If you listen to Mike Benzinger, he describes biodynamics as an ‘energy management system,’ which still sounds confusing.
Biodynamics is rooted in the work of an Austrian philosopher named Rudolph Steiner. It’s a holistic farming practice that divides winemaking and viticultural tasks based on a special biodynamic calendar. The days of the year are categorized into four groups: Fruit Days (best for harvesting grapes), Root Days (ideal for pruning), Flower Days (days to leave the vineyard alone), and Leaf Days (optimal for watering plants). These days correspond to the four classic elements: earth, fire, air, and water.
In addition to this quirky calendar, other aspects of certified biodynamic winegrowing involve avoiding chemicals, commercial yeasts, and limiting sulfites to only up to 100 parts per million. But perhaps one of the weirdest aspects of biodynamic farming is how fertilization is done. Cow horns are filled with a special compost preparation and buried in the vineyard. These special preparations may include ingredients like yarrow blossoms, chamomile (a natural antiseptic), or stinging nettles (a natural cleanser).
Some wine enthusiasts argue that wines exhibit different facets of their character on different days. Flower and Fruit days are believed to showcase wines at their best, while Leaf and Root days are considered less enjoyable. Personally, I’m not entirely sure what to believe… I suppose I need to do some more tasting to form an opinion.
Care to join me?
Winery Focus: Krutz Family Cellars
It’s a small world after all.
Ever start chatting with someone and you just can’t figure out where you know them from?
I spent the first five minutes of meeting Patrick Krutz not being able to focus because I knew I had seen him before. He just looked so familiar. I half-listened to his introduction as I flipped through my mental rolodex. Jackson, Mississippi native, he attended school in Oxford at University of Mississippi, then transplanted to California and into the industry. My brain got sucked into family, aunts, uncles, and cousins who all elongate their vowels the same way. His deep Delta drawl brings up memories of hot summer evenings catching fireflies and running with my cousins.
I missed part of his story, distracted by my own mental scan. Then I rudely interrupted, feeling my Southern ancestors frown at my lack of decorum.
“Do you know Chuck *******? Maybe from college in Oxford?”
“Yes… We ran around together.”
“He’s married to my cousin. I knew I’d seen you before.”
We couldn’t quite figure out when we would have met – honestly, I may have just seen his face on Facebook commenting on my cousins’ lives. But I really couldn’t concentrate until I settled that mystery.
And I wanted to concentrate. Because the aromas wafting out of my wine glass told me that I was going to want the story about this guy. I was going to be telling people about these wines for a long time.
Patrick Krutz fell into the wine business. Just like most of us do. I have yet to meet a six-year-old who wants to be a winemaker. Patrick was supposed to go to law school. He was not supposed to be a winemaker. It had never crossed his mind. He grew up in a house that loved wine. His parents took vacations across California’s wine regions, shipping wine home to enjoy all year long.
When Patrick graduated with his Bachelor’s degree, he wanted a break before diving into the stresses of law school. On his father’s recommendation, he found a job working at the counter of The Cheese Shop in Carmel, California. Just for the summer. Just for the season. Enjoy the coast, unwind and go back to Mississippi in the fall. That was the plan.
Patrick’s job at The Cheese Shop was fun. He met people in the wine business and made some friends. Then he started working in their cellars… originally just to help out. But then he was asking a million questions and reading up on winemaking in his spare time. He never made it back to the University of Mississippi for law school. He found his true passion on the California coast: Winemaking.
Initially, it was a small project. Patrick bought a ton of grapes to make his own wine. It would just be for the family. Then another ton… for friends. But with the connections Patrick made, he kept getting better and better fruit, and making better and better wine. And more of it! By 2011, he had given the wine bug to his brothers too. Krutz Family Cellars is a family endeavor. It might not be my family – but he’s from the town over from my mom. It’s practically the same thing.
The labels of the winery’s bottles pay homage to Patrick’s home state. Embossed with a magnolia bloom, the state flower of Mississippi, the labels are clean and simple. There is also a Magnolia line of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon that is generally reserved for restaurants to serve by the glass.
Krutz purchases fruit from fantastic vineyards and focuses on small lot production. The wines are all exquisitely made. They are willing to declassify rather than risk the reputation they are building when smoke is a potential hazard. Stylistically, the wines are bright, lush, and bursting with fruit with balance that keeps them from being fruit bombs. Patrick isn’t a formally trained oenologist (winemaker), but you wouldn’t be able to tell when tasting the wines.
Krutz Family Cellars focuses on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is located in Sonoma Valley, but they purchase fruit up and down the coast of California. Due to the small production size, the wines are generally only found in restaurants or small boutique wine shops. My favorites right now are the bottlings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir coming from the Soberanes Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. I recently discovered that they are also buying fruit from Krupp Brothers and the Stagecoach vineyard… but you’ll have to order directly from the winery to get them! Those bottlings aren’t in Texas currently.
As always, if you want to try any of the wines mentioned, drop me a line and we’ll have it delivered to your door.
It all started with a grape.
Jo Ann Truchard was 8½ months pregnant and grocery shopping when she slipped on a grape and broke her knee. With three children at home and her husband, Tony, about to be deployed to work in the hospitals of South Korea, this was a problem.
It was 1972 when Tony’s commanding officer had him transferred to Northern California after the grape incident. He couldn’t deploy a man whose wife couldn’t walk and was due to give birth to their fourth child any day now.
That grape started everything. Tony & Jo Ann were from Texas and had grown up on cattle ranches. Missing the wide-open spaces, they purchased 20 acres of land in Los Carneros. Los Carneros is in the southernmost end of Napa Valley but was considered to be ten miles outside of grape-growing territory.
Tony bucked the locals’ belief that the clay soil was too cool to ripen grapes. Adapting the new drip irrigation technology and strategic planting, Tony began growing what would become some of the most sought-after fruit in Napa Valley. His analytical mind took problems that had been considered insurmountable and found new ways to tackle them. Slowly, the estate expanded while Tony practiced medicine in Reno, Nevada during the week. The whole family, complete with six children, would pile into the back of the family Chevy Suburban on Fridays to walk the vineyards and care for the vines over the weekends, returning to Reno on Sunday evenings.
Five decades later, Tony is still growing incredible fruit. Though today, not all six children are involved with the winery business, they all drink the wines! The family vineyard has expanded to 400 acres. Anthony, the second youngest son, manages client relationships nationwide, while another brother manages winery operations.
Nickel & Nickel is the only client allowed to list the Truchard name on their label, but many wineries compete to purchase the grapes. Today, Truchard Vineyards produces Chardonnay, Roussanne, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, all of which are estate-grown. Tony Truchard still walks the estate vineyard making all the decisions, just as he did when he had the only 20 acres of grapevines in Los Carneros. Today, Los Carneros has nine thousand acres of vineyards.
Anthony, on a recent visit to Fort Worth, told me about how the Roussanne is the most popular wine in the family and is his father’s favorite. Apparently, after the workday is done, Tony likes to open a bottle for whoever comes by to sip it with him. Several years ago, there was a supply problem. A prestigious restaurant was pouring the Roussanne by the glass, but as Anthony ran the numbers, he realized that the family had to stop drinking the Roussanne or the client would run out of wine before the new vintage was ready. Cutting off family from their favorite bottling was… tense. Tony went out to the vineyard and planted another acre of the grape. But that acre is solely for family consumption. Tony has been very clear on that score.
Honestly, when I heard that, I had to try it. I had my doubts. Roussanne is generally not my favorite grape. It’s typically grown in hot climates and shows lots of ripe pear, spice, and has an almost oily texture that I find off-putting unless paired with the perfect thing. However, the cool climate brings out an unexpected crispness in this grape, and the spice makes me want to come back for more. The family favorite is the favorite for good reason! This version of Roussanne makes me think of unoaked Chardonnay and Spanish Godello. Crisp and bright without the biting acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc. If you can find a bottle of the Truchard Vineyards Roussanne, Carneros ($30), grab it quick!
Grape Escape: Tuscany, Italy
Want to go to Tuscany this year? Me too!
While jetting off to Tuscany might not be in the cards for me this time around, who says we can’t soak in the Tuscan vibes through our wine glasses? And if I snag a sweet deal, you bet I’ll spill the beans. I love a travel deal!
My Visit
I had the fantastic opportunity to spend a month in Italy, courtesy of the Culinary Institute of America’s Food, Wine, and Agriculture trip while working on my bachelor’s degree. Now, don’t let the academic ring fool you – it was essentially a month-long road trip with me and a bunch of college buddies, devouring everything edible and sippable along the way. From Piedmont to Naples, we quickly learned that an espresso corretto was the secret weapon for any case of the grumps. This old fashioned Italian drink features a shot of liquor added to an espresso shot, sadly unavailable at your local Starbucks.
Trailer Living? Sure
Tuscany, with its dreamy hills draped in vines, olive groves, and those iconic cypress-lined roads, is the Italy we all daydream about. I distinctly remember spotting an Airstream trailer and thinking, ‘Sure, I could live there for that view.’ By “that view,” I mean waking up to sprawling landscapes with top-notch wines practically knocking on your door. For the record I do not consider myself to be low maintenance and do not ‘do’ camping as an adult. This really was a spectacular view.
Fast Facts:
Tuscany flaunts a whopping 58 appellations, translating to 58 officially regulated wine styles – give or take a few.
Those rustic straw-wrapped Chianti bottles, often holding budget-friendly delights, are affectionately called fiascos – a nod to the region’s quirky glass-making history.
61% of Tuscany’s vines are Sangiovese.
Sangiovese, with its aromatic dance of sour cherry, tomato leaf, leather, and other surprises, is the heartbeat of Tuscan wines.
The rebel Super Tuscans emerged due to the constraints of DOC & DOCG laws, sparking a revolution in Tuscan wine culture.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the principal red grape in the following DOCGs: Chianti, Chianti Classico, Carmignano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, and Montecucco Sangiovese. It is the sole red grape allowed for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. It’s 61% of all the vines planted in the region. So ya… it’s a big dang deal.
Learning about Tuscan wines can be simplified to learning about Sangiovese. 81% of the wines coming out of Tuscany are red- and they almost all have some Sangiovese in them. When you smell the wine you are looking for notes of sour cherry, tomato, balsamic, leather and oregano.
Why are there so many similar wines?
If you start geeking out about Tuscan reds you will find that many of them are made almost identically. Like 5-10% differences in how much Sangiovese and a twenty miles difference in where it is grown make it a completely ‘different’ wine. This is one of the most frustrating things about Italian wines in general. Tuscany was governed by viscounts and different ruling families for centuries. These noble families didn’t get along well enough to share the winemaking strategies- they were to busy stealing each other’s livestock and waging war. By the 1880s when the region was being united politicians were more concerned about smoothing over rivaleries that had existed for centuries- everyone got to keep their wine names and regulations.
White Wines?
You may want to critique me for including a white wine and a rose in the Grape Escape from a region that mainly focuses on red wines. You can- but I’m right.
Tuscany is a coastal region and a wonderful sunny one at that. The mental image Americans tend to have of Tuscany is shaped by films and TV which generally focus on the steep, cypress lined roads leading to glorious villas not stone buildings perched on the rocky coastline in fishing villages. Trebbiano may be the most planted grape in Italy overall and Tuscany specifically but it generally goes into bulk wine and liquor production. It may be used as a blending grape in quality wine but Vermentino is considered the quality white grape of the region.
Try a Grape Escape
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just keen on soaking in Italy’s culture and history, this Grape Escape is your ticket to the heart of Tuscany. Join me in savoring the unique stories and flavors that make each bottle a piece of this captivating region. Here’s to virtually exploring Italy and Tuscany through the mesmerizing lens of wine!
Grape Escape: Piedmont
Roads zigzagging through mountains, tiny villages perched on hilltops, and vineyards dusted with snow… not the typical mental image of Italy. Films generally portray a sun-drenched hilltop villa with lush greenery and warm sunshine. Glasses of crisp white wine on a sunlit patio. Did I mention the sunshine?
It’s winter, and we all miss sunshine, but that doesn’t mean there are not wonderful wines to be had. Two years after we got married, my husband and I went to Piedmont… in the offseason. In winter.
Two years after tying the knot, my husband and I embarked on a vacation to Piedmont, enticed by a TravelZoo deal that included flights and accommodation for just $600. I clicked. It was Italy! It couldn’t be that bad, right? It was both absolutely amazing … and absolutely freezing.
I vividly remember shivering while crossing the parking lot at La Spinetta, giddily skipping like the wine nerd I am, with teeth chattering. I refused to let weather ruin a visit to what may be my favorite producer in the world. My husband’s most vivid memory of that trip may be being pulled over in the village of Barolo. Between our non-existent Italian and the police’s non-existent English we were all just happy to get out of the palazzo. Pro Tip: you can’t drive in the village center… although GPS will tell you otherwise.
I’m not leading a trip to Piedmont this year, but I can deliver you a Grape Escape to explore this wonderful region.
Fast Facts
Occupying the northwest corner, this is the second-largest region (after Sicily).
Piedmont contains the highest number of DOCGs (17) and DOCs (42).
The region produces the most classified wine in the country—partially because it does not allow for the production of IGT wine.
First region to focus on single-vineyard wines in Italy.
Tend to have the lowest yields in the country.
Hail cannons are regularly used disrupt hail production in clouds and prevent hail damage.
Piedmont in Context
In Italian, the region is Piemonte—but the English spelling is Piedmont. The translation is ‘foot of the mountain,’ which perfectly describes the region overall. Three sides of the region are hemmed in by mountain ranges. Apparently, the skiing is delightful. This is the home of risotto, truffles, and osso buco. Rich, warm dishes that pair beautifully with the wines of the region.
Grapes
Without a doubt, the most prestigious grape of Piedmont is Nebbiolo—and the prestige is not short-lived. There are references to the grape that date back to the 13th century! The ‘king and queen of Italian reds,’ Barolo and Barbaresco, are made from 100% Nebbiolo. The simplest way to explain the difference: slightly different hillsides and elevations. Langhe DOC is from the vineyards within the Barolo and Barbaresco spaces that are below the legal elevation. These options can be pricey though—Gattinara DOCG or Ghemme DOCG are further north with brighter acidity and can be a bit more rugged. But Nebbiolo is only 9% of the region’s production.
It took everything in me not to include Moscato in the Grape Escape. This is the home of Moscato—21% of the region’s production is the slightly fizzy sweet white. There are quality examples—my favorite is probably La Spinetta’s ($28). Everyone makes Moscato—it’s the cash cow of the region, and truly, they are happy wines.
The wines the are drunk more often are the Barbera (30%) and Dolcetto (13%) of production. These wines were written off for a long time as low quality and not worth being exported. This is no longe the case. Production methods have improved and the wines are really good. They are not Barolo- they have completely different taste profiles, but that doesn’t mean that they are not worth exploring.
Order a Grape Escape delivered to your door!
Christmas Covers & Corks
12 Book & Wine Pairings for Christmas
The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah, page-turning novel about a woman who returns to her family’s ancestral vineyard in Burgundy and unexpectedly uncovers a lost diary, an unknown relative, and a secret her family has been keeping since World War II. This novel pairs wonderfully with a bottle of white Burgundy like Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils, Beaune du Chateau, Premier Cru 2018 ($42).
The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel, 1940: In WWII France, Inès faces danger as her husband aids the Résistance. In 2019, Liv, reeling from loss, discovers a hidden family history tied to Maison Chauveau’s wartime secrets. Past and present intertwine, leading Liv on a journey of salvation to the historic champagne house’s caves. A tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience.Paired with a bottle of Grand Cru Chamapagne- Pierre Boever Champagne, Grand Cru, Brut Rose ($43).
The Emperor of Wine: The Rise of Robert M. Parker, Jr., and the Reign of American Taste by Elin McCoy. To his legions of fans, Parker is a cross between Julia Child and Ralph Nader –– part enthusiastic sensualist and part consumer crusader. To his many enemies, he is a self–appointed wine judge bent on reducing the meaning of wine to a two–digit number. The man who ruled the world of wine has been the focus of both adulation and hatred. Make up your mind while drinking a classic Napa Cabernet like the Stout Family Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($103).
Wine and War: The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure by Don Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup. In 1940, France fell to the Nazis and almost immediately the German army began a campaign of pillaging one of the assets the French hold most dear: their wine. Like others in the French Resistance, winemakers mobilized to oppose their occupiers, but the tale of their extraordinary efforts has remained largely unknown–until now. One of my favorite books ever is paired with Le Petit Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan ($52).
Waiter Rant: Confessions of a Cynical Waiter by Steve Dublanica will make you laugh out loud. According to Dublanica, eighty percent of customers are nice people just looking for something to eat. The remaining twenty percent, however, are socially maladjusted psychopaths. Sip on the Foggy Bottom Pinot Noir, Easkscoot Cellars from the Russian River Valley ($27) as you laugh at this waiter’s view of humanity.
Widow Cliquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It by Tilar J. Mazze. Mazzeo brings to life—for the first time—the fascinating woman behind the iconic yellow label: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, who, after her husband’s death, defied convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together. Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she became one of the world’s first great businesswomen and one of the richest women of her time. Paired with the obvious- a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne! ($54)
A Man and His Mountain by Daniel James Brown. The story of self-made billionaire Jess Jackson, who put Chardonnay on America’s tables as he built the Kendall-Jackson wine empire from a few mountainous acres of grapes, and raced the Horse of the Year three years in a row, is a remarkable tale of romance, risk, and reinvention — perhaps the greatest second act in the history of American business. Paired with Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($72).
In Vino Duplicitas: The Rise and Fall of a Wine Forger Extraordinaire by Peter Hellman. After bursting onto the scene in 2002, Kurniawan quickly became the leading purveyor of rare wines to the American elite. But in April 2008, his lots of Domaine Ponsot Clos Saint-Denis red burgundy—dating as far back as 1945—were abruptly pulled from auction. The problem? The winemaker was certain that this particular burgundy was first produced only in 1982. Paired with an authentic bottle of Chateau Abelyce, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2015 ($28).
Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World by Vanessa Price. This fun collection of pairings will have you scratching your head saying ‘really?’ but every oddball pairing I have had has been exceptional. Include a sample pairing from the book a small bottle of El Maestro Sierra Oloroso NV ($24) and a pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World’s Favorite Wine By David White showcases all the producers of Champagne in detail. Pair with a bottle of Taittinger ‘Prestige’ Rose, Brut, NV ($96) for the perfect friend for the friend who loves sparkling wine.
Stocking Stuffers for Wine Lovers
I feel like I always forget stocking stuffers. I pick out gifts, I have everything wrapped and then panic two days before Christmas because I have nothing to go in my husband’s stocking.
If you are like me, you hate to just toss in a few candy bars and call it a day. You want what’s in there to make the person you love smile. For it to be memorable. For them to meet your eyes across the room and grin because you know them so well.
If they love wine- this list should fill up their stocking- and light up their face with a smile. There are affiliate links in the descriptions but no one has paid to be on this list.
The Durand- If they love wine and don’t own this, they need it. The ultimate wine opening weapon. Defends against any broken or crumbling cork. I swear it is worth the $145 to never have to pour my wine through a coffee filter.
Wine Glass Markers– As cute as wine glass charmers are I never remember to pull them out. They are small, and fiddle-y and frankly sometimes I need glasses to see what’s on the tag. I have always just had folks write their names on their glass. It washes off! This is a multicolored pack for eight for under $10.
Wine Condoms – Slightly risqué but oh it makes me laugh every time. I may add this to every bachelorette gift for all time. It’s a tiny condom that fits over the neck of the wine bottle to keep your wine fresh. Honestly, I don’t know if they works- I’ve always given them more for the novelty and humor. This six-pack is $15.
Wine Away Stain Remover – My personal favorite stain remover and what I have used in every restaurant ever. Spray on the red wine tainted fabric and wash in cold water. I have an industrial sized bottle in my laundry room, but this adorable 2 oz bottle is perfect to tuck into a stocking. $8 or less.
Red Wine Stain Remover Wipes- for your Teeth! These handy dandy wipes are tucked in every purse I own. And my car. After a glass of red wine my lips go purple which I hate. It makes me look like a lush when I just had a tasting with a supplier at lunch. Or at 10 a.m. (this is my life!). They come in packs of 50 for $15.99.
Champagne Bottle Stoppers: I feel like I am an evangelist for these! You don’t have to finish the entire bottle of sparkling wine, just because you opened it. These stainless steel and silicone stoppers clamp on to the neck of the bottle, keeping the bubbles in your bubbly. This is a two pack and totally worth the $10.
If you are reading this at 2 a.m. on Christmas Eve… Just put a bottle of wine in there!
Need something a little more substantial for the wine drinker in your life? Check out the 2023 Ultimate Wine Lovers’ Wish List
Ultimate Wine Lovers Christmas Wish List
Are they impossible to buy for? Are you struggling with what to get them this year? Do they love wine?
If the answer to those questions is ‘yes’ you are in the right place.
Durand If they adore wine but don’t own this, they absolutely need it. The ultimate wine opening weapon, it defends against any broken or crumbling cork. Trust me; it’s worth the $145 investment to never have to pour wine through a coffee filter again.
Wine Breather My all-time favorite decanter. The bottle of wine fits to the top, and when you flip it, the wine runs down the interior walls of the decanter, maximizing oxygen exposure. It makes the wine taste like it’s been open for an hour when you first pop it. Plus, it allows you to easily pour all the wine back into the bottle. Well worth the $70.
Resealable Travel Wine Bags Perfect for slipping into your bag, so you can bring home a bottle or two of your favorite wine or olive oil. Only $27 for a 10-pack.
Coravin This gadget changed my life. The ability to have a glass of wine without opening the entire bottle made studying for exams so much easier. Also, since my husband is a beer drinker, it made it less stressful to just have a glass of wine. I stopped worrying about finishing it in four days. The $230 investment is entirely worthwhile, and this one comes with six new screw caps and three argon capsules.
Twelve Bottle Wine Suitcase Convinced I needed one of these by a winemaker who shared his experience of taking wine on his honeymoon in this bag, drinking it on the beach. He only took six bottles and packed the other side with his wardrobe for the trip. Combined with the ease of bringing things home from wine country, $380 allows you to drink whatever you want, anywhere you want.
Stainless Steel Bottle Cooler This simple insulated column maintains the temperature of any bottle of wine while you sip. No more digging in the ice machine or filling up an ice bucket. At $35, it’s a small investment for the convenience of no more ice everywhere.
Polishing Clothes Do they get annoyed by water spots on their wine glasses? These are what the pros use to make those spots disappear. Under $10 for a 2-pack.
Custom Wine Boxes from the Grape Lady:Whether it’s one box for Christmas, a three-pack every month, or a six-pack every three months, we can work with your budget to find the perfect gift.
This post does contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
As a Christian, I get a kick out of drinking wine. It was Jesus’ first miracle in John 2. In verse 10, the master of the feast proclaims the wine to be the best served—and that it is odd to bring out the best wine at the end of the party. We have a God who does nothing by halves and who believes in having a good time.
Where Exactly?
As a proud Millennial with an iPhone but no sense of direction, I knew that Galilee was in Israel, but that didn’t mean I could find it on a map. So, I will assume that everyone else is equally as confused. Galilee is the northern portion of Israel, stretching from the Mediterranean coastline to Syria. Roughly the top fifth of the country, with Nazareth almost in the center. Keep in mind the country is only the size of New Jersey.
Galilee is an administrative region as well as a registered wine region. Similar to Napa—Napa Valley is a wine region that can go on a bottle, and Napa County is an administrative region that can set taxes. Although the region is located in the Middle East, the climate is Mediterranean—think Greece, not Arizona. The vineyards are scattered throughout the region, with many of them clinging to rocky outcroppings at high elevations (1,500 ft)—similar to the mountains in Napa Valley. The resulting wines fall solidly into the fruit-forward ‘New World’ style, although the region has grown grapes since ancient times. Honestly, when I was tasting the Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon from Golan Heights, I would have sworn it was from Sonoma Valley or a cooler vintage from Napa Valley.
While Cabernet Sauvignon and other ‘modern’ grapes dominate the viticultural landscape, there are other grapes, some that date back to Biblical times like Argaman. Labels for wines from this region may simply say ‘Galilee’, or if sourced from smaller regions: Golan Heights, Upper Galilee, or Lower Galilee.
If you love Jordan, Chateau Montelena, or Prisoner, you should try these:
We’ve all seen the news about what is happening in Israel and Gaza.
The fourth quarter is the busiest time of year for everyone in the beverage industry no matter where you are- except in a war zone. Then everything grinds to a halt. Israel’s domestic market is frozen during the busiest time of the year. This in combination with the struggle to bring in the grapes this year has potential to harm the 300 wineries that call Israel home. Just for perspective, there are over 1,700 wineries in the 30 mile long Napa Valley.
Did you know that the war broke out during harvest?
Wineries are operating with skeleton staffing levels as young men and women are called up to fight. Unlike in America, Military service in compulsory for the majority of Israelis when they turn 18. Men have to serve 32 months and women 24. After this, most of them can be called up to reserve units until the age of 40, or even older, in case of national emergency. October 7th and the aftermath qualify.
“Winemaking has its own schedule, unlike other industries where you can pause production or run with limited staff. Grapes grow and ripen when they do; the winemaking process is very hands-on. Without staff, many wineries face an impending crisis.” said Joshua Greenstein, the Vice President of the IWPA in a statement made last week.
Tulip Winery, while remaining open, has become a collection center for donations for soldiers and those who have lost homes to the conflict. Odem Winery can’t even open for that due to their location. Jezreel is sending wine to the troops. Psagot is open, but only part time.
#DrinkIsrael
The Israeli Wine Producers Association has asked for help. It’s an easy way to help – they ask that you ‘Sip in Solidarity.’ Simply buy a bottle of Israeli wine, and enjoy it. The wines are New World in style, fit for wine lovers who enjoy California wines.
Greenstein, the Vice President of the IWPA, also stressed “Not only will the purchase help the wineries, but we’re donating 10% of every case shipped from November 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 to Israeli relief efforts.”
I hate watching the news
It’s a massive reminder of all the things I can’t do. I can’t help the winemaker trying to bring in his grapes with a team of two instead of a full harvest crew. I can’t give a hug to those waiting on news of loved ones. I can’t fix the mess our world is right now.
But I can buy Israeli. So can you. I would like Texas to run out of Israeli wines because I know that in Texas we care big.
Because everything is bigger in Texas.
Including our hearts.
The Wines
There are some truly amazing wines made in Israel – the country looks more like parts of California than I had realized. I didn’t know anything about Israeli wines until I attended a dinner hosted by the IWPA in November 2021. I was blown away by the quality of the wines and my ignorance of them – and I would love to share them with you.
Click the wine and email me how many you would like.
Or indulge in a curated collection by clicking through the links below.
More information about Galilean wines can be found in the Grape Escape!
