Uncorking the Wines of Winter from Israel
Exceptional Varietals & Meaningful Gifts Connecting Wine to Spiritual Roots and Ancient Grapes
Bayonne, NJ – January 2026 – Blending ancient winemaking traditions with cutting-edge innovation, Israel has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing wine regions in the world. With diverse microclimates, mineral-rich soils, and deep historical roots, Israeli vintners are crafting exceptional wines that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
The Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) represents nearly 40 wineries nationwide, uniting boutique estates and leading producers under one banner to educate, promote, and introduce U.S. consumers to Israel’s world-class wines.
As winter gatherings fill the calendar and celebrations bring people together, Israeli wines make unforgettable gifts and add a meaningful touch to festive meals. From Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl celebrations to everyday winter moments, these wines elevate the palate while offering spiritual symbolism, ancient grape heritage, and a deep connection to the land.
Each Israeli winery brings a vibrant story and a distinctive portfolio of award-winning red, white, rosé, sparkling, and specialty wines. Increasingly available in U.S. liquor stores across the country, Israeli wines appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Whether wrapped as a gift, poured at a holiday table, or saved for a special winter moment, Israeli wines bring warmth, tradition, and inspiration to the New Year and winter season—resonating with people of all faiths.
To explore the full spectrum of wineries and their stories, visit www.iwpa.com. Israeli wines are consistently rated in the high 90s by leading critics including Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, and James Suckling. Notable 2025 accolades include Feldstein Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, which received 94 points from Wine Enthusiast; Jezreel Valley Alfa 2023, earning 93 points from Wine Enthusiast; Domaine du Castel Grand Vin 2021, awarded 92 points by Wine Spectator; Teperberg Essence Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, which received 93 points from Decanter; and Shiloh Mosaic Exclusive Edition 2020, rated 92 points by James Suckling. In addition, Barkan Superior 2020 earned a Gold Medal and 95 points at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.
“Israeli winemakers continue to produce some of the world’s finest wines. Each winery shares a story of faith, hope, passion, and craftsmanship—creating exceptional wines for all palates,” says Josh Greenstein, VP of Marketing & Sales at IWPA. “Our mission is to inspire people to discover the wines of Israel—offering an unmatched journey for wine lovers everywhere.”
Israel’s modern wine revival has reignited global interest in both ancient indigenous grapes and internationally recognized varietals, resulting in wines that are expressive, complex, and deeply rooted in terroir. Among Israel’s native and historic varietals is Argaman, a vibrant Israeli-born grape known for its deep color, bold tannins, and notes of blackberry, spice, and Mediterranean herbs. Dabouki, an ancient white grape revived by boutique wineries, produces aromatic wines with floral notes and gentle acidity. Marawi, also known as Hamdani, is an indigenous white grape tied to biblical-era viticulture, offering crisp, mineral-driven wines with orchard fruit tones.
Alongside these historic grapes, international varietals thrive across Israel’s diverse wine regions. Cabernet Sauvignon is robust, structured, and age-worthy, flourishing particularly in the Judean Hills and Upper Galilee. Syrah has proven well-suited to Israel’s Mediterranean climate, producing expressive wines with dark fruit, spice, and savory accents. Warm-climate varietals such as Grenache, Carignan, and Petite Sirah have found a natural home in Israel’s terroir, while Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc shine in cooler regions such as the Golan Heights, yielding fresh, elegant white wines.
With vineyards stretching from the mountains of the Galilee to the sun-drenched Negev Desert, Israeli wines reflect a rich tapestry of soils, elevations, and microclimates—making them ideal for adventurous winter sipping and seasonal celebrations.
Israel is also globally recognized as a leader in agricultural innovation, particularly for pioneering drip irrigation, a technology that has transformed modern agriculture and viticulture worldwide. Many IWPA wineries rely on these advanced systems to produce high-quality wines despite limited rainfall. Drip irrigation delivers slow, targeted hydration directly to each vine’s root zone through a precise network of tubes and emitters, significantly reducing water loss from runoff and evaporation. This approach allows winemakers to fine-tune irrigation based on grape variety, soil type, and microclimate.
As a result, wineries across Israel—from the Judean Hills to the Galilee—are producing wines with remarkable consistency, depth, and character.
“Despite the challenges Israel has faced, the unique terrain and climate continue to enable the production of exceptional wines,” adds Greenstein. “Our mission is to inspire people to discover the wines of Israel—offering an unmatched journey for wine lovers everywhere.”
About the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA)
The IWPA unites Israel’s diverse wineries under one mission: to elevate global recognition of Israel as a premier wine-producing country. The association encourages wine lovers to explore bottles that stand proudly beside those from Italy, France, Spain, and Argentina. For updates, education, and winery highlights, follow @IsraeliWine and visit www.iwpa.com.
Wineries Represented by the IWPA:
1848 Winery
Website: 1848winery.com
Instagram: @1848winery
Rooted in a winemaking tradition dating back to 1848, this boutique winery blends family heritage with modern techniques. Known for its handcrafted red blends and expressive varietals, 1848 Winery emphasizes meticulous vineyard selection and small-batch production, creating elegant, age-worthy wines that reflect the character of Israel’s diverse terroirs.
Alexander Winery
Website: alexander-winery.com
Instagram: @alexan der_winery
Famed for its bold red wines and artistic bottle designs, Alexander Winery is located near the Mediterranean coast. Winemaker Yoram Shalom infuses each wine with family passion and attention to detail. Signature wines like Alexander the Great and Liza reflect both innovation and Old-World sophistication.
Barkan Winery
Website: barkan-winery.co.il
Instagram: @barkanwinery
As one of Israel’s largest wineries, Barkan offers an extensive lineup from entry-level to high-end wines. With vineyards in the Golan Heights, Judean Hills, and Negev, Barkan produces consistent, accessible wines known for their balance, value, and wide appeal in international markets.
Ben Ami Winery
Website: benamiwines.com
Instagram: @benamiwinery
Ben Ami Winery specializes in crafting wines that are approachable, food-friendly, and ideal for everyday enjoyment. Located in northern Israel, the winery offers varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, all designed to highlight fruit character and drinkability.
Ben Porat Winery
Website: benporatwinery.com
Instagram: @benporatwinery
Ben Porat has vineyards across Israel, in Samaria, in Negohot of Judea, and on the Golan Heights, nurturing every vine as both an act of faith and a promise for the future. As the winery enters a new stage of momentum, its production and global outreach are rapidly growing, with approximately 80,000 bottles planned for 2025. Each bottle tells the story of a family and a nation reconnecting to their roots.
Binyamina Winery
Website: binyaminawines.co.il
Instagram: @binyaminawinery
Founded in 1952, Binyamina Winery lies near the Carmel Mountains and is known for wines that balance heritage and innovation. The winery offers ranges such as Yogev and Reserve, delivering consistent quality across red, white, and rosé wines that highlight Israel’s diverse wine regions.
Carmel Winery
Website: carmelwines.co.il
Instagram: @carmelwinery
Established in 1882, Carmel is Israel’s oldest and most historic winery. Its vast vineyards span the country’s best wine-growing regions. With labels like Carmel Signature and Private Collection, the winery produces everything from traditional kosher wines to complex, premium reds and whites.
The Cave Winery
Located between Zichron Yaakov and Binyamina, The Cave Winery ages its wines in a natural cave carved into limestone. This boutique winery focuses on Bordeaux-style blends that benefit from ideal cellar conditions, resulting in deep, structured, and elegant wines made in limited quantities.
Domaine du Castel
Website: castel.co.il
Instagram: @castelwinery
One of Israel’s most prestigious wineries, Domaine du Castel is nestled in the Judean Hills and produces Bordeaux-style wines under strict estate conditions. Known for its Grand Vin and “C” white, Castel embodies French elegance with Israeli identity, earning global accolades.
Ella Valley
Website: ellavalley.com
Instagram: @ellavalley
Ella Valley Winery brought back to the area a wine culture that is thousands of years old, combined with the knowledge and tools of the 21st century. The winery is an ESTATE winery, which means a winery that produces premium wines from vineyards that it owns exclusively, while controlling the entire process of growing the grapes and giving significant emphasis to the regional expression – Terroir.
Ephod Winery
Website: ephodwinery.com
Instagram: @ephod_winery
Ephod Winery channels the spirit of ancient Israel through contemporary wines that reflect terroir and precision. Its expressive reds and whites showcase restrained power, balance, and minerality. The winery is quickly gaining a reputation for its nuanced Syrah and Bordeaux-style blends.
Feldstein Winery
Website: wwww.feldsteinwinery.com
Instagram: @feldsteinwinery
Founded in 2014 by winemaker Avi Feldstein, this Upper Galilee boutique winery is known for its experimental, terroir-expressive wines. Highlights include the native Dabouki 2023, Grenache Rosé, and the Gilgamesh 2020 red blend. Feldstein practices minimal intervention and gentle extraction, yielding wines that are refined, original, and deeply rooted in place.
Flam Winery
Website: flamwinery.com
Instagram: @flamwinery
Flam is a family-owned estate in the Judean Hills that produces elegant wines rooted in harmony and terroir. With a focus on Bordeaux-style blends and Mediterranean varietals, Flam’s flagship wines—including Classico and Reserve—exude sophistication, balance, and Israeli finesse.
Gros Winery
Website: groswinery.com
Instagram: @groswinery
Gros Winery is a boutique producer focusing on single-vineyard wines that capture the essence of Israel’s diverse terroirs. With meticulous attention to detail, they craft wines that are both authentic and expressive, appealing to connoisseurs seeking depth and character.
Gush Etzion Winery
Website: gushetzion-winery.co.il
Instagram: @gushetzionwinery
Situated in the Judean Hills, Gush Etzion Winery produces wines that reflect the region’s unique microclimate. Their portfolio includes varietals known for freshness and minerality, embodying the spirit of the mountainous terrain.
Kamisa Winery
Website: www.kamisawinery.com
Instagram: @kamisawinery
Kamisa Winery is located in the Dalton Industrial Park in the Upper Galilee. It is known for producing premium wines, with a focus on the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights regions. The winery emphasizes terroir-driven wines with a focus on aging potential and is committed to using advanced vineyard management techniques and the latest winemaking equipment.
Lahat Winery
Website: lahatwinery.com
Lahat wines, like Itay’s winemaking practice in general, have evolved over the years across several dimensions, beyond any particular terroir. The Lahat Winery now offers two ‘trilogies’ – three different expressions of Roussanne, and three different expressions of Syrah.
These wines reflect place, time, and personal craftsmanship. They are characterized by their freshness, moderate alcohol content, and relatively high natural acidity, emphasizing primary fruit aromas while embracing fermentation characteristics. Some are immediately accessible, while others reward patience and deeper contemplation – all emerging from what Itay calls his “personal terroir.”
Pinto Winery
Website: pintowinery.com
Instagram: @pintowinery
Established in 2020 in Yeruham, Pinto Winery is a family-owned estate dedicated to showcasing the potential of desert viticulture. Under the guidance of renowned winemaker Yaakov Oriya, the winery produces expressive Mediterranean varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Petit Syrah. Their “HOLOT” series reflects the unique terroir of the Negev, offering wines with remarkable complexity and aging potential.
Jezreel Valley Winery
Website: jezreelwinery.com
Instagram: @jezreelwinery
Founded in 2012, Jezreel Valley Winery aims to create truly Israeli wines that resonate with the local climate and palate. By focusing on Mediterranean varietals and combining traditional and innovative methods, they produce wines that are both authentic and modern.
Matar by Pelter
Website: pelterwinery.com
Instagram: @pelterwinery
Matar is the kosher label of Pelter Winery, offering premium wines crafted with artisanal techniques. Located in the Golan Heights, they produce a range of varietals that showcase the region’s unique terroir, blending tradition with innovation.
Morad Winery
Website: moradwinery.com
Instagram: @moradwinery
Specializing in fruit and herb-based wines, Morad Winery is renowned for its unique flavors like pomegranate and passionfruit. Their innovative approach offers a delightful alternative to traditional grape wines, appealing to adventurous palates.
Château Golan
Website: chateaugolan.com
Instagram: @chateaugolan
Located in the Golan Heights, Château Golan is a luxury winery emphasizing bold character and age-worthiness. Their meticulously crafted wines are known for their depth, complexity, and elegance.
Netofa Winery
Website: netofawines.com
Instagram: @netofawinery
Netofa Winery blends French tradition with Israeli innovation, producing Rhône-style wines that are both expressive and balanced. Their commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every bottle.
Odem Mountain Winery
Website: odem-mountain.com
Instagram: @odemmountainwinery
As Israel’s northernmost winery, Odem Mountain produces cool-climate wines of elegance and balance. Their portfolio includes varietals that thrive in the unique conditions of the Golan Heights.
Or Haganuz Winery
Website: orhaganuzwinery.com
Instagram: @orhaganuzwinery
Located in the Upper Galilee, Or Haganuz Winery is known for its spiritual heritage and meticulously crafted wines. Their approach combines tradition with modern techniques to produce wines of exceptional quality.
Psagot Winery
Website: psagotwines.com
Instagram: @psagotwinery
Mountain-grown and internationally acclaimed, Psagot Winery produces bold, structured wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Judean Hills. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a place on the global wine stage.
Raziel Winery
Website: razielwinery.com
Instagram: @razielwinery
A boutique winery producing elegant wines with a focus on terroir expression, Raziel Winery combines meticulous vineyard management with precise winemaking to create wines of distinction.
Segal Winery
Website:
Instagram:
One of Israel’s oldest wineries, Segal blends tradition with modern winemaking techniques to produce a diverse range of wines that cater to various tastes and occasions.
Shiloh Winery
Website: shilohwinery.com
Instagram: @shiloh_winery_amichai-lourie
Known for its premium kosher wines, Shiloh Winery combines tradition with innovation to produce a range of varietals that are both expressive and refined.
Stoudemire Wines
Website: stoudemirewines.com
Instagram: @stoudemirewines
Founded by NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire, this winery offers wines that bridge cultures and traditions. Produced in collaboration with Tulip Winery, they focus on quality and community engagement.
Tabor Winery
Website: taborwinery.co.il
Instagram: @taborwinery
Situated at the foot of Mount Tabor, this winery produces wines that highlight the region’s unique microclimate, offering a diverse portfolio that caters to various palates.
Teperberg Winery
Website: teperberg1870.co.il
Instagram: @teperbergwinery
Israel’s oldest family-owned winery, Teperberg offers a diverse range of wines for all occasions, blending heritage with modern winemaking practices.
Tulip Winery
Website: tulip-winery.co.il
Instagram: @tulipwinery
Combining social responsibility with winemaking, Tulip Winery employs individuals with special needs, producing wines that are both high-quality and socially impactful.
Tura Winery
Website: turawinery.com
Instagram: @turawinery
A boutique winery in the Samarian mountains, Tura is known for its full-bodied red wines, crafted with patience and inspiration, reflecting the unique terroir of the region.
Tzuba Winery
Website: https://www.tzubawinery.co.il
Instagram: @tzubawinery
Nestled in the scenic Judean Hills, Tzuba Winery is surrounded by ancient vineyards and archaeological remnants, allowing it to draw inspiration from millennia of winemaking tradition. Their wines express the minerality and freshness characteristic of the region’s limestone-rich soils. Known for its elegant reds and structured whites, Tzuba focuses on varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and blends that reflect both history and innovation.
Vitkin Winery
Website: https://www.vitkin-winery.com
Instagram: @vitkinwinery
Vitkin Winery stands as a bold pioneer in Israel’s Mediterranean wine movement. Located in Kfar Vitkin, the winery emphasizes lesser-known varietals like Carignan, Petite Sirah, and Grenache, crafting expressive, food-friendly wines that thrive in Israel’s climate. Family-owned and passionately run, Vitkin delivers authenticity and complexity through minimal intervention and an artisan approach.
Zion Winery
Website: www.zion-winery.co.il.
Instagram: @zionwinery
Established in 1848, Zion Winery is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Israel. Family-run for generations, Zion offers a broad spectrum of wines that range from everyday offerings to premium reserves. Its deep roots in Jerusalem and long-standing expertise make it a staple of Israeli wine culture, balancing accessibility with historical depth.
Media contact: sbender@bendergrouppr.com