The Golan Heights is one of Israel's most important wine regions, and there is good reason for that. The basalt soil, the high elevation above sea level and the large gaps between daytime and nighttime temperatures create conditions especially suited to growing quality grapes. All of these explain why some of the best known and most influential wineries in the country grew up right here.
On this page you will find an overview of the leading wineries in the region, from the veteran, large-scale producers to the small family boutiques, along with tips for planning a successful winery tour.
Why the Golan Is So Suited to Growing Wine
The black basalt that covers the Golan stores heat during the day and releases it at night, and this helps the vines ripen at a balanced pace. In addition, the elevation - some of the vineyards sit above a thousand meters - brings cool nights that preserve the acidity in the grapes and give the wine structure and freshness.
Water in the Golan is relatively available, the climate is dry in summer and the terrain is open and well ventilated. All of these together reduce disease in the vineyard and allow precise control over what ends up in the bottle. It is no accident that most Golan wineries emphasize the connection between the local terroir and the character of their wine.
The Leading Wineries in the Golan Heights
Golan Heights Winery
The first winery established on the Heights, in 1983, by eight kibbutzim and moshavim. Since then it has become one of the largest and most influential wineries in Israel, and to a great extent it is the one that changed the Israeli consumer's perception of wine quality. The winery produces four main series - Mount Hermon, Golan, Gamla and Yarden - each with its own character. The visitor center in Katzrin offers guided tours, tastings and cheese platters.
Har Odem Winery
The highest winery in Israel, in Moshav Odem in the northern part of the Heights. A family winery established in 2003 by the Alfasi family, with a first harvest in 2007. The view that opens up from the visitor center is an inseparable part of the experience, and the menu includes a cheese platter for two and pizza. It is worth tasting the flagship "Alfasi" wine, which undergoes a few years of aging.
Bazelet HaGolan Winery
Located in the community of Kidmat Tzvi, a few kilometers from Katzrin. The winery's name tells its story - the connection between the local basalt and the character of the wine. At the visitor center you can hear about the founding of the winery, learn about the production process and enjoy tastings. There are several hosting options that suit different group sizes, from couples to larger parties.
Chateau Golan Winery
In the southern part of the Heights, in Moshav Eliad. The winery offers a leisure experience among designed cellar rooms, and suits anyone looking for a slightly more refined and intimate visit.
Pelter Winery
The Pelter family has several vineyards spread between the Golan Heights and the Upper Galilee. A family winery that produces wines with a personal approach, with an emphasis on a character unique to each series.