Israel – Key wine regions

Israeli winemaking takes place in five vine-growing regions from predominantly European grape varieties. Wine laws are limited with geographical indication often the only indication of quality.

Galilee, the region most suited for viticulture, has high elevation, cool breezes, marked day and night temperature changes and rich, well-drained soils. It has 38% of all vineyards in Israel in a mountainous region which includes the Sea of Galilee. Wines from Galilee are often among the best in the country.

Shomron surrounds Mount Carmel and contains 16% of vineyards

The Judean Hills, surrounding the city of Jerusalem with only 8% of vineyards.

Samson, located between the Judean Hills and the Coastal Plain has 34% of vineyards with the cooling influence of the Mediterranean.

Negev, a semi-arid desert region, where drip irrigation has made grape growing possible, but is only 4% of vineyard area.