The first vineyards in Yatir Forest were only planted in 1997. Yatir Winery was built at Tel Arad, alongside the vineyard known as Ramat Arad, in 2000. The first wines were only launched in February 2004. Since then Yatir has achieved unparalleled success in a winery so young.

Gold medals have been won in Israel & Bordeaux, the winery has been ranked as one of Israel’s best both by Israeli & foreign journalists and its various wines have each achieved success in different ways both in Israel & export markets. A summary of the achievements to date are listed below.

      Yatir Winery

• Export in the first 18 months to 11 countries: USA, Canada, UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, Poland, Russia, Australia
• Awarded two stars & ranked as Israel’s 3^rd best winery by Hugh Johnson in his Pocket Wine Book 2005. Autumn 2004
• Ranked as Israel’s 5^th best winery by Daniel Rogov in Rogov’s Guide To Israeli Wines 2006. Autumn 2005

            Yatir Forest 2002

• Won a Gold Medal in the annual Israeli tasting competition, Eshkol Hazahav in the category for the best Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon. Spring 2005
• Awarded ‘four glasses’ in blind tasting organized by food & wine magazine Al Hashulhan – equal first ranked wine. Autumn 2005.
• Ranked by Daniel Rogov as one of the top 10 wines of the year in Rogov’s Guide To Israeli Wines 2006. Autumn 2005

  Yatir Forest 2001

• Won a Gold Medal in the prestigious Challenge International du Vin competition in Bordeaux. The only Israeli winery to be awarded a gold medal. Spring 2005
• Received 90 points in a blind tasting by the BTI in Chicago. Placed in ‘Exceptional’ & ‘Cellar Selection’ categories. Winter 2004
• Ranked first in a blind tasting of the best Israeli wines in magazine ‘Wine & Gourmet’. Spring 2004.
• First Israeli wine listed in the main wine shop of famous London store, Selfridges & not just in the kosher section. Winter 2004
• Awarded ‘Trophee de Prestige’ in the competition at Vinexpo: Les Citadelles du Vin in Bordeaux. Summer 2005
• Won a Silver Medal in The International Wines & Spirits Competition in London. Summer 2004
• Ranked by Daniel Rogov as one of the top 10 wines of the year in Rogov’s Guide To Israeli Wines 2005. Autumn 200

      Yatir 2002 – Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz

• Won a Bronze Medal for finishing 3^rd in Eshkol Hazahav in the category for best Israeli blended wines. Spring 2005

          Yatir 2001 – Cabernet Merlot

• Received 91 points in a blind tasting by the BTI in Chicago. Placed in ‘Exceptional’ category. Winter 2004
• Listed on wine list of leading Manhattan restaurant, Capsouto Freres. Winter 2004

  Yatir Merlot 2001

• Won a Gold Medal in Israeli competition Eshkol Hazahav for best Israeli Merlot. Spring 2005

 Yatir Sauvignon Blanc 2004

• Awarded ‘three and a half glasses’ by food & wine magazine Al Hashulhan and awarded four stars for value for money. Autumn 2005

  Yatir Winery is a joint venture between Carmel & vineyard owners of Gadash Hevron. The winery is situated at Tel Arad – an archaeological site with a 3,000 year history – in the north east Negev. The vineyards come from Yatir Forest – Israel’s largest forest – at an altitude of up to 900 meters (2,700 feet) above sea level. The winemaker, Eran Goldwasser, is an Israeli, who graduated at Adfelaide University and had work experience at one of Southcorp’s wineries. (Owners of Penfolds, Rosemount etc.)

September 2005