Israel
Israel is divided into five winemaking regions: Galilee; Shomron; Samson; Judean Hills; and the Negev. The coastal regions of Shomron and Samson are the traditional wine producing areas of Israel where the majority of vineyards were originally planted over a hundred years ago. However, the newer vineyards located in the cooler areas of the Golan Heights, Upper Galilee, Judean Foothills and Judean Hills are proving to be Israel’s best quality wine producing areas. Grape varieties grown in Israel include, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and to some extent, Gewurztraminer. In addition, the home of Muscat of Alexandria is situated 315 miles west of the capital Jerusalem. Over the last few decades the demand for Kosher wines throughout the world, particularly in the United States, has underpinned the development of the Israeli wine industry, bringing some very New World styles and techniques to this Old World country. However, not all wine made in Israel is Kosher, and some winemakers believe that to be considered truly Kosher, products such as wine should be prepared only by Jews.