History

Established in 1983 by eight cooperative communities—four kibbutzim and four moshavim—Golan Heights Winery has been instrumental in revolutionizing Israeli wine. Its inaugural vintage in 1984 marked a significant shift towards quality-focused winemaking in the region. Over the decades, the winery has garnered international acclaim, including the "Best New World Winery" award from Wine Enthusiast and top honors at VinItaly. Notably, it was the first Israeli winery to adopt the LODI RULES sustainable certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship.

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Location

Situated in Katzrin, within the volcanic terrain of the Golan Heights, the winery benefits from a unique terroir. The region's high elevations, ranging from 400 to 1,200 meters, combined with its basalt-rich soils and Mediterranean climate, provide ideal conditions for viticulture.

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Vineyards and Wines

Managing approximately 1,557 acres across 28 vineyards, Golan Heights Winery cultivates over 20 grape varieties. Its diverse portfolio includes labels like Yarden, Gilgal, and Mount Hermon. Innovations such as Israel's first traditional method sparkling wines and the acclaimed Yarden Katzrin have solidified its reputation.

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Winemaker

Victor Schoenfeld, a University of California, Davis graduate, has served as head winemaker since 1992. His expertise and dedication have been pivotal in elevating the winery's status, both domestically and internationally.