Israeli Women Lead Summer Wine Project Showcasing Culinary and Viticulture Expertise

Long before titles like sommelier or winemaker became popular, women played key roles in Israel’s wine culture, from tending vineyards to managing wine businesses. Historically, women have been deeply connected to viticulture and wine production, as reflected in biblical symbolism and continuing through the Mishnah period and the early days of the modern Israeli wine industry. Notable figures include Roza Shor, a Haredi woman who managed vineyards and a tavern in Jerusalem’s Old City, and Esther Tepperberg, who handled financial and logistical operations of her family winery during crises.

Today, women hold prominent professional roles in wineries such as Golan Heights Winery and Galil Mountain Winery, serving as vice presidents, winemakers, agronomists, and vineyard managers. Their combined scientific and culinary expertise shapes the character of Israeli wines.

To highlight this female presence, the "Women Pour Summer" project was launched, a collaboration between these wineries and wine bars in Raanana and Tel Aviv. Over four weeks in July, seven women from the food and wine scene will host events featuring personal wine menus, candid discussions, and food pairings designed to complement each sip.

The series opens on July 1 with culinary journalist and content strategist Osnat Gueta in Raanana, followed by mixologist Shahar Kreizler in Tel Aviv. Other participants include food journalist Shira Granot, restaurateur Nana Shrayr, wine blogger Sheli Pari, and sommelier Shira Granot alongside chef Maya Darin closing the series on July 29. The events run every Wednesday evening throughout July at Tena bars in Tel Aviv and Raanana, offering special dishes like brioche cubes with olive oil, cheese platters, caramelized eggplant steak, and phyllo pastries.

This initiative celebrates women's longstanding and evolving contributions to Israel’s wine culture, blending tradition with modern culinary innovation.