Central Mountain

Central Mountain

31°45′00′′N

LATITUDE

34°40′00′′N

LONGITUDE

2

subregions

map
Subregions
No items found.
Icon - Elements Webflow Library - BRIX Templates
about this region

The Central Mountain wine region exists at the fascinating intersection of biblical antiquity and cutting-edge winemaking innovation. Nestled in the heart of Israel, this region challenges perceptions about winemaking in the Holy Land. While not as internationally recognized as some of Israel's other wine regions, Central Mountain delivers a unique expression of Mediterranean terroir that's garnering increasing attention from the global wine community. Israeli wines, including those from Central Mountain, are now recognized internationally and have won numerous awards, further solidifying the country's reputation in the global wine industry.

Overview of the Region

Central Mountain is one of Israel's five official wine regions with registered Geographic Indication status. It comprises the central coastal plain (Shefela) and the gently undulating Judean Foothills that lie west of the famous Judean Hills region. This diverse region runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea, including the coastal plain southeast of Tel Aviv and the rolling hills between the Jerusalem Mountains and the coast.

Think of Central Mountain as Israel's quiet powerhouse – the region that has a rich history of winemaking (since biblical times) but is only now stepping into the spotlight, thanks to the combination of ancient winemaking knowledge with innovation. The most widely planted grape varieties in Israel, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, were introduced during the late 19th century and continue to thrive in regions like Central Mountain.

Statistics

Key Metrics:

  • Vineyard Area: Approximately 27% of Israel's total 5,500 hectares (13,585 acres) of vineyards
  • Subregions: 4 primary subregions: Gilboa, Shomron, Judean Hills and Negev Judea
  • Grape Varieties: Central Mountain is known for producing wines from grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Annual Grape Harvest: Approximately 60,000 tons of grapes are harvested annually in Israel, contributing to the region's vibrant wine production.
  • Wine Consumption: The average annual wine consumption among Israelis is 4.6 liters per person.
  • Elevation Range: Generally low-lying, with most vineyards rarely surpassing 80 meters (262 feet) above sea level in the coastal areas. On the Judean Foothills, there are higher-altitude vineyards.
  • Precipitation: Average annual rainfall of approximately 380 millimeters (15 inches), concentrated primarily in winter months

Subregions

Gilboa

  • Location & Geography: A scenic mountain range in northern Israel, situated southeast of the Jezreel Valley and stretching towards the Jordan Valley.
  • Landscape & Climate: Characterized by a ridge about 18 kilometers long, reaching heights up to 650 meters above sea level. Despite nearby fertile valleys, parts of Gilboa are known for their relative barrenness, which is referenced in biblical texts.
  • Viticultural Aspects: The area features frequent sunshine, warm to hot temperatures, and natural springs emerging at the foothills, offering favorable conditions for certain crops and vineyards.
  • Notable Features: Best enjoyed during late winter and early spring for wildflowers, including the famed Gilboa Iris. Its diverse ecology and visible “bald” sections are a local hallmark.

Shomron

  • Location: Refers to the heartland of Samaria, historically covering central regions of Israel; modern vineyards are planted in the Shomron Hills.
  • Landscape: Elevations typically range from 700 to 850 meters (2,300 to 2,800 feet), offering a cooler climate than many surrounding areas.
  • Soil & Climate: Features shallow soils atop a limestone base, supporting vineyards with balanced acidity and distinct terroir. The Mediterranean influence brings moderate rainfall and cool evening breezes, beneficial for grape growing.
  • Viticultural Significance: This area has become increasingly important for Israeli wine production since the 2000s, with modern wineries utilizing the altitude and mineral-rich soils for producing high-quality wines.

Judean Hills

  • Location: Encompasses the mountain range west of Jerusalem, extending to Hebron and Bethlehem; also known as the Judaean Mountains.
  • Topography: Peaks rise up to about 1,026 meters (3,366 feet), with varying terrain from steep slopes to forested valleys.
  • Soil & Microclimate: The region is dominated by hard limestone and terra rossa soils, with a pronounced Mediterranean microclimate—warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
  • Viticultural History: Holds a central place in ancient Judaean history, with a long-standing viticultural tradition. The elevation supports high-quality boutique wineries that take advantage of cooler night temperatures for optimal grape ripening.
  • Modern Features: Home to major cities like Jerusalem and Hebron, the hills blend significant archaeological, ecological, and wine-producing sites.

Negev Judea

  • Location & Scope: Refers to the northern Negev, the arid southern extension of Israel’s central mountains, sloping down from the Hebron region toward Beersheba.
  • Geography & Climate: Known for desert or semidesert conditions, with elevations up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). The area experiences extreme dryness (less than 100mm annual rainfall in its driest parts), hot summers, and mild winters.
  • Land Use: Despite its harshness, parts of Negev Judea have historically supported agricultural settlements and have been a zone of both pastoralism and ancient viticulture. Recent years have seen the introduction of irrigation and specialized desert vineyards, producing wines with unique characteristics.
  • Historical Importance: The Negev includes several biblical regions and is dotted with archaeological traces of ancient Jewish and Nabataean farming and transit routes.

Wine Tourism

The Central Mountain wine region offers visitors a unique blend of historical significance and modern winemaking. Unlike some of Israel's more developed wine tourism regions, Central Mountain provides a more authentic, less commercialized experience.

Key Wineries to Visit:

  • Mony Vineyard – A standout producer in the region offering tours and tastings, very praised by wine critics
  • Maia Domain – Another notable estate worth visiting
  • Bravdo Winery: This boutique winery was founded in 1999 by Professor Ben Ami Bravdo and Professor Oded Shoseyov. Known for its innovative fermentation techniques and picturesque visitor center, Bravdo produces high-quality red and white wines that reflect the region's unique terroir. The Ramat Dalton Industrial Park in the Upper Galilee also promotes wine tourism and hosts multiple wineries, making it a key destination for wine enthusiasts.

Many wineries combine tastings with cultural experiences, creating opportunities to explore both Israel's wine heritage and broader cultural context. The proximity to Tel Aviv makes Central Mountain an accessible day trip for visitors to Israel's most cosmopolitan city.

Despite its historical significance and quality potential, Central Mountain remains somewhat under the radar in international wine circles – making now the perfect time to explore this region before the rest of the world catches on. Like a sleeping giant, Central Mountain is awakening to its full potential, with a new generation of winemakers harnessing its unique terroir to create wines that honor both tradition and innovation.

Associations

No items found.
vinerra illustration
0

Vineyard Hectares

4

WINERIES

-

growing degree days

Discover Terroir

Central Mountain occupies a strategic position in central Israel, comprising the coastal plain southeast of Tel Aviv and extending to the Judean Foothills. This positioning gives it both Mediterranean influences and inland characteristics.

Despite its proximity to the Mediterranean coast, this is a hot, humid region that presents significant challenges for viticulture. Its Mediterranean climate features:

  • Long, hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters
  • High humidity levels, particularly in the coastal areas
  • Average annual rainfall of 380mm (15in), concentrated almost entirely in winter months
  • The coastal areas rarely exceed 80 meters (262ft) in elevation, contributing to warmer growing conditions
  • Annual precipitation can range from about 100 millimeters in the south to 1,100 millimeters in the north, highlighting the climatic diversity across Israel.

The Judean Foothills subregion, with its higher elevations, benefits from greater diurnal temperature variation – the difference between the warmer  daytime and cool nighttime temperatures – which helps preserve acidity in the grapes despite the heat.

Central Mountain's soils are remarkably diverse, contributing to the complexity of its wines:

  • Alluvial soils in lowland areas
  • Sandy and clay loam mixtures throughout the coastal plain
  • Terra rossa (red clay-limestone soil) in the Judean Foothills
  • Medium-heavy soils with good drainage in higher elevations

This combination of warm climate and diverse soils allows for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties but requires careful vineyard management and irrigation to produce quality wines.

Discover

Grape Varieties

The Central Mountain wine producers work with a wide range of varieties, both internationally renowned and indigenous grapes. Let's delve into the most widely planted varieties within Central Mountain:

Red Varieties

International Varieties:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: The most-planted variety in Israeli vineyards (19% of total plantings)
  • Merlot: Israel's third most-planted variety (12% of total plantings)
  • Cabernet Franc: Gaining prominence for quality wines
  • Petit Verdot: Increasingly important component in blends

Mediterranean/Regional Varieties:

  • Carignan: Historically significant in Israel, with some quality old vine plantings
  • Grenache: Well-adapted to the warm climate
  • Argaman: An Israeli-developed crossing that's gaining attention
  • Petite Sirah: Finding success in the warm climate

White Varieties

International Varieties:

  • Chardonnay: Used for both still and sparkling wines
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Increasingly important in cooler microclimates
  • Riesling: Both traditional Riesling and Emerald Riesling are grown
  • Sémillon: Found in some vineyards throughout the region

The climate in Israel is distinctly Mediterranean, characterized by hot, humid summers and cool, rainy winters, which influences the cultivation of these varieties.

Mediterranean Varieties:

Indigenous grapes:

  1. Argaman: A unique Israeli-developed cross between Carignan and Souzao, notable for its deep color and suitability for blending.
  2. Marawi (Hamdani): A white grape with historical significance, often associated with ancient winemaking traditions in Israel.
  3. Jandali: Another indigenous white variety, known for its connection to biblical-era winemaking.

Wine Styles

Despite its traditional focus on powerful red wines or blends with a clear Bordeaux influence, many Israeli winemakers within this region are experimenting with different wine styles:

Red Wines

  • Bold Reds: Powerful, tannic wines with flavors of earth, oak, spices, and both red and black fruits dominate production
  • Bordeaux-Style Blends: Following Rothschild's vision, many wineries produce Cabernet-Merlot blends
  • Mediterranean-Style Reds: Increasing focus on Grenache, Carignan, and other varieties better suited to the warm climate

White Wines

  • Fresh, Aromatic Whites: Typically showing flavors of tree fruits, citrus, and sometimes dried fruit notes
  • Oak-Influenced Whites: Some producers employ oak aging, creating more complex expressions
  • Sparkling Wines: Chardonnay is sometimes blended with Pinot Noir for traditional-method sparkling wines

Sweet and Dessert Wines

  • Traditional sweet wines, often showcasing dried fruit characteristics
  • Muscat-based dessert wines with historical significance

Kosher Wines

Most wines produced in the Central Mountain wine region have Kosher certification. This means that from the moment the grapes are crushed until they are bottled, wines must follow strict requirements in order to adhere to the Jewish dietary laws.

altitude

0-100 m

rain

380 mm

soil

Alluvial, sandy clay and terra rossa soils.

top varietal

Argaman, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Colombard, Grenache, Jandali, Marawi (Hamdani), Merlot, Muscat Blanc (Muscat of Alexandria), Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

History of wine

History of the Region

Central Mountain's winemaking legacy stretches back to biblical times – this isn't just marketing hyperbole; it's an archaeological fact. Wine was so integral to this land that grape clusters and vines were frequent motifs on ancient coins and jars, with many wine presses and storage cisterns found throughout the region.

Israel's location along a historic wine trading route connecting Mesopotamia and Egypt introduced winemaking knowledge and influence to the region. However, after the Muslim conquest, the thriving early wine industry went into dormancy, marking a significant pause in its historical trajectory.

The modern chapter of Central Mountain's wine story began in the late 19th century when Baron Edmond de Rothschild (owner of Bordeaux's famed Château Lafite) became the founding father of Israel's modern wine industry. In 1887, Rothschild visited the region and, seeing its potential, decided to create a wine industry by importing French expertise, equipment, and even grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec directly from Lafite's vineyards.

When phylloxera devastated European vineyards, Rothschild circumvented the problem by bringing cuttings from a nursery in Kashmir, which became known as "the Indian vines." This blend of historical significance and innovative problem-solving has characterized Central Mountain's wine industry ever since. Fast forward to these days, and Central Mountain continues contributing to the development of the modern Israeli wine industry.

Conclusion

The Central Mountain wine region exemplifies the wine production renaissance within Israel – it's a place where ancient winemaking tradition meets cutting-edge innovation. While historically overshadowed by regions like Galilee, Central Mountain's combination of diverse soils, distinctive climate, and dedicated producers is earning it increasing recognition.

The wines of Central Mountain tell a story that spans millennia – from biblical times through Baron Rothschild's vision and into today's dynamic Israeli wine scene. For wine enthusiasts seeking something beyond the familiar, Central Mountain offers a compelling alternative that bridges East and West, ancient traditions and modern wisdom.

Israeli winemakers often aim for a balance between the naturally high sugars produced by the warm climate and proper acidity in their wines, ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable drinking experience. Syrah, one of the country's most promising varieties, thrives in Israel's Mediterranean climate and is increasingly being recognized for its potential.

As the Israeli winemaking industry continues to gain global recognition for quality and distinctiveness, the Central Mountain region is positioned to play an increasingly important role in shaping perceptions of Eastern Mediterranean wines on the world stage.

Subregions

No items found.
arrow-back-to-top