WINERIES

What is the most delicious wine in Israel?

Determining the “most delicious” wine is, of course, subjective — everyone’s palate is different.
However, a few Israeli wines have consistently earned praise from both wine experts and everyday enthusiasts, standing out for their complexity, balance, and rich flavor.

Yarden Katzrin 2019

Produced by the renowned Golan Heights Winery, Yarden Katzrin 2019 is often considered one of the finest wines in Israel.
It offers a deep, layered bouquet with notes of dark berries, oak, and warm spices, balanced by a long, elegant finish.
This wine has received outstanding international ratings and is often served at high-end restaurants and state events.

Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Another masterpiece from Golan Heights Winery, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a favorite among red wine lovers.
It features full-bodied flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and vanilla, with subtle hints of tobacco and dark chocolate.
Aged in French oak barrels, it combines the power of Israeli terroir with a classic Bordeaux-style sophistication.

Both wines are among the top-rated Israeli vintages and are often recommended for special occasions, gourmet dinners, or as a refined gift for wine connoisseurs.

What wineries are there in Israel?

Israel is home to a remarkable diversity of wineries — from historic estates founded more than a century ago to modern boutique producers crafting world-class wines.
Here are some of the most notable wineries you can visit to explore the country’s rich wine culture and beautiful landscapes:
Golan Heights Winery (Katzrin)
One of Israel’s most famous wineries, producing the acclaimed Yarden, Gamla, and Hermon labels. Known for its cool-climate vineyards and innovative winemaking techniques.
Carmel Winery (Zichron Yaakov)
Founded in 1882 under the patronage of Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Carmel is the oldest winery in Israel and remains a cornerstone of the nation’s wine heritage.
Barkan Winery (Kibbutz Hulda)
The largest winery in Israel, Barkan offers an extensive selection of wines — from affordable everyday bottles to premium reserve labels.
Teperberg Winery (Emek Hefer)
Established in 1870, Teperberg is one of Israel’s oldest family-owned wineries. It blends tradition with modern style and produces wines known for their balance and finesse.
Recanati Winery (Emek Hefer)
Recognized for its quality and innovation, Recanati crafts elegant Mediterranean-style wines that have received international acclaim.
Tabor Winery (Galilee)
Nestled at the foot of Mount Tabor, this winery creates wines that express the unique character of the Galilee terroir.
Flam Winery (Judean Hills)
A boutique, family-run winery specializing in premium wines made with passion and precision. Each bottle reflects the spirit of the Judean Hills.
Castel Winery (Judean Hills)
Renowned for its refined and elegant wines, Castel perfectly combines French winemaking traditions with the distinctive Israeli landscape.
Most of these wineries offer guided tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the essence of Israeli winemaking — from vineyard to glass.

Somek Winery in Zichron Yaakov

Zichron Yaakov is known as the birthplace of Israeli winemaking. With the support of Baron Edmond de Rothschild, one of the first wineries in the country was founded here in the late 19th century.
Today, the town and its surroundings are home to numerous small, family-run wineries, each offering unique wines and intimate tasting experiences. Zichron Yaakov also hosts annual wine and gastronomy festivals, celebrating its rich heritage and Mediterranean charm.

Located in the heart of Zichron Yaakov, Somek Winery is a boutique, family-owned estate established in 2002 by Barak and Hila Dahan.
The Dahans use grapes exclusively from their family vineyards, which have been cultivated continuously since 1882.

Barak Dahan is a fifth-generation winemaker whose roots in viticulture run deep in the soils of Zichron Yaakov.
His wife, Hila Dahan, holds a degree in Agricultural Sciences from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and studied Enology at the University of Adelaide, Australia.
Together, they combine traditional family craftsmanship with modern winemaking expertise, producing wines that reflect both passion and precision.

Somek’s vineyards are located at the foothills of Zichron Yaakov and have been lovingly tended by the Dahan family for over 140 years.
The winery cultivates both red and white grape varieties, including:

Reds: Carignan, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot
Whites: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Viognier

Each vine is hand-tended to ensure low yields and exceptional grape quality.

Winery Tours and Tastings

Visitors to Somek Winery can enjoy an intimate, guided tour personally led by winemaker Barak Dahan.
The experience includes:

An introduction to the Dahan family story and the philosophy of the winery
A behind-the-scenes look at the boutique production process, from harvest to bottling
A visit to the barrel room, where wines age gracefully in oak
A wine tasting session in the cozy tasting hall

Contact Information

Address: 16 Herzl Street, Zichron Yaakov
Phone: +972-4-6397982
Mobile: +972-50-5346491
Email: somekwinery@gmail.com

Somek Winery invites all wine lovers to discover the essence of Israeli winemaking — a perfect harmony of family tradition, love for the land, and artisanal excellence.

Barkan Winery in Bet Shemesh

Located just 30 minutes from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Barkan Winery is the largest wine producer in Israel and one of the country’s top destinations for wine tourism.
The winery perfectly combines state-of-the-art production facilities with a warm, welcoming visitor center, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Israeli wine culture.

The story of Barkan Winery began in 1899, when the Friedman Winery was founded in Petah Tikva.
In 1990, production moved to Kibbutz Hulda, near Beit Shemesh, where modern technology and tradition merged to create one of the most advanced winemaking facilities in the Middle East.

Today, Barkan houses Israel’s largest barrel hall, featuring more than 6,000 oak barrels, where its wines mature under ideal conditions.

Visitors can join an engaging guided tour that includes:

A 180° short film about the history of Israeli winemaking
A visit to the oak barrel aging hall
A wine tasting session featuring Barkan’s signature labels

Guided tours are available in Hebrew and English, led by experienced hosts who explain the winemaking process, the diversity of terroirs, and the characteristics of each grape variety.

For special occasions — birthdays, weddings, or corporate events — private tours and tastings can be arranged upon request.

The winery café offers a delightful pairing experience:
for 115 shekels, guests can enjoy a cheese platter and four premium wines, each introduced with a short tasting story.

Barkan cultivates over 2,200 acres of vineyards across Israel — from the Golan Heights in the north to the Negev Desert in the south.
This diversity allows the production of wines from multiple grape varieties, including:

Sauvignon Blanc
Merlot
Chardonnay

The winery produces several well-known collections, such as:
Classic, Reserve, Altitude, Assemblage, and the flagship Superieur series — each reflecting the terroir and craftsmanship of Israeli viticulture.

Visitor Information

Address: Kibbutz Hulda, south of Tel Aviv
Opening hours (Tours, Tasting Room & Café):