Israel's Negev Desert was officially recognized by the state and global community as an international wine region on May 11, listing it as a protected geographical indication labeled "Negev," according to a press release.
The recognition, based on research demonstrating the uniqueness of the region's wines, follows a four-year initiative led by the Merage Foundation Israel, a private philanthropic foundation that aims to strengthen Israeli society.
The foundation's Executive Director, Nicole Hod Stroh, described the recognition as a "deeply personal milestone."
"As someone who made aliyah from Colombia and has spent many years advancing regional development and economic growth in the Negev, I see wine tourism as a modern and meaningful expression of contemporary Zionism," said Stroh.
"This recognition strengthens the region’s economic and tourism potential while positioning the Negev internationally as an innovative, high-quality wine region," she continued. "I have no doubt that in the coming years the Negev will become a sought-after wine tourism destination alongside leading wine regions around the world."
The newly-designated wine region stretches from the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat to the resort city of Eilat on the country's southern tip.
The Negev follows the Judean Hills region's recognition several years ago (Israel's first), joining major international wine regions such as Champagne, Chianti, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley.
Recognition to promote Israeli wine industry
At present, the Negev collectively produces over a million bottles of wine each year via over 60 wineries. The region's new status is expected to boost wine tourism and strengthen the global position of Israel's wine industry.
Negev Wineries Club Director Irene Benjamin said the region's new status is a "major achievement" for Negev wineries and Israel's wine industry in general.
"Through my work with the Negev Wineries Consortium, I witness daily both the unique challenges of producing wines in desert conditions and the extraordinary professionalism and dedication of the region’s growers and winemakers," said Benjamin. "This international recognition marks an important milestone in the development of the region and further strengthens its place on the global wine map."