Ben David Winery: Delightful Israeli wine from the Upper Galilee at surprisingly low prices
Discover your next favorite house wine from Ben David Winery, a family-owned vineyard established in 2004.
Established in 2004, Ben David Winery is a family-owned operation run by Yoav and Dalia Tedgi. Located in Kibbutz Shamir in the Upper Galilee, Yoav also serves as the head winemaker. The winery cultivates its vineyards in the high-altitude region of Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galilee, producing a wide array of wines, including whites, reds, and rosé.
Tasting the wines reveals an excellent fruit profile, complemented by a winemaking approach that doesn’t overshadow the grapes' natural qualities. The wines are accessible and not crafted to challenge the experienced palate but to appeal to a broad range of drinkers. At the same time, these are respectable, well-made wines, most of which offer an impressive quality-to-price ratio.
The six wines reviewed here are priced between NIS 49 to NIS 79, and almost all provide a lot of wine for a relatively low price. Ben David, Young Red, for instance, is a light, fruity, and joyful wine, enjoyable even chilled on hot days. Similarly, Ben David, Rumi, Ben David, Dalia, and others are perfect for an evening with chicken breast or even a simple pizza. Ben David Winery is certainly one to watch. Cheers!
Ben David, Young White 2023
Price: NIS 49
Best paired with: Cheese, fish, salads, sandwiches, pizza
Tasting notes: Light, with pleasant fruit and balanced acidity. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon sip on a warm day.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good)
Ben David, Young Red 2023
Price: NIS 49
Best paired with: Pasta, chicken, meat sandwiches
Tasting notes: Light, fruity, and very cheerful. This is the type of wine once referred to as "table wine" and is often served in carafes in classic wine countries. It's not meant for serious sipping but as an everyday wine, it succeeds wonderfully. It's even better slightly chilled and can be enjoyed even on a very hot day.
Value for money: 4.5/5 (Excellent)
Ben David, Dolmen White 2023
Price: NIS 59
Best paired with: Spicy Asian cuisine
Tasting notes: The Gewürztraminer shines with its fruit and aromatics, while the Sauvignon Blanc adds structure and acidity. Slightly sweet (from the grape, not sugar), this is a charming wine.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good)
Ben David, Rachel Rosé 2022
Price: NIS 70
Best paired with: Crudo dishes, chicken, pizza, pasta, picnics
Tasting notes: Good fruit, restrained enough with a nice dryness, precision, and cleanliness. An accessible yet high-quality rosé.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good compared to local competitors)
Ben David, Rumi 2022
Price: NIS 79
Best paired with: Beef carpaccio, steak tartare, minute steak, BBQ
Tasting notes: The Cabernet adds structure, the Merlot brings fruit and a rounded quality, and the Syrah contributes spice. Together, they create a local mainstream wine that less experienced drinkers will love. It's not too challenging, but it's also not overly bold or showy, making it enjoyable for more seasoned wine lovers.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good)
Ben David, Dalia Red 2022
Price: NIS 79
Best paired with: Veal dishes, steaks, beef bourguignon
Tasting notes: Good structure with fruit and softness from the Merlot, tannins from the Petit Verdot, and a touch of green notes. A very solid wine offering excellent value for its modest price. It pairs well with almost any meat dish.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good)
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