istorically the largest wine-growing regions were the Shomron and Samson regions. Today
this remains true, but many of the interesting new developments are taking place in the Galilee and the Negev. The focus on new regions has mainly been on the
initiative of individual wineries such as the Golan Heights Winery on the Golan Heights, Carmel at Ramat Arad, and Tishbi and Barkan in the desert.
Although Israel is not a member of the European Community, the country works in accordance with EC regulations, and according to
the rules laid down by the B.A.T.F. in America.
Whether in reference to the meteorological stations on the Golan or the experiments in the desert, Israel’s reputation for
farming technology and innovation comes to the fore in the country’s vineyards.
Galilee(Galil)
This area extends southwards from the Lebanese border and covers the north of Israel.
Most of the wineries use grapes from the Galilee for their First Label or Reserve Wines. This area has become Israel’s premier
wine region, characterised by high altitudes, cool breezes from Mount Hermon, volcanic basalt and ‘tuff’ soil of the Golan, and unique microclimates in the
Upper Galilee, where the soils are heavy and gravelly, but well drained. The northernmost vineyards of the Golan Heights are 1,200 metres above sea level, with
snowfalls during the winter.
Dalton and the vineyards of Galil Mountain are located in the Upper Galilee, while Golan Heights Winery is on the Golan Heights.
Carmel has extensive vineyards in the Galilee, while Segal (now Barkan) has also been planting in the area.
Samaria (Shomron)
This is Israel’s largest wine growing region, benefiting from the Carmel Mountain Range and the closeness of the Mediterranean.
Samson (Shimshon)
The central coastal plain and the rolling hills of the Judean Lowlands .
Judean Hills (Harey Yehuda)
This is a relatively underdeveloped wine region with cool nighttime temperatures on the hills. Many of the vineyards are grown on terraces or in narrow valleys.
Negev (Hanegev)
A popular area for growing vines in ancient times, this semi-arid area has been planted with new vineyards in the northern Negev hills. It is a particularly dry
area, relying solely on innovative computerised watering methods for irrigating the land.
