I’m happy to do my bit for the Israeli wine industry. I drink almost nothing but (affordable from the supermarket) Israeli reds: Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and various blends. With special offers here, I’m usually paying between ?25 and ?40 per bottle ($6 to $10).
I would also be remiss if I didn’t point out this report from last week that said drinking a glass of red wine is as good as an hour in the gym.
And apparently they’re selling well overseas according to this Globes report:
2014 was another good year for Israel’s wine industry, according to figures published today by the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute. Exports of wine and spirits rose 10% last year to $40 million.
The figures were announced today at the start of the two-day Tel Aviv Sommelier Wine festival, which is being attended by dozens of Israeli winemakers and delegations of vintners from around the world.
The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute attributes the rise in wine exports to growing demand in North America, Europe and Asia. In 2014, 58% of wine exports amounting to $23 million ($20 million to the US) went to North America, $13 million (up 12%) to Europe and $2.2 million (up 27%) to Asia. In Europe, France is the biggest market for Israeli wine.
And lets just dwell on this glorious phrase: “France is the biggest market for Israeli wine.”
Update: I’m reminded of Hilary’s comments on tasting Israeli wine a few years ago:
h/t to The Beat.io