Ambassadors and diplomats from dozens of countries, including Austria, Australia, Japan, and Thailand, participated on Thursday in the opening event of the 26th annual Wine Month of the Matte Yehuda Regional Council and learned about the unique characteristics of Israel's first wine appellation of origin, "Judea". The event was attended by dozens of ambassadors, diplomats, high-ranking officials, and hundreds of wine enthusiasts who enjoyed wine tastings from about 30 leading "Judea" wineries.
Head of the Matte Yehuda Regional Council, Avishai Cohen, addressed the ambassadors and diplomats who attended the event: "Thank you for being with us for a few moments of sanity in a country where crises are a daily reality."
The "Judea" wine appellation of origin received official recognition in 2020. For the first time, a wine region in Israel was recognized as an appellation of origin, similar to how wine regions in Europe are declared and protected. About 1,500 hectares of vineyards are included in the approved map of the region, and wine bottles are marked with a special label that attests to their uniqueness.
The Matte Yehuda region is known for its many boutique wineries, which produce award-winning wines with a global reputation. The unique climate and excellent terroir allow for the cultivation of high-quality grapes and the production of outstanding wines, alongside rich local food, creating a unique wine and culinary experience unparalleled in Israel. The fascinating stories of the winery owners, combining entrepreneurship, agriculture, and pioneering spirit, add another layer to the captivating journey into the wine world of Matte Yehuda.
The Wine Month, which takes place over four weekends in June, offers a variety of unique events, including professional tours, wine tastings, launches of new wines, special dishes from the local cuisine, lectures, and workshops. The Wine Month is an excellent opportunity to experience the best of Israeli wines, alongside stunning scenery and exquisite cuisine.
Avishai Cohen, head of the Matte Yehuda Regional Council, stated: "The month of wine events in the Matte Yehuda Regional Council symbolizes the impressive work of the first and only wine appellation of origin in the country. The opening event, which was held in the presence of dozens of ambassadors and diplomats, highlighted the unifying power of wine and culture. In June, Matte Yehuda will mark 60 years since its establishment - 60 years of fruitful work rich culture that turned a vision into reality. Over the years, Matte Yehuda has become the leading region in the country in the field of wine, thanks to the dedication, hard work, quality, and uncompromising creativity of all the winemakers and agriculturists of the council."
