Domain du Castel

David Honig
Wine Reviews
2 min read
Domaine du Castel is one of Israel's best known boutique wineries. It was launched by Eli Ben Zaken, and is now run by Eli and his children, Eytan, Ariel, and Ilana. Situated between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Domaine du Castel is open to groups of 6 or fewer. All its

2013 Tabor Winery “Adama” Sauvignon Blanc

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
"Adama" is Hebrew for "soil." Tabor's "Adama" series  focuses on unique soils and grapes selected for growth in those soils. The "Adama" Sauvignon Blanc comes from 30 year old vines grown in chalky soil in the Kfar Tabor area of Israel. On the nose, the wine might be picked, blind,

Kosher wine and the mevushal process

Tom Mansell
Features
4 min read
“All Jewish life cycle events revolve around wine,” says Rabbi Moshe Elefant, chief operating officer of the Orthodox Union Kosher Division, the world’s largest non-profit kosher certification agency. From birth to bris (the Jewish ritual of circumcision) to marriage, wine is an essential part of Jewish religious practices.  The blessing of

2009 Vitkin Carignan

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
Vitkin Winery focuses on grapes other than cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot, working with carignan and petite sirah, veterans from Israel's years in the wine wilderness, as well as viognier, pinot noir, cabernet franc, french colombard, gewurtzraminer, and more. It may take time for Vitkin to find the perfect combination

2005 Chateau Golan Syrah “Special Reserve”

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
Uri Hetz is another American-trained Israeli winemaker. His formal wine education is from Oregon State University, and his hands-on training came from Joseph Phelps Winery in Napa Valley. Chateau Golan is in the Upper Galilee (Golan Heights). The Syrah "Special Reserve" was one of the best wines tasted while in

2012 Shvo Red

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
Gaby Sedan, formerly the winemaker at Golan Heights Winery, bought the vineyards for Shvo Winery in 2007. The vines are in the Upper Galilee (Golan Heights), and grow at approximately 800 meters. The Grenache and Mourvedre, both found in the "Red," are grown as bush, rather than trained, vines. The

2012 Lewinsohn Winery “Garage de Papa” Blanc

David Honig
Wine Reviews
1 min read
Ido Lewinsohn make both his wines, Garage de Papa Blanc and Garage de Papa Rouge, in his father's garage. The Blanc is made from chardonnay grapes grown in Upper Galilee (Golan Heights). The wine is fermented in neutral oak and does not undergo malolactic fermentation. The nose leads with pear,