Israel — wine

Galilee Wine Region

Upper Galilee in northern Israel at 400–900m elevation; Mount Meron and the Golan Heights provide cool-climate conditions unusual for the Levant. Basalt and limestone soils on the Golan produce some of Israel's finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Viognier. Mediterranean climate moderated by altitude; diurnal variation 20°C+. Israel's premier wine-quality region.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Good Golan Heights growing season; altitude vineyards delivered Cabernet of exceptional structure and mineral depth
2021 Classic Galilee vintage; Katzrin single-vineyard showing superb concentration; Yarden range praised internationally
2020 Outstanding Galil vintage; Yarden Katzrin received 95+ points; Israel's best vintage in a decade
2019 Good conditions; altitude Golan basalt delivering characteristic mineral Cabernet; Sauvignon Blanc crisp and precise
2018 Warm Middle Eastern vintage; Golan's altitude proved essential for freshness; Yarden maintained quality standard
2017 Good growing season; Katzrin Red from this year ageing beautifully with cedar and graphite emerging
2016 Superb Galilee vintage; Yarden wines from 2016 received international award recognition; benchmark Israeli vintage