There is something about a good red wine that feels like an anchor. It asks us to slow down, breathe, and connect to the flavors of the earth. This year, as we gather around the holiday table, choosing an Israeli red wine is much more than a matter of taste, it is an expression of confidence in our agriculture and in the resilience of the local wineries, from the Galilee and the Golan to the Judean Hills and the Negev.
In the article before you, we have gathered recommendations for red wines that bring depth, complexity and comfort, wines that were born out of patience and survived a turbulent period to reach your glass. This holiday, we will raise a glass of red wine to the Israeli wineries and to our lives.
Carmel Winery, Selected, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2025: From the popular series, leading in high value for money, comes a wine composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Young, refreshing and fruity. The price: NIS 32.
Carmel Winery, Private Collection, Shiraz 2024: The popular wine series presents a wine from Shiraz grapes, with aromas and flavors of ripe raspberry and black plum, a medium body and a pleasant finish. Excellent value for money. The price: NIS 45.
Binyamina Winery, Sheba, Merlot 2022: The Merlot grapes come from plots in vineyards in the Upper Galilee. A balanced and refreshing wine, aromas of red raspberry and plums, sweet spices and dark chocolate. The finish is long and enjoyable. The price: NIS 85.
Talking wine with Yotam Sharon, Binyamina Winery
Castel Winery, La Vie Red 2024: The entry wine to the world of Castel Winery. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes, grown in the Judean Hills. A young, accessible and light wine, with juicy red and black fruit flavors and refreshing aromas of green pepper, the texture is velvety and caressing and the finish is enjoyable. The price: NIS 85.
Trio, Secret 2021: The grapes come from vineyards in the northern Golan Heights and the Upper Galilee. A rich and complex wine, aromas of ripe berries and spices, a balanced wine with a long and enjoyable finish. The price: NIS 99.
Talking wine with Assaf Paz, Vitkin Winery
Tabor Winery, Artisanal Creation, Syrah 2023: The grapes come from the Tel Fares vineyard in the center of the Golan Heights. 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.
Yatir Winery, South, Cabernet Sauvignon 2024: A wine that expresses the unique character of the southern wine region. Produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Sirah grapes grown in vineyards in the southern Judean Hills. Aromas of cherry and red pepper with a herbaceous touch, flavors of plum, and ripe red fruit. The price: NIS 105.
Recanati Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Kerem Lavanon 2022: A wine from the winery’s Atelier series. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from the Yiftach vineyard in the Upper Galilee, 600 meters above sea level. A rich and complex wine, aromas of cassis, black plums and local spices, and a harmonious and velvety finish. The price: NIS 109.
Feldstein Winery, Gilgamesh 2022: The wine was born inspired by the Mesopotamian epic ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’, out of respect for the past and recognition that wine is not just a drink, it is a story, culture, and part of our local identity. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan, Argaman, Syrah and a touch of Roussanne. An elegant and unique wine, balanced, spiced and full-bodied, remarkably friendly, easy to drink, with a taste of more. The price: NIS 125.
Golan Heights Winery, Yarden Merlot 2022: The grapes came from vineyards in the central Golan Heights and are approved under a sustainable winegrowing standard. Pleasant aromas of ripe raspberry, cherries and plums, fresh herbs and touches of black pepper and smoke. A full body and a rich, caressing taste. The price: NIS 129.
Talking wine with Assaf Ezer, Recanati Winery
Netofa Winery, Tel Qasser Red 2023: Grenache and Syrah grapes from vineyards located at the foothills of Mount Tabor and near the community of Mitzpe Netofa, in the heart of the Lower Galilee. A peppery wine, green and black pepper, cinnamon, and prominent aromas of red raspberry. A classic Mediterranean. The price: NIS 130.
Vitkin Winery, Carignan Old Vines 2020: The 20th edition of Carignan originating from grapes of a vineyard over 40 years old in the Alona Hills area of the Carmel ridge. A powerful, elegant and deep wine, impressive aromas of black plum, pomegranate concentrate, wild raspberry, floral notes, Mediterranean herbs and a bit of earthiness. The structure is intense, rich and balanced, and the acidity is refreshing, supportive and enjoyable. The price: NIS 135.
Galil Mountain Winery, Yiron, Syrah 2022: From the winery’s flagship series. A powerful and balanced wine with aromas of black berries and spices, a velvety texture and a long and enjoyable finish. The price: NIS 135.
Tzuba Winery, Metzuda 2023: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes from the vineyards surrounding Kibbutz Tzuba. A velvety wine with an abundance of ripe red fruit flavors, harmonious and with a long finish. The price: NIS 140.
Domaine Seror Winery, Cabernet 2023: The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from a successful vineyard in Avnei Eitan in the Golan Heights. An elegant, fruity and peppery wine, medium to full body and a long, spiced finish. The price: NIS 140.
Yatir Winery, Petit Verdot 2022: The winery’s vineyards are spread in Yatir Forest and along Nahal Anim and the Roman road, and benefit from one of the most unique terroirs in Israel, characterizing the high desert fringe region. Petit Verdot grapes with the addition of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich aromas of ripe berries, cedar wood (cigar box), fresh acidity and a finish full of character. A very impressive wine. The price: NIS 190.
