Born in cosmopolitan Alexandria and educated in England, Italy and Switzerland, winemaker Eli Ben Zaken moved to Israel, first working in agriculture and later in the restaurant business. Eli had no formal winemaking education; when he had to decide whether or not to turn Domaine du Castel from a hobby into a formal business he was faced with a formidable challenge.
Eli recalled how a sentiment voiced by Winston Churchill was very apt at this time, as he felt as though he “were walking with Destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial … I was sure I should not fail” (Winston Churchill, May 1940).
Domaine du Castel’s goal is simple: strive to make classic and elegant wines.
