Four Wineries Offer Cool Summer Evenings with Wine Tastings and Local Flavors in Judea

In 2020, the Judea wine region was officially recognized as an appellation, requiring at least 85% of grapes in wines labeled "Judea" to come from the local terroir. This summer, visitors can enjoy the region’s beautiful sunsets and vibrant culinary scene alongside unique wine experiences at four notable wineries.

At Kerem Barak Winery in Moshav Bekoah, family owners Yossi and Yael Rosenberg honor their late son Barak with superhero-themed labels inspired by his artwork. On Thursday evenings, the winery hosts carnivorous feasts featuring smoked and grilled meats, salads, and focaccia, paired with unlimited wine tastings and lively music.

Tzova Winery, established in 2005 in Kibbutz Tzova, offers estate wines from its terra rossa soil vineyards. Visitors can enjoy wine with cheeses, salads, and wood-fired pizzas on the terrace overlooking the Judean hills. On select summer evenings, the winery extends hours for live music and wine bar events.

At Underdog Winery in Givat Yeshayahu, owner Dror Engelstein combines traditional and modern winemaking to highlight Mediterranean grape varieties. Guests are welcomed by friendly border collies and can enjoy Mediterranean wines with cheese and charcuterie boards on Thursday nights.

Spice Distillery, located in the Har Tov industrial zone near Beit Shemesh, offers a unique gin experience. Founded by Eli Kamionski and Amir Gotl, the distillery produces limited batches of gin bottled in handcrafted ceramic bottles. Visitors can participate in Wednesday evening workshops to create personalized gin blends using over 30 botanicals, leaving with a 200ml bottle of their own creation.

These venues provide refreshing summer escapes with wine, food, and convivial atmospheres in the Judea region, perfect for cooling off during the long hot days.