The burden of proof: The winery promised. Does the wine deliver?

Artisanal, the wine brand of Tabor Winery, is celebrating two years of existence. The brand, which takes the winery into the premium worlds, is the creation of the winemaker Or Nadbach, who after two years of study and research, led the winery to the conclusion that it needed to change strategy.

About a year and a half ago, the launch event of the Artisanal brand was held, or by its full foreign name: Artisanal by Tabor.

The new strategy dismantled the winery into two brands: 'Artisanal' which is intended for restaurants and specialized wine shops, and 'Tabor' which is sold in marketing chains and in the general market.

At a meeting before the holidays with the winemaker and with Roi Harel, manager of the 'Wine Business Unit' at 'CBC Israel', the owners of the winery, we tasted the wines of the brand’s second year. And indeed, it seems that the promise has been fully fulfilled.

"The meaning of the name Artisanal," explains Roi Harel, "is the tension between tradition and the use of advanced technology, and therefore the icon on the bottle is a combination of the fingerprint of Or, the winemaker, the artist, together with the oak tree that is used in the barrels."

"Despite the fact that 2025 was a very challenging year, we were received very well in the leading restaurants in the country and also by the end consumer."

The wines of the Artisanal brand are different in their production from the wines of the Tabor brand, thanks to the fundamental and meticulous craftsmanship, starting from the vineyards and ending in the winery and the barrels.

These are wines that combine the expertise of the winemaker that connects between the different varieties and the different growing regions together with artisanal craftsmanship, and between the winemaker and nature. The brand is divided into three series: Elements, Creation and Desire.

"The advantages at the winery are the distribution of our vineyards across the country, in different terroirs," says Or Nadbach. "Artisanal represents the connection between tradition and innovation". Or further adds: "We strongly believe in white wines in this country and produce about 60% white wines."

The entry wine to the Artisanal brand and one of the flagship wines, which has represented the winery with honor for many years.

The grapes mostly come from the Ramat Sirin vineyard in the Galilee, some from vineyards in Kfar Tavor and some from the Golan. A classic wine, with a level of freshness and naturally high acidity, fresh and sharp tropical fruit, with hints of fresh citrus, sweetish-tart. An enjoyable wine. The price: NIS 65.

The Chenin Blanc grapes come from Mitzpe Ramon, the southernmost vineyard of the winery. A unique and not simple region, a dry, high desert, with overly draining loess soil and a need for excessive irrigation, while alongside this the advantage of dryness protects against rot.

All this gives the wine a special layer, aromas of green apple, lemon and light honeyed notes, balanced refreshing acidity, minerality and crispness and a long and tempting finish. A charming wine. The price: NIS 65.

The Roussanne grapes come from the Mesu’ot vineyard in the Judea region, Gush Etzion, a high region abundant with rocky terraces, not easy to deal with.

The wine ferments in old wooden barrels that give layers of flavor, a fuller and richer body, floral and nutty notes, with balanced and refreshing acidity and a pleasant finish. An elegant and gastronomic wine. The price: NIS 80.

Tabor Winery, Artisanal Creation, Syrah 2023: The grapes come from the central Golan, a single vineyard in Tel Fares, an excellent area for growing Syrah grapes, and are harvested by hand.

The wine ferments in wide and low tanks in order to obtain a larger contact surface with the skins and afterwards moves to 300-liter barrels for aging. A wonderful Mediterranean wine with a velvety texture, aromas of cherry, black plum and local spices. The acidity is balanced and the finish is long and pleasant. The price: NIS 100.

The wine in the highest sub-series so far is different from its previous brothers, most of which were in a Mediterranean style.

The grapes of the Bordeaux variety come from the veteran Malkia vineyard located on the border with Lebanon. This is a vineyard with a special soil formation that causes the vines to root deep into the ground in search of water. "Tabor, Malkia", remember?

The wine undergoes fermentation in barrels and aging in new and old barrels. The result: A powerful and complex wine, deep and broad, rich and concentrated fruit and richness in aromas and flavors. A very young wine, yet already accessible, and will also be excellent in years to come. The price: NIS 190.