranquilly located at the base of Mount Carmel has one other unique feature. That is, visitors can come to the winery, and fill up containers of their own with Tishbi for 19NIS per litre. The center offers guided tours and also has a restaurant.

04-6288195, tishbi.com. Map

Tabor Winery Visitors Center (Lower Galilee)

A small, boutique winery, the Tabor Winery is located in the village of Kfar Tabor in the Lower Galilee with its vineyards growing on the slopes of Mount Tabor. This vineyard is very traditional in its agricultural methods, and only uses local materials including water. Next to the visitors center which offers full tours, is a marzipan museum and restaurant.

04-6760444, twc.co.il. Signed from entrance of Kfar Tabor (Map)

Tourist Israel have partnered with one of Israel’s leading wine tour operators. Please contact wine@touristisrael.com for more information about your affordable, unique, and most importantly fun Israel wine tour.