With 40+ brands, Royal Wine Corp. is the largest importer and distributor of Israeli wines & spirits.
Did you know that viticulture in the region we now call Israel has a fascinating history that stretches back over 5,000 years? The Hebrew Bible highlights how essential wine was to the ancient Israelite culture, representing joy and celebration in their lives. For example, the Book of Deuteronomy mentions wine as one of the seven blessed species of the land (Deut. 8:8). Plus, archaeological finds like ancient wine presses and storage vessels show how important wine was in everyday life and religious practices back then.
In the medieval period, especially under Islamic governance, wine production in the area diminished because of religious bans on alcohol. Yet, the temporary presence of the Crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries sparked a brief renaissance in winemaking. When they left, viticulture faced another decline, and the following Jewish diaspora exacerbated the industry’s struggles.
The revival of the Israeli wine industry began in the late 19th century, spearheaded by Baron Edmond de Rothschild, who owned the Bordeaux estate Château Lafite-Rothschild. Recognizing the area’s potential, Rothschild imported French grape varieties and innovative winemaking techniques. He established the Carmel Winery in 1882, with facilities in Rishon LeZion and Zikhron Ya’akov, laying the groundwork for modern viticulture in Israel.
By the time Israel declared independence in 1948, fourteen wineries operated in the country. The latter half of the 20th century saw a focus on sweet, sacramental wines primarily for Jewish communities worldwide. However, the 1980s marked a pivotal shift as Israeli winemakers began producing high-quality, dry table wines. Technological advancements, such as breakthroughs in drip irrigation and canopy management, which Israeli growers pioneered, allowed for large-scale cultivation in the desert. This, combined with professional and consumer education and global demand for wines from the region, were key drivers in the transformation of the Israeli wine industry.
With a vast array of options from value to high-end, 90+ rated options from top-tier wine authorities, and unique varietals, Israel’s wine industry is a tapestry of diversity and dynamism, inviting exploration and discovery.
