Agur Winery: Exceptional wines for under NIS 100
A winery that masterfully reinvents itself.
Agur Winery stands out as one of Israel's finest boutique wineries. Established in 1992 near the Ella Valley by winemaker Shuki Yashuv, a pioneer in the region, it welcomed new partners in 2020: Eyal Drori, a winemaker who returned from years of study and work in Piedmont, and Elad Katz, an experienced wine manager.
Agur wines are firmly rooted in the classical, Old World style, emphasizing terroir and regional character. Here, you won't find wines dominated by the winemaker's touch but rather those that reflect a deep connection to the land.
The reviewed selection—two whites, a rosé, three reds, and one fortified wine—showcases restraint and subtlety. Even when aged in oak, the use is judicious. Prices range from NIS 94 for the entry-level wines, NIS 125–135 for the higher-tier Layam series, and NIS 165 for the flagship wine.
A boutique winery isn't meant to compete with supermarkets for budget wine buyers. It sells directly or through wine shops, so you won’t find bargains at NIS 40 or NIS 50 here. On the other hand, nearly all their wines deliver good to excellent value within their respective categories. In the realm of quality wines from boutique wineries with a Mediterranean focus, they offer exceptional value for money.
It’s a true pleasure to drink Agur White 2023 and Agur Kesem 2023, the "introductory" wines. Moving up to the Lim series—both the white and the red—you'll find outstanding wines, easily among the best in their price range. Agur Special Reserve competes effortlessly with flagship wines from larger wineries, often priced NIS 60 higher, while Ela Aperitivo offers a delightful taste of northern Italy.
Together, these wines create an especially flattering profile for a winery that has masterfully reinvented itself, producing impressive results. Keep it up! Cheers!
Agur, White 2023
Price: NIS 94
Best with: Fish, seafood, and white meats
Tasting Notes: Subtle oak influence adds complexity without overpowering. Sharp, precise, and well-balanced with mineral notes. Each varietal contributes its own dimension, creating a harmonious blend. Exceptional value.
Value for Money: 4.5/5 (Excellent)
Agur, Rosé 2023
Price: NIS 94
Best with: Cheese and meat sandwiches, salads, pasta, chicken, and picnics
Tasting Notes: Prominent fruit with a refined dryness and balanced acidity. Noticeable minerality and a refreshing departure from the typical sweetness of Israeli rosés.
Value for Money: 3.5/5 (Good)
Agur, Kesem 2023
Price: NIS 94
Best with: Beef tartare, carpaccio, minute steak, kebabs
Tasting Notes: Juicy yet restrained, with clear aromatic complexity, earthy notes, and balanced acidity. Light and joyful, perfect slightly chilled. A clever mix of Mediterranean and Bordeaux varietals.
Value for Money: 4.5/5 (Excellent)
Agur, Layam 2022
Price: NIS 125
Best with: Steaks, beef bourguignon
Tasting Notes: Medium body with elegant fruit and balanced acidity. Light floral and spice notes add a pleasant twist. Pairs well with meat without dominating the dish.
Value for Money: 4.5/5 (Excellent)
Agur, Layam White 2023
Price: NIS 135
Best with: Fish, seafood, and shellfish in a refined meal
Tasting Notes: The Roussanne base shines with exceptional fruit quality and smart oak usage. Rich in character, with clear minerality and good acidity. This wine will age well for at least five years.
Value for Money: 4.5/5 (Excellent)
Agur, Special Reserve 2022
Price: NIS 165
Best with: Grilled aged cuts, beef stews, lamb casseroles
Tasting Notes: Creative blend with structure, fruit, and herbaceousness from the Bordeaux varietals, balanced by Mediterranean fruit and spice. Integrated and complex, without being overwhelming. Excellent for immediate enjoyment or aging.
Value for Money: 4.5/5 (Outstanding)
Agur, Ela Aperitivo
Price: NIS 120 (500 mL)
Best with: Afternoon sipping, served with soda over ice
Tasting Notes: Rich fruit, intense aromatics, and complex spice. With soda and ice, it transforms into a sophisticated, balanced drink reminiscent of northern Italian traditions.
Value for Money: 3.5/5 (Fair)
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