Yatir Wines

Nestled at the southern tip of the Judean Hills, the Yatir region boasts a captivating history of winemaking spanning over 2500 years. The legacy of this ancient craft can still be witnessed today, as passersby can marvel at the impressive remnants of an ancient wine press, a testament to the thriving wine industry that once flourished here during the reign of the kings of Judah.

In antiquity, this area was a thriving center of Jewish settlement, and its early farmers relied on cultivating grapes and olives for their livelihood. Renowned for its exceptional vineyards, wines produced in this region found their way to the tables of Egypt, Rome, and various parts of Israel, earning it a reputation as one of the finest wine-producing areas of its time.

The story of the Yatir region takes an interesting turn with the visionary David Ben Gurion, who dreamt of transforming the arid Negev into a flourishing landscape. Initially planning to plant a forest in Yatir, he sought expert advice, but they deemed the region unsuitable due to its dry and warm climate. Ben Gurion, undeterred, decided to proceed anyway, famously stating, "Replace the experts!" His persistence paid off, and the Yatir Forest now stands as one of Israel's largest, spread across approximately 40,000 dunams. Named after the biblical city of Yatir, the forest not only serves as a green lung and popular hiking destination but also acts as a vital experimental ground for innovative methods to combat desertification. Numerous scientists have researched and studied the forest's ecological significance over the years.

Nestled amidst this expansive forest, with its lush valleys and slopes adorned by a variety of trees, including Jerusalem Oaks, carob, pistachios, pine, and olive trees, lie the Yatir Winery's vineyards.

The Yatir Winery, established in 2000 as a joint venture between local vine-growers and the Carmel Winery, stands at the base of the Israelite Tel Arad Fort, a significant archaeological site. Situated just a short distance from the vineyards of the Yatir Forest, this small yet exclusive winery has embraced the remarkable potential of the Yatir region. Over the years, it has grown into a symbol of the area, crafting exceptional wines that have garnered accolades, high scores, and medals from both local and international wine critics. With an annual production of 150,000 bottles, the Yatir Winery proudly represents the heart of the desert, leaving an indelible mark on Israel's winemaking landscape.