Wine in Israel has a rich history, dating back thousands of years, with many biblical references to local vineyards. For years, many Israeli vintners created wines from high yielding vineyards, with results that tasted generic and relatively sweet. But the region’s wine industry has seen a major evolution over the last 30 years; today, high-quality bottlings are becoming more prominent on the market. A Mediterranean climate is experienced throughout much of Israel’s five main areas of production, which include the regions of Galilee (home to the sub-regions of Golan Heights, Upper Galilee and Lower Galilee), Judean Hills, Samson, Negev and Shomron. The soil compositions are quite varied throughout Israel, ranging from limestone and basalt to alluvial and clay loam. The varieties that have yielded the best results from Israel’s terroir include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah. These wines are commonly high in alcohol, with impressive concentration and lush textures. Check out our Israel Wine Buying Guide below for more information on the wines of the region.