A special discussion on the future of Israel’s wine regions was held at the TecEnology Exhibition at Kfar Maccabiah in Ramat Gan. The event was hosted by Hanan Bazak, the Chairman of The Israel Wine & Grapes Board & was attended by representatives of large & small wineries, wine growers & journalists.

Hanan Bazak said: “The Wine & Grapes Council has taken on itself the heavy responsibility to deal with certain issues central to the Israel wine industry.  In the framework that we want to advance exports, it is clear that we need to review & update our wine regions.”

The discussion took place following preliminary work by Shlomo Cohen, Director of the Israel Wine Institute, and Eran Harcavi, Chief Education Officer for Vines & Viticulture, at the Wine & Grapes Board and Ministry of Agriculture.

The objective of the meeting was to discuss a reform of Israel’s registered wine regions taking into account the views of growers, wineries & the requirements for export.

The guest speakers were:

Professor Amos Hadas, professor, journalist & wine connoisseur. He gave a presentation explaining how other countries organized their wine regions. He made special reference to Australia & California.

Adam Montefiore, from Carmel Winery, explained how important it was for Israel to update its wine regions. He said it was important for the marketing of Israel as a quality wine producing country.   He emphasized the shortcomings of the current wine regions and urged reform.

Eran Harcavi put forward a preliminary proposal of revised wine regions. He divided the country into five main wine growing regions and then into a series of sub regions.

He took into account the existing regions, topograghy, altitude & natural or existing borders. He also divided the country vertically where it was more logical to do so.  

Shlomo Cohen explained the laws, standards and international agreements signed, which Israel had to adhere to. He also alluded to the Wine institute’s responsibilities for export & imports.

Hanan Bazak then chaired a panel of the guest speakers, who answered questions from the audience.

February 2006