Nichnas Yaiin, Yatza Sod - Wine enters, secrets emerge
On February 28, the Jewish world will celebrate Purim. Purim is associated with happiness, festivity, and drinking. In fact, there is a tradition to drink "Ad De lo Yada," until one can no longer distinguish between 'Blessed be Mordechai' and "Cursed be Haman."
The twelve spies Moses sent to explore the Promised Land returned after 40 days, carrying a cluster of grapes so large that it needed two men to lift. Viticulture, or the cultivation of wine grapes, has existed in the land of Israel since biblical times. In the book of Deuteronomy, the fruit of the vine is included as one of the seven blessed species of fruit found in the land of Israel (Deut. 8:8). Israel's location along a historic wine trading route between Mesopotamia and Egypt brought winemaking knowledge and influence to the area. Today, thousands of years later, hundreds of wineries ranging in size from small enterprises to large companies produce wine. Israeli winemaking takes place in five regions: Galil and Golan Heights, Judean Hills, Shimshon , the Negev, and the Sharon Plain, surrounding the towns of Zichron Ya'akov and Binyamina, which is the largest grape-growing area in Israel.
Less than 15 percent of Israeli wine goes for sacramental purposes. More and more Israelis have learned to enjoy wine as an important ingredient of their meal, or between meals. The image of kosher wine as a sticky sweet beverage is quickly disappearing, especially in Israel. The Israeli wine industry produces an average of 30 million bottles of wine annually, ranging from red, white, rose, still, sparkling, and dessert wines. Large wineries and co-operatives still dominate the industry, but a culture of boutique wineries is emerging.
Exports of Israeli wines grew from eight million dollars in 2001 to almost thirty million dollars today. Most of this was quality table wine, and important wine critics are recognizing Israeli wines. The United States is the largest export destination. For many, especially for young tourists visiting Israel, Israel is heaven, since the legal drinking age is 18.
So when sitting around our festive Purim table, wearing colorful Purim masks or costumes, holding a glass of wine, let's remember Israel gives us one more reason to celebrate - great wines!
On February 28, the Jewish world will celebrate Purim. Purim is associated with happiness, festivity, and drinking. In fact, there is a tradition to drink "Ad De lo Yada," until one can no longer distinguish between 'Blessed be Mordechai' and "Cursed be Haman."
The twelve spies Moses sent to explore the Promised Land returned after 40 days, carrying a cluster of grapes so large that it needed two men to lift. Viticulture, or the cultivation of wine grapes, has existed in the land of Israel since biblical times. In the book of Deuteronomy, the fruit of the vine is included as one of the seven blessed species of fruit found in the land of Israel (Deut. 8:8). Israel's location along a historic wine trading route between Mesopotamia and Egypt brought winemaking knowledge and influence to the area. Today, thousands of years later, hundreds of wineries ranging in size from small enterprises to large companies produce wine. Israeli winemaking takes place in five regions: Galil and Golan Heights, Judean Hills, Shimshon , the Negev, and the Sharon Plain, surrounding the towns of Zichron Ya'akov and Binyamina, which is the largest grape-growing area in Israel.
Less than 15 percent of Israeli wine goes for sacramental purposes. More and more Israelis have learned to enjoy wine as an important ingredient of their meal, or between meals. The image of kosher wine as a sticky sweet beverage is quickly disappearing, especially in Israel. The Israeli wine industry produces an average of 30 million bottles of wine annually, ranging from red, white, rose, still, sparkling, and dessert wines. Large wineries and co-operatives still dominate the industry, but a culture of boutique wineries is emerging.
Exports of Israeli wines grew from eight million dollars in 2001 to almost thirty million dollars today. Most of this was quality table wine, and important wine critics are recognizing Israeli wines. The United States is the largest export destination. For many, especially for young tourists visiting Israel, Israel is heaven, since the legal drinking age is 18.
So when sitting around our festive Purim table, wearing colorful Purim masks or costumes, holding a glass of wine, let's remember Israel gives us one more reason to celebrate - great wines!
L'chayim!
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Leah Garber
Director, Israel Office
Director, Israel Office