EL AL | Atmosphere

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

The wine routes of the south the Negev and the Arava In biblical times, the Negev was an important winemaking region, as many archeological findings reveal. The last few decades have revived the ancient agricultural traditions of this part of the world, and vines have been abundantly planted. Wineries have opened, and the local wine scene is gaining traction. Merage Foundation Israel has recently launched a collaborative website that unites thirty of the region’s wineries. The winemaking process here is a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and agricultural innovation, and the new website is full of information about the process itself and the various wineries involved. Some of the most notable wineries in the region: the Nana Estate Winery in Mitzpe Ramon, Pinto Winery in Yeruham, and Moa Winery in Moshav Tzofar. negevwine.co.il/en/

Castel Winery I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Kadma Winery I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Workshops are regularly organized. binyaminawines.co.il/en/ Amphorae Winery, Kerem Maharal: one of the most beautiful wineries in Israel, it is part of an organic farm right by a black tuff mountain ridge, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and fields of lavender and wildflowers. A pathway passing through the orchard leads to the visitors’ center where guided tours of the winery begin. Delicious picnic assortments with cheeses, charcuterie, and salads can be purchased and enjoyed on the farm grounds. amphorae_wines The wine routes of the Judean Hills Wine has been produced in this part of the world for over 3,000 years. Archeological remains of ancient amphorae and wine jugs have been found on every hill and slope here. Nowadays, there are 50 wineries operating, spread across the Valley

of Elah and the Jerusalem hills. Here are two of the most notable: Castel Winery, Moshav Yad Shmona: one of the most high-end and exclusive wineries in Israel, the Castel Winery organizes guided tours on which visitors hear about its history, discover the fermentation room and barrel cellar, and taste delicious wine and cheese. castel.co.il/en/ Kadma Winery, Kfar Uriah: founded by winemaker Lina Slotzkin who was looking to reconnect with her Georgian roots, Kadma Winery follows an ancient winemaking process that allows the wine to ferment in ceramic jugs and oak barrels. Slotzkin conducts tours of the grounds and winetasting sessions. There’s also a café restaurant with a beautiful garden and fantastic views. kadma-wine.co.il/language/en/ More wineries in the Judeah Hills: Tzora vineyards, Kerem Barak ■

experience with workshops, wine, brandy, and chocolate tasting sessions. There’s also a restaurant, and a barbecue eatery that operates on Fridays. tishbi.com/en/ Binyamina Winery: located in a beautiful arched structure built in the 1930’s, this winery is such an interesting place to visit. The guided tours it offers cover the whole winemaking process, from destemming to fermentation, and end with tasting sessions in the barrel cellar and wine tasting room.

20 ATMOSPHERE APRIL 2023