Historians quite rightly believe that winemaking in the lands of Israel began at least five thousand years ago. Confirmation of this is the numerous archaeological finds indicating that the inhabitants of the Promised Land since ancient times have grown grapes and made wines from them. Modern winemaking traditions in the country are no more than a century old, but Israeli wines have already taken their rightful place both in the local market and abroad.
Varieties and numbers
In total, there are more than two hundred wineries on the territory of modern Israel, the overwhelming majority of which are small, family-owned. At the same time, the lion's share of production volumes falls on a dozen enterprises that bottle wines for export. Those who go on a wine tour in Israel have a chance to taste the products of family wineries. During the entire trip, guests get acquainted with the technologies of growing fruits and making wine in Israel, learn the secrets of cooking kosher products.
Among the most popular Israeli grapes are both local and international. Muscat Riesling and Argaman are grown in the Zichron Yaakov and Shimshon regions. The rest of the grape growing areas prefer Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Argaman and Emerald Riesling.
Special rules for kosher winemaking
Israel is a special country. Those who practice Judaism should eat only those foods that are prepared according to the rules of kosher. Israel's kosher products and wines do not contradict the canons of Orthodox Judaism, which means that the following traditions are observed in their production:
- The vineyard that bears fruit for the wine must be over four years old.
- He should be allowed to rest every seven years.
- As soon as the berries arrive at the winery, only those winemakers who observe Shabbat and other rules prescribed by kosher can touch them.
- The production of such wines requires the use of only kosher materials.
Kosher wines are essential to the country's economy. Only such a drink can be afforded by an Orthodox Jew, and therefore the products of kosher wineries are in great demand both in the country and around the world.
Monasteries and wines
One of the most popular wine tours in Israel includes visits to several monasteries where wines are prepared according to old recipes. A special place between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is the Latrun Monastery. It was founded by the monastic order of the Silent Trappists, and during the company of Napoleon, the first vine was brought here. Since then, Israeli wines have been associated with Latrun wines by many.
