When picturing wine-producing regions, people's imaginations might default to the rolling hills of Tuscany or Provence rather than Israel's Negev Desert. But the Negev climate and soil (terroir) is producing wines that are starting to garner recognition in local and international wine circles.
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The Negev Wineries Club was founded to strengthen the Negev's agro-tourism to local wineries and vineyards and increase local business cooperation. The wineries of the Negev, located from Eilat to the northern part of the desert, produce more than 450,000 bottles a year.
From July 15-31, HaShomer HaChadash and the Merage Foundation are partnering to produce "Desert Terroir," a series of events to introduce oenophiles and tourists to the region's wines and winemakers.
In addition to sampling the vintages produced by Negev-based wineries, visitors can see shows, pop in to artists' workshops, and enjoy meals prepared by professional chefs.
Planned "Desert Terroir" events include a feast at Midbar Winery near Arad, hosted by chef Guy Pistrov; a tour and tasting at Yatir Winery that will include a lecture about Israeli wines by sommelier Guy Haran; a farm-to-table meal at Carmey Avdat Farm; and a lecture at the Ramat Negev research and development center co-hosted by Tushia Winery.
For more information and reservations, visit the Desert Terroir site (Hebrew only). Events are limited to participants age 18 and over.
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