Raising a glass to local women winemakers

Since we never know what tomorrow may bring, I decided not to wait and invited my friends for a rooftop gathering to celebrate the end of the holiday season—and, perhaps, bring a bit of cheer to hasten the end of the war. Unfortunately, I can't guarantee the latter.

As the unofficial yet dedicated “neighborhood wine expert,” I figured the event’s majority female presence called for exclusively female-crafted wines. So, every bottle on the table will be from local women winemakers.

This is both a chance to support boutique wines in challenging times and to celebrate women in the wine industry and beyond. So, what will we be drinking?

Mika Winery, Chardonnay 2023 – Mika Ran Mandel

This gathering will surely see a demand for Chardonnay, and if we’re choosing Chardonnay, I want one that’s unique enough to make me pause and wonder, “What did I just drink?”

Mika Ran Mandel, a farmer at heart, established her winery in 2021 in the moshav of Natur. Growing up in a farming family, she brings that deep connection to the land into her winery in the southern Golan Heights.

Tourism has nearly stopped here over recent months, which is unfortunate because this winery is full of love and dedication. Until we can visit again, I recommend Mika’s collection, including a delightful Sauvignon Blanc-Roussanne, a special Rosé, and of course, the Chardonnay—of which I bought two bottles. I’m already regretting not buying an extra one just for myself.

Price: NIS 125 

Tel Winery, Riesling 2023 – Lital Ovadia

I met Lital by chance at a wine event just before the war. She shared her story as a farmer and winemaker from Moshav Sha’al on the northern border, and I even had the pleasure of sampling some of her wonderful wines.

A long-time agriculturalist, Lital established her winery in 2019, adding vineyards to her family’s traditional farm. These grow in the cool, enchanting terroir of the northern Golan Heights.

This season, the winery’s awaited varieties matured—Riesling, Semillon, Verdelho, Grenache, Barbera, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was tough to pick just one, but I opted for the summer star: A vibrant Riesling that’s one of the most enjoyable I’ve tasted this year.

Price: NIS 120 

Achat Winery, Chenin Blanc 2022 – Nitzan Swersky

I’ve written here often about Nitzan Swersky of Achat Winery, a remarkable project spearheaded by this talented “superwoman” and winemaker.

Her wines are delightful, light, and distinct, and if you’ve encountered her at wine festivals, you probably fell for her charm too. I’m drawn to the wine that first won me over to Nitzan: The Chenin Blanc 2022, a fresh, balanced, and mineral-rich wine that’s an absolute pleasure to drink.

Price: NIS 130 

Tzafririm Winery, Adullam Wild Syrah 2023 – Lori Lander

I wrote about Lori Lander’s exquisite Petite Sirah from Tzafririm Winery just three months ago. During that tasting, I also tried another wine I had to save for a special occasion.

The Adullam Wild Syrah 2023 is young, enjoyable, crisp, and unique, offering a twist that’s hard to ignore. It could be even more exceptional with a bit of aging, but it’s wonderful just as it is—young and fresh. Tzafririm Winery is an absolute gem and well worth a visit, especially now.

Price: NIS 95 

Adam Winery, Cabernet Franc 2021 – Orna Lev

I’m not sure which I love more—the Carignan, the Malbec, or the Cabernet Franc from Orna Lev. At tastings with her, it always seems each bottle outshines the last, making the choice nearly impossible.

At Adam Winery, I feel like I’m in my own kingdom of reds. Though she offers a lovely white as well, I’m forever loyal to her Cabernet Franc, which reminds me of my love for this variety.

I saved the Adam Cabernet Franc 2021 at home from the last Sommelier exhibition, waiting for a special moment. That moment has arrived. It’s balanced, light, fun to drink, and has a pleasantly moderate alcohol level.

Price: NIS 130