Page 24 - Discover Israel Magazine - Philippines Edition 2019
P. 24
Odem graves in the snow
Small
is Beautiful
Suffused with heady aromas and set All of this history forms the backdrop for the area’s most stylish and attractive visitors’
against stunning landscapes, dozens recent resurgence of winemaking in Israel, centers. From the entrance, designed in the
of boutique wineries throughout Israel mainly thanks to the many excellent boutique shape of a giant bottle, visitors descend into
are producing fine wines for both wineries that have sprung up around the a cellar with a long wooden knights’ table
local and international consumption country. Alongside several large-scale running down the center. Seated around the
commercial wine producers, the boutique table, visitors are invited to taste the winery’s
Eyal Shapira wineries produce internationally renowned Cabernets and Merlots, often while enjoying
– and often prize-winning – wines based an art exhibition as well. (Advance bookings
Since the most ancient times, on Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah (also known required. Phone: 972-4-660-0026; www.
viniculture has been an integral part as Shiraz) and other types of locally grown chateaugolan.com)
of the history of the land of Israel. grapes.
Indeed, the drinking of wine is a In the heart of a secluded oak forest in
commandment observed during many Jewish Many of the boutique wineries have built Moshav Odem in the Golan Heights stands
holidays and ceremonies, and over the years, beautiful visitors’ centers designed for both the enchantingly beautiful Odem Mountain
the grapevine has become a recognized individuals and groups. They offer guided Winery. Visitors can tour the production line
symbol of Israel. Those touring the local tours describing the process of winemaking, and sample, in its tasting hall, not only its fine
byways will also come across an abundance from planting and cultivating the grapes wine but a mouth-watering range of local
of ancient wine vats that were once used for through bottling and aging – and of course, products including olive oil, goat cheeses,
treading grapes. the opportunity to taste and buy the finished chocolates and more. (Phone: 972-4-687-
product. 1122; www.harodem.co.il)
The Golan Heights, a mountainous area in the The Galilee, another pastoral region in northern
north of Israel, is home to wild open spaces Israel, draws scores of visitors to its wide
dotted with agricultural settlements and range of attractions and activities, including,
several excellent small wineries. Chateau of course, boutique wineries. Standing amid a
Golan, in Moshav Eliad, offers one of the veritable sea of grapevines in Kibbutz Yiron is
D I S C O V E R I S R A E L 24
