Over the past two decades, non-kosher wineries have grown into one of the most dynamic forces in Israeli winemaking. Today, dozens of small and mid-sized producers across the country operate without rabbinical supervision, and many of them consistently rank among the finest in the region. For international visitors, these wineries offer something especially appealing: most are open on Shabbat (Saturday) - when much of Israel's commerce shuts down - giving travelers a rewarding weekend destination filled with tastings, vineyard walks and fresh local food.
Whether you are a seasoned wine traveler or a first-time visitor to Israel, this guide covers all 26 non-kosher wineries worth visiting, organized by region from the volcanic Golan Heights in the north to the dramatic Negev desert in the south.
A note on "non-kosher" wine: The term can be misleading. Wine is made from grapes - a naturally kosher ingredient. There are no non-kosher additives involved. The difference is entirely about process: kosher wineries operate under rabbinical supervision, observe Shabbat closures, and require that only Sabbath-observant Jews handle the wine during production. Non-kosher wineries simply skip that certification. The wine itself is made from the same grapes, in the same soils, using the same techniques. For most international visitors, the practical benefit is clear - these wineries are open on Saturdays and often offer a more relaxed, personal atmosphere.
Golan Heights
The Golan Heights is a basalt plateau rising 400 to 1,200 meters above sea level in Israel's northeast corner. Its volcanic soils, cool mountain breezes and wide temperature swings between day and night create ideal conditions for growing grapes with depth and complexity. The region is home to a remarkable concentration of non-kosher boutique wineries, many of them family-run operations where the winemaker personally leads tastings.
Pelter Winery (יקב פלטר) - Ein Zivan
Pelter is one of the most creative wineries in Israel, doubling as a craft beer brewery with a young, vibrant atmosphere that draws visitors from across the country. The tasting room is open on Shabbat, and the range of wines spans bold reds to refreshing roses and a well-regarded Pet Nat. Worth noting: Pelter's sister brand Matar IS kosher-certified, so the two labels coexist under the same family umbrella.
📞 054-749-1616 | Website | Google Maps
Assaf Winery (יקב אסף) - Kedem Wine Village, Kidmat Tzvi
Assaf Winery sits at the heart of the Kedem Wine Village, a purpose-built cluster of food and wine producers on the Golan. The property features a huge courtyard, the popular Adika cafe and panoramic views stretching across the plateau. Open on Shabbat from 10:00 to 17:00, it makes an excellent anchor for a full day of Golan wine touring.
📞 054-391-5552 | Website | Google Maps
Chateau Golan (שאטו גולן) - Eliad
Widely considered one of the most beautiful wineries in Israel, Chateau Golan occupies a stunning stone building in the small community of Eliad. Its underground wine cellar is worth the visit alone. On weekends, the winery sets up a coffee cart and serves cheese platters that pair beautifully with the house wines. Visits are by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.
Selucia Winery (יקב סלוקיה) - Golan Heights
Selucia takes a distinctive approach to winemaking: every wine is designed to pair with meat. The tasting experience includes unique charcuterie platters built around the wines, making it an ideal stop for food lovers who want to see how Israeli wine and cured meats complement each other.
Terra Nova Winery (טרה נובה) - Moshav Kanaf
Located in the southern Golan, Terra Nova is a boutique winery surrounded by guest accommodation, making it a natural choice for visitors who want to spend a full weekend in wine country. The intimate scale means you will likely taste with the winemaker directly.
Scoria Winery (יקב סקוריה) - Kanaf
Scoria offers an intimate tasting experience in a beautifully designed garden setting. The winery produces small-batch wines and serves boutique cheeses alongside its tastings, creating a relaxed afternoon that feels more like visiting a friend's home than a commercial operation.
Somek Winery (יקב סומק) - Golan Heights
A family-run boutique winery where the winemaker hosts personal tasting meetings every day at 11:00 AM. The sessions include cheese platters and a deep dive into the family's winemaking philosophy. It is a warm, welcoming place that rewards visitors who enjoy learning the story behind each bottle.
📞 04-639-7682 | Website | Google Maps
Tel Shifon Winery (יקב תל שיפון) - Kibbutz Ortal
Tel Shifon grows all of its grapes in its own vineyards - a rarity among small Israeli producers - and the results speak for themselves. The winery features a beautiful terrace overlooking the northern Golan landscape. Open Thursday through Saturday, it is a rewarding stop on any northern wine route.