בעברית 

 
Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2008 has been published and it contains good news for Israel. For the first time ever,two Israeli wineries, Domaine du Castel and Yarden (Golan Heights Winery), have been awarded the coveted four stars.

Apart from Chateau Musar from Lebanon, no other Eastern Mediterranean winery has received four stars, which are awarded only to the finest wineries in the world. This is  a breakthrough for Israel and reflects great credit on the

 whole Israeli wine industry.

Furthermore Castel’s Grand Vin was one of only 200 wines that Hugh Johnson chose as his personal selection.  

The first three Israeli wineries ranked are: Castel (****); Yarden (**>****) and Yatir (***). These are followed by Flam, Galil Mountain, Margalit and Carmel.

The Pocket Wine Book is the main international guide that rates wineries in this way and gives details about wineries, even in small wine producing countries like Israel.

Hugh Johnson writes about Israel: “International expertise, modern technology and dynamic wineries have ensured continued advances in quality. Best vineyards are in the cooler areas of Upper Galilee, Golan Heights and Judean Hills.”

Hugh Johnson is the world’s most prolific wine writer. His Pocket Wine Book is the world’s biggest selling wine book and his World Atlas of Wine, Wine Companion, The Art & Science of Wine and The Story of Wine are classics in every wine lover’s bookshelf.

The rating of Israeli wineries in the 2008 edition is as follows:

Four Stars  (****)

Castel

Two to Four Stars (**>****)

Yarden

Three Stars (***)

Yatir

Two to Three Stars (**>***)

Flam, Galil Mountain, Margalit

One to Three Stars (*>***)

Carmel

Two Stars (**)

Clos du Gat, Ella Valley, Saslove

One to Two Stars (*>**)

Barkan, Dalton

One Star (*)

Amphorae, Bazelet ha Golan, Binyamina, Chateau Golan, Recanati, Tabor, Teperberg, Tishbi