Golan Heights Wine (17)

The Wine from the Golan Heights - Always in Demand 

Since the beginning of time, since the Bible teaches us to drink wine, viticulture has been a constant part of the local culture, regardless of the people involved. Because taste is debatable, but all the more enjoyable to toast - enjoy a magnificent glass wine from the Golan Heights.

Wine from Israeli Settlements

Wine from the Middle East - this is tradition, history, and modernity all at once. What used to be mass wines for religious ceremonies has, thanks to the strengthening of viticulture since the 19th century, become quality wines that play in a league with the best from Europe and overseas. On about 5000 hectares of Israeli vineyard area, pure varieties and powerful red wines, fresh and delicate white wines, as well as intoxicating sparkling wines are produced, all vinified from noble grape varieties of the old world. Cultivated viticulture is made possible by the high altitudes, where the typically dry and hot climate is moderated by cool winds and precipitation. Together with the proximity to the Mediterranean, a Mediterranean climate develops in the highlands, providing ideal conditions for grape varieties of all colors to grow and flourish in full splendor.

Grape Varieties and Wines of Israeli Viticulture

Viticulture in Israel has, maybe aside from Argaman, no native grape varieties and thus relies completely on the cultivation of imported grape varieties. Leading the pack are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah, and Merlot, which yield excellent results and have earned awards from the highest authorities. This is a result of the modern understanding of quality wine and innovative cultivation and cellar practices. A pioneering movement that has recently brought Israeli wine onto the radar of various wine connoisseurs. The portfolio of Israeli wine enjoyment knows no bounds. From red and white wine to dessert wine and fortified wine - wine from Israel stands for diversity and openness. 

Wine from the Golan Heights - Optimal Terroirs and High Quality Standards

The terroir in the Golan Heights wine region offers excellent conditions for producing top wines. Even during the long Mediterranean summers, the heat is mitigated by the elevation climate. The porous volcanic basalt rock contains all the nutrients that the vines need for their flourishing. Fresh spring water enables year-round irrigation, preventing prolonged dry spells. 

The first wine from the Golan Heights was planted in 1976 by the farmers of the newly established moshavim and kibbutzim and was initially sold to the large wineries around Tel Aviv. From 1982 onwards, the Golan winemakers also took over wine production, which greatly benefited the profile of the wines from the region. Like almost the entire agriculture in the area, wine production in the Golan is cooperatively organized. The wines of the cooperatives are subject to strict and continuously adjusted quality standards. The Golan Heights Winery not only has about 600 hectares of vineyard area in prime locations but also employs qualified oenologists and has its own laboratories. Today, 20 percent of their wines are exported to a total of 25 countries. 

Kosher Wine

Wine from Israel is often a great unknown to many people outside the country. Perhaps this is because Israeli wine is often kosher, which means it is found in specialty sections and thus in different places than regular wine in stores. However, the kosher designation in the context of wine only relies on a few minor interventions, which do not specifically set Israeli wine apart from others. The wine must meet only three conditions to be considered kosher:

• The grapes may not be harvested until the 4th year of the vine's existence. Additionally, a harvest break must be taken every 7 years.
• The equipment used to harvest the grapes must be cleaned under the supervision of a rabbi.
• A portion of the yield must be given away. Often, a small percentage is poured out as a symbolic gesture.

Golan Heights Wine Region - Top Wines from European Vines

The wine lines from the winery are named Golan, Gamla, Hermon, and Yarden. The young but quite prestigious Golan wines will soon be replaced by the label SION (in the USA, GilGal). Behind Gamla and the eco-brand Gamla Nature are noticeably more expressive wines with complex fruit aromas. These wines are made from grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Trebbiano, and Tempranillo. The Hermon wines sold since 2012 are high-quality Moscatos. 

The flagship of the Golan Heights wine region is the Yarden (Hebrew: Jordan). It is among the best wines in Israel and meets the highest international standards. In addition to Yarden wines made from red grape varieties such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, there is also a white line made from Chardonnay grapes. The top products of the winery - Katzrin Cabernet Sauvignon and Yarden Rom - have immense aging potential and can be aged for over 25 years.

Our VINELLO Recommendation

Yarden Mount Hermon Red - Golan Heights Winery

This purple cuvée from the Golan Heights Winery combines enticing aromas of sour cherries, blackberries, plums, and forest fruits with a smooth and fruity body. Each sip of this dry red wine is rounded off by an elegant acidity composition that originates from the coldest appellation of Galilee at 1200 meters. Matured in both stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, Yarden Mount Hermon Red invites you to enjoy a cozy glass for many occasions.

Wine from Israel

Wines from the Golan Heights cannot be labeled as wines from Israel. Due to the European Union's international law, the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 are not recognized as part of the state of Israel. This includes the Golan Heights. And since the designation of origin must be both correct and not misleading, the designation "wine from Israel" is not permissible for wines from the Golan Heights. Alternatively, wines from the Golan Heights may be referred to as “products from the Golan Heights (Israeli settlement).”

Brief History 

Wine from the Golan Heights has only existed since the mid-1970s. After the Six-Day War in 1967, the previously Syrian region was annexed by Israel and has since been part of the settler regions of the country. The Golan Heights wine region, together with the wineries around Lake Gennesaret, belongs to the northern Israeli wine region of Galilee. Today, it ranks first within the Israeli wine industry, not so much due to the quantities produced but due to the outstanding quality of Golan wines. 

Buy Israeli Wine Online at a Great Price

Enjoyment has nothing to do with politics. This is a good thing, as wine is for everyone, is honest, and is easy and affordable to purchase online at VINELLO. So order yourself fine and internationally recognized red and white wines from Israeli territory. Discover the delicious variety offered by the Golan Heights. Simply order online and benefit from our fast, insured, and climate-neutral delivery. Kosher Israeli wine at VINELLO - uncork, pour, LeChaim!