The drive from central Israel to Eilat is often seen as a necessary ordeal - hours of straight highway through monotonous desert landscape. But for those willing to stop along the way, Route 40 and Route 90 hold a genuine surprise: a chain of desert wineries producing remarkably high-quality wines. The extreme temperature swings between day and night, bone-dry air that prevents vine disease, and the unique Negev soil create growing conditions that astonish even seasoned winemakers from traditional wine regions.
The route described here follows Route 40 south from Be'er Sheva and then Route 90 toward Eilat. Every stop requires advance booking - these are small wineries that operate mainly by appointment. Plan your visits ahead, bring plenty of water, and let the Negev surprise you.
Yatir Winery - The Star of Ramat Arad
The first stop sits roughly 200 km north of Eilat, in the Ramat Arad area. Yatir is one of Israel's most acclaimed wineries, with vineyards planted at about 500 meters above sea level. The nearby Yatir Forest creates a unique microclimate, and the wines born here - primarily Bordeaux blends and Shiraz - stand out for their depth, concentration and unmistakable desert character. The vines grow in shallow loess soil that forces roots to dig deep, adding complexity to every bottle.
📞 08-995-9090 | 🌐 yatir-winery.com
Pinto Winery - A Boutique in the Heart of the Desert
About 20 km south of Yatir, Pinto is a family-run boutique winery in the Arad area. The winery specializes in small-batch red wines with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Visits here are personal and intimate - often the owner himself leads the tasting and shares stories about the challenges and rewards of growing grapes in desert conditions.
📞 054-763-5451 | 🌐 pintowinery.com
Sde Boker Winery
Continuing south to the Sde Boker area, about 170 km from Eilat, this winery operates in the heart of the Negev and proves that quality wine can emerge from extreme desert conditions. The proximity to Nahal Zin and the Ramon Crater adds a spectacular scenic dimension to the visit. The vineyards here benefit from especially cold nights that allow grapes to retain high natural acidity.