Love and war: Wine recommendations for Tu B’Av

If it were an ordinary week, I’d likely write another text trying not to sound cliché ahead of Tu B'Av. But as I’ve mentioned recently, the events of the past year have made me want to hold on to any holiday or occasion, even those I usually don’t pay much attention to.

Much has been said about the odd timing of Tu B'Av this year, landing right at the start of the week—and by odd timing, I mean an utterly non-romantic time: mid-August.

Honestly, I don’t have anything new to add. I just recommend trying to find any way possible to feel some kind of love, no matter what kind—because I’m tired of wars.

Either way, I plan to drink the wines I love, hopefully with as many people I love as possible, and hope that the 2024 harvest will pass peacefully.

Yaacov Oryah, Soulmate

It seems like this wine was made for occasions like Tu B'Av, but the truth is, it’s one I could drink every day, all day. Like true love, two dominant and very different grapes—Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc—come together in perfect harmony, as if they were meant to be.

On a personal note, any wine that Yaacov Oryah touches is magical. I wouldn’t even pair this wine with food, although it seems fitting—it stands so well on its own.

Price: NIS 129 

Yatir Winery, Darom Adom

The natural marketing trend for Tu B'Av is to lean toward rosé, but my natural tendency is to opt for red wine, especially since we don’t go out much these days, spending most of our time in front of the TV and air conditioning.

In the red wine category, I chose a bottle that not only has a heart on its label but also a lot of soul. Yatir Winery makes fantastic wines, which is nothing new, and this one is full of meaning—especially now. It's a red blend made from local grapes grown in the Negev and the southern Judean hills.

Price: NIS 79 

Teperberg Winery, Essence Rosé

Still, it’s hard to ignore one of the symbols of the holiday: the rosé, which has almost become the “Teddy Bear” of wines. I’m all for it, especially when it’s cold and especially during the peak of summer.

The Essence Rosé from Teperberg Winery fits the bill. It’s reasonably priced for the high quality it offers, with a delicate pink hue and a light, fruity, and refreshing flavor—a wonderful combination of Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, and Barbera.

Price: NIS 79 

Agur Winery, La'yam Blanc

The sea absorbs everything, good and bad, and in the end, it knows how to turn even the bad into good. If there’s a place that opens my heart and makes me feel love, it’s the sea. I admit that the first time I bought this wine, I chose it for the name.

Later, I tasted Agur Winery’s white blend, which includes Roussanne, with touches of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Chardonnay. It captures the best of everything from the Mediterranean region, and if possible, it’s best enjoyed on a boat or on a rock by the water.

Price: NIS 135