Top 5: Wine Stores

Wine lovers in J'lem need not wait until next year’s Wine Festival with a great selection of superb wine stores around the city.

By LOREN MINSKY/ ITRAVELJERUSALEM.COM TEAM
Top 5: Wine Stores (photo credit: Courtesy)
Top 5: Wine Stores
(photo credit: Courtesy)
1) Avi Ben
The oldest wine store in Jerusalem, Avi Ben wine stores stock the best in Israeli and kosher wines as well as imported wines from the Bordeaux region in France, Italy and Spain. In turn, the store ships Israeli wines to America and Europe.
A pioneer in the wine industry in Jerusalem, owner Avi Ben is instrumental in organizing the annual Wine Festival at the Israel Museum. The staff members are well trained, knowledgeable and helpful – and they speak English. While you’re there, you can pick up a gift to go with a bottle of wine such as wine glasses, accessories, chocolates, an assortment of olive oils, coffee and more. AviBen has branches in Nahalat Shiva, Mahane Yehuda and in Mevasseret Zion. Address: 22 Rivlin Street, City Center Phone: +972-62-25-9703
2) The Winery
Wine lovers in Jerusalem should not miss out on a trip to The Winery in the elegant Mamilla Hotel. The Winery features an extensive list of prestigious exclusive wines, including top vintage local wines and other wines that are difficult to get hold of. The Winery is now part of the Hotel’s Mirror Bar and the public are invited to come,relax and enjoy a glass of wine or two (and to purchase a bottle to take away while you’re at it). The Winery offers wine tasting for NIS 90 which includeshistory and background on the Israeli wine industry as well as two half glasses of white wine and two half glasses of red wine.Address: 11 ShlomoHamelech Street Phone: +972-2-548-2222
3) Kos ShelBracha
A kosher wine store in the picturesque neighbourhood of Old Katamon, Kos ShelBrachaoffers a large choice of fine boutique wines, liqueurs and spirits at competitive prices. The warm, professional staff members give personal attention and are happy to help and advise. A highlight of the week takes place on Fridays when the store offers a wine-tasting with gourmet cheeses, although there is always something to sample.Address: 16 HalamedHei, Old Katamon Phone: +972-2-561-1557
4) The Wine Mill
A new exclusive wine and spirits shop run by wine experts, the Wine Mill is located within the Windmill Mall in the upmarketneighborhood of Rechavia. The store featurestop kosher wines from Israel, California, France, Spain and Italy as well as exclusivity on some Israeli boutique wineries such as Domaine Herzberg, RamotNaftali, Eden, Shokek andDomaineArtsi. To aid in your selection, the store promisesto offer complimentary wine tastings on almost a daily basis. A big plus is the free deliveryto Jerusalem and Gush Etzion, for even a single bottle and regardless of price Address: 8 Ramban Street, Rehavia Phone: +972-54-760-7802 5. The Jerusalem Wine Store
Situated in the Cardo in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, the Jerusalem Wine Store specializes in unique smaller Israeli boutique wines, many of which produce as little as 2,000 bottles per year, and most of which are from Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. The store has a warm and friendly atmosphere and is found in an arched building with typical ancient Jerusalem architecture.All of the wines are kosher.
Address: 8 Cardo Street, The Old City, Jerusalem Phone: +972-2-626-3104 ITravelJerusalem.com is a new online international travel portal offering all the latest information on things to do, places to eat and places to stay in Jerusalem.