Supporting Israel with Your Passover Wine Choices

 Supporting Israel with Your Passover Wine Choices

Steve Kerbel

Over the last year and a half, many of us have sought ways to support Israel. If you’re on the same lists I’m on, you likely get well meaning emails weekly on new suggestions and new organizations forming to try and help Israelis facing all types of difficult situations.  The Israeli wine industry has been hit particularly hard: many wineries and vineyards are in the north, within the range of the Hezbollah rockets and artillery that rained down for over a year and have sustained damage.  Employees were called into active military service, and whole sections of the northern part of Israel have been evacuated by their residents.  Israelis have not been in a celebratory state of mine.  Wine sales have dropped, winery visits by locals and tourists have nearly completely evaporated, and the wineries are desperate to sell their wines.

Here is a quick guide with some suggestions for wineries to support  and selections to enhance your Passover Seder experience.

Dalton sits on a plateau about a 25 minute drive from the Lebanese border.  Theri vineyard sustained damage throughout the last year. Their Unoaked Chardonnay and Fume Blanc whites are among our favorite white table wines and make a regular appearance at our sdarim that will be great with your fish course or poultry dishes (and dairy, if you lean in that direction). Dalton makes a great Estate Shiraz and Grenache wines to enjoy with roasts or brisket; many of their wines are priced under $30 per bottle.

Galil Mountain is just a short ride to the north, within sight of the border, located at Kibbutz Yiron.  The Kibbutz sustained damage throughout the year - most of the residents were relocated, but the winery continued to operate.  Galil Mountain has some unusual red blends; their Ela and Alon blends feature grapes successfully grown at high altitude - Syrah, Grenache, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon.  Their Bar Rose contains about 30% Sangiovese; a varietal not often seen in Israel, and it’s also a house favorite here.  When they make it (it’s not always available for export) their Viognier is one of the best white wines from northern Israel.

Another winery worthy of support, Tulip, in the lower Galilee has a policy of training and employing adults with developmental disabilities (We Label Wines, not People). Tulip sources most of their grapes from the far north, and harvest was a challenge this summer.  They offer Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines for around $25, but if you have a bit more in your budget, I strongly recommend their Reserve Syrah or Reserve Red Blend for you entrees of turkey or beef.  These premium wines sell for around $40 and they’re well worth the splurge, and at the same time you’re supporting a remarkable Israeli business that leads with its heart.

I’m also going to be serving some of the blends from Jezreel Valley Winery located at Kibbutz Hanaton.  Their Alfa, Nahalal and Adumim blends all offer superior experiences at a moderate price.

These wines should mostly be available locally at Shalom’s or Moti’s.  If you’re planning to get a lot (why not buy ahead for Shabbat dinners?), I recommend buying from kosherwine.com.  They recently changed their shipping policy: 12-14 bottles ship for a flat rate of $9.99, 15 bottles and more ship free (mix and match any bottles).  You can use my coupon code KITSTEVE for 5% off your order. Happy Passover!