What will we drink next year? Wine experts have already decided

Each year, the Shaked Company releases a meticulously crafted wine catalog. Last year, the launch was canceled due to the war, but this month, life goes on, and the catalog is back.

The festive launch event featured several international guests, including two representatives from France and an Israeli winemaker representing his California-based winery.

Attendees, including wine bar owners, store managers, and restaurateurs—those who decide what wines make it to menus and shelves—sampled both new and classic wines. The verdict: There's plenty to look forward to.

Shaked and its wine store chain, Derech Hayayin, established in 1993, were among Israel’s pioneers in wine education. Through workshops and seminars led by experts and international guests, they have promoted wine culture across the country.

Non-Alcoholic Wine: The Next Big Thing?

Every year, Shaked searches for intriguing wines, studies customer preferences, and identifies emerging trends, even though predicting the future in a country at war is challenging.

Recent global trends include sparkling wines like Cava and Prosecco, as well as natural wines. The latest hit? Non-alcoholic wine.

The non-alcoholic beverage market is booming, especially in Europe, where young people are increasingly interested in alcohol-free drinks and cocktails—not just for health or safety reasons but as a lifestyle choice. Will this trend catch on in Israel? Time will tell.

This year’s catalog includes 13 new wineries and 80 new wines. One noticeable trend is the emphasis on product design, aesthetics, and presentation, as many consumers now choose wines based on these factors.

The tasting event showcased wines from France, Italy, California, Georgia, Israel, and more.

Champagne Out, Crémant In

One of the most intriguing categories at the event was Crémant. A representative from Marcel Cabellier in Jura, France, described it as "the future of the wine business." Demand for Crémant has surged over the past year, thanks to its elegance, high quality, and affordable price compared to Champagne.

Crémant, paired with the name of its production region, is a legally protected term in France for sparkling wines produced in eight authorized regions: Bourgogne, Alsace, Loire, Bordeaux, Jura, Savoie, Die, and Limoux. Grape varieties vary by region according to local traditions.

Like Champagne, Crémant is made using the traditional method, involving base wine production and secondary fermentation in sealed bottles. The regulations are only slightly less stringent than those for Champagne, requiring strict adherence throughout the process.

Key legal requirements include hand-harvesting, gentle pressing of whole grape clusters, and a minimum aging period of nine months on the lees.

Marcel Cabellier, Crémant du Jura Brut

This Chardonnay-based sparkling wine features aromas of white fruits and green apples, with subtle brioche notes, fine bubbles, a creamy texture, and crisp acidity, reflecting the cool climate of the Jura region. Price: NIS 90.

A Splash from California

Another highlight was the tasting of wines from Cannonball Winery in California. Yoav Gilat, the winery’s Israeli-born founder, developed a passion for wine while working at restaurants in Tel Aviv's Neve Tzedek and the iconic Picasso.

After moving to the U.S. for studies, Yoav met John Williams, a pioneer of organic winemaking in Napa Valley, who encouraged him to enter the wine industry. In 2006, Yoav completed his studies and launched Cannonball Wine.

Located in Sonoma Valley, with vineyards in Healdsburg and Alexander Valley, Cannonball sources grapes from farmers personally known to Yoav and winemaker Ondine Chattan.

Their goal? To create the best California Cabernet under $20. "A wine I would enjoy drinking myself and sharing with others," says Yoav. Two years ago, he returned to Israel with his family but still travels monthly to manage the winery.

The winery’s name, Cannonball, refers to the playful dive into water, symbolizing freedom and innocence, reflected in the label’s illustration of a child jumping into a pool.

Yoav focuses on producing young, approachable wines with moderate alcohol levels—wines meant for everyday enjoyment, unlike heavier American wines. "Let's make wine that’s accessible and fun," he says.

To align with this philosophy, most Cannonball wines feature screw caps, making them more convenient and eco-friendly. "Screw caps are easier to recycle, as is the label made from recycled materials."

Cannonball, Merlot

Notes of red and black fruits, spices, and subtle oak. A rich, fresh wine with a soft texture and fruity finish. Price: NIS 100.

Cannonball, Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich aromas of ripe red fruits and oak, with a medium to full body and a long, fruity finish. Price: NIS 100.

Lebanon: Not Just a Country, but a Vineyard

Finally, winemaker Kobi Arbiv presented Recanati Cabernet Sauvignon, Lebanon Vineyard. Despite challenging conditions, Recanati Winery, which relocated to a new facility in the Upper Galilee before the war, continues to operate.

Producing around 1.5 million bottles annually, the winery has adopted a new strategy: Recanati for its entry-level series and Atelier by Recanati for boutique, artisanal wines, which account for 20-25% of its production.

"The new winery and nearby vineyards enhance Recanati's premium brand," says Kobi, "though producing accessible, young wines with good value for money is a significant challenge."

Recanati, Lebanon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Part of the Single Vineyard series, this wine highlights the vineyard's unique microclimate, soil type, grape variety, cultivation method, and the winery's philosophy.

The 2021 vintage offers rich aromas of black fruits and Mediterranean spices, with a medium to full body, soft texture, and balanced acidity. Price: NIS 105.

The 2022 vintage is slightly different—more approachable, with complex aromas of red and black fruits, Mediterranean herbs, balanced acidity, and a harmonious, velvety structure.