Arava Settlement Turns Dates Into Premium Brandy, Arak, and Gin
The small community of Tzofar, located about 130 kilometers north of Eilat in Israel's Arava region, has quietly become a notable culinary destination in recent years. Among its attractions are the grill event complex by chef Yariv Itani, the boutique Moa winery, and the charming vegetable garden of Ronit and Moti Elazari, who host elaborate breakfasts in their greenhouse. A standout local enterprise is the Arava Distillery, led by Yonatan (Yon) Greini, which produces high-quality arak, brandy, and gin made entirely from dates.
Small-scale distilleries have become increasingly common in Israel, with around 20 operating nationwide. The Arava Distillery, established just two and a half years ago, has quickly grown under Greini's leadership. He explains that distilling dates is straightforward due to their high sugar content, relying on natural wild yeasts on the fruit for fermentation without adding cultivated yeasts. After a six-week fermentation, the date mash is distilled twice, reaching 80% alcohol before dilution to 37.5% for bottling.
Greini, originally from the Galilee, moved to the Arava six years ago with his wife Tamar, who is from Tzofar. Inspired by local agriculture and entrepreneurship, he began distilling using dates rejected for sale but still suitable for alcohol production. The distillery now produces about 10,000 bottles annually, a significant increase from its early days, with a target of 30,000 for stable operations. Beyond pure date spirits, Greini crafts flavored arak with various anise types, gin infused with juniper and local desert herbs, and aged date brandy matured in oak barrels.
Despite these successes, tourism in the Arava remains limited, with Greini noting the region has yet to become a major destination. His products are available in select stores and restaurants in Haifa, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, and nearby communities, and he occasionally sells directly at the Jaffa Flea Market. The distillery’s arak is praised for its smooth, balanced anise flavor, the gin is noted for its surprising quality even when sipped neat, and the date brandy offers a rich, sweet profile that highlights the fruit’s character. Prices range from 100 to 220 shekels per bottle.
