Recommended red wines for early winter days

Israel's winters may not rival Europe's, but a rainy day paired with good food, friends, and a fine bottle of red wine can feel like a true indulgence.

With nearly ten months of summer and few truly cold days, the trend toward crafting lighter, elegant red wines perfectly suits the Mediterranean climate. In recent years, the shift toward producing refreshing and balanced reds has been a welcome development. After all, "light" is not a bad word.

As winter begins, I find myself setting aside the whites and rosés that dominate my summer fridge in favor of rediscovering the reds that have been overlooked during the warmer months. A recent cold spell prompted me to assess my stock, and I recalled a few exceptional wines that make for a celebratory start to the season.

Here are some standout picks:

 Teperberg Winery, Essence, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Yes, another Cabernet Sauvignon—but this varietal proves its versatility, capable of yielding both robust and lighter wines, depending on the winemaker's intent.

The grapes for this wine come from two mountainous vineyards: one in the Kedesh Valley of the Upper Galilee and the other in the Ephraim Hills. Aged for 18 months in barrels, this wine is complex and elegant, offering aromas of black fruits, coffee, and earthy tones. On the palate, it delivers a velvety richness with a long, silky finish.

Price: NIS 100 

Yatir Winery, Petit Verdot 2021

Yatir Winery has pioneered the use of Petit Verdot in Israel, a Bordeaux grape variety often used to enhance blends with its color and flavor.

Sourced from vineyards in the high-altitude Yatir Forest, this wine is a precision-crafted gem. It boasts enticing aromas of ripe berries, licorice, and cedarwood—the kind used for cigar boxes. On the palate, it’s fresh, flavorful, and marked by a youthful, slightly tangy finish.

Price: NIS 150 

Lewinsohn Winery, Garage de Papa Red 2022

At a recent tasting of Lewinsohn Winery’s latest vintage, it was clear that the winemaker continues to deepen his focus on Mediterranean-friendly varieties. This blend of Syrah and Petit Syrah—grapes originating from the Rhône Valley and the Mediterranean basin—delivers beautifully.

With notes of black pepper and Mediterranean herbs, this full-bodied wine is supported by bright acidity and ends with a prolonged floral, sensual finish. A true delight.

Price: NIS 160 

Galil Mountain Winery, Petit Verdot Kerem Hatzuk 2021

The Petit Verdot grapes for this wine are grown in the Kerem Hatzuk vineyard, near Kibbutz Manara on the Ramim Ridge, close to the Lebanese border—an area that has faced challenging times in the past year.

This is a rich, full-bodied wine with aromas of ripe blackberries, tobacco, and spices. It offers a smooth, velvety texture and a lingering, satisfying finish—a wonderful tribute to the north.

Price: NIS 195