The annual wine Eshkol Ha’Zahav (‘The Golden Cluster’) prizes were recently awarded at Tel Aviv’s David Intercontinental Hotel before the cream of Israel’s wine industry. There were initial speeches by Zeev Boim, Minister of Agriculture, Yaron Kimche, Chairman of Israel Wine Institute and Hanan Bazak, Chairman of Israel Wine & Grapes Board. Yaron Kimche read out a message of welcome from Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud Olmert.

A special award was awarded to Roni James, of Tzora Winery for his contribution to the Israel wine industry. After 30 years as a self taught wine grower, managing the vineyards of kibbutz Tzora for Agudat Hacormim (SCV des Grandes Caves – aka Carmel), he became a self taught winemaker. Tzora Vineyards was one of the first modern boutique wineries in Israel. Roni James’ example inspired other established growers to start boutique wineries and he was one of the first to attempt to develop a local Israeli terroir. Unfortunately he was not able to collect his award, but his sons will be proud at the respect & warmth Israel’s wineries showed their father.

In front of a packed audience hosting Israel’s at the Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv, owners, winemakers & management of Israel’s leading commercial & boutique wineries eagerly awaited to see if their wines were to be successful.

The Golan Heights Winery, again was the dominant winery, with four first prizes – for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah & Dessert Wine categories. This they can add to the three first prizes they won last year.

Carmel Winery entered for the first time and won two first prizes for the Merlot & the ‘Other Blends’ categories. They also won a second & third place.

Yatir Winery which dominated the red wine category last year, again won a first prize this year, this time for the best Cabernet Merlot blend.

Recanati, Tabor & Vitkin were the other stars winning both first prizes and being well placed in other categories.

However the number most sought after prize for the best Cabernet Sauvignon went to Barry Saslove’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002.