Golan Wine Valley

עמק היין גולן

A thriving wine region producing world-class Israeli wines with dozens of wineries open for tastings and tours. The rolling vineyards and sunny climate create ideal conditions for viticulture, and numerous tasting rooms offer wine education paired with local cuisine.

Things to do

• Yarden Winery Tour — Visit Israel's largest winery, founded in 1983, for guided tastings of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in a modern facility overlooking the vineyards.
• Golan Heights Winery Tasting — Sample boutique wines at this family-owned winery known for Merlot and Syrah, with a intimate tasting room and views across the valley.
• Vineyard Walking Tour — Stroll through rolling terraced vineyards during harvest season to understand the terroir and winemaking process from vine to glass.
• Mount Hermon Scenic Drive — Drive through the Golan wine region with stops at multiple tasting rooms while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Hermon and the Hula Valley.
• Katzrin Wine Festival — Attend the seasonal wine festival in nearby Katzrin (typically spring and autumn) featuring local producers, food vendors, and live music.
• Bazelet HaGolan Winery — Explore this organic winery's estate, taste natural wines made with minimal intervention, and learn about sustainable viticulture practices.

Food to try

• Local Goat Cheese with Wine Pairing — Sample creamy or aged goat cheese produced from Golan dairies, paired with crisp white wines or light reds for a traditional Levantine experience.
• Grilled Kebab with Golan Herbs — Enjoy charcoal-grilled lamb or chicken kebab seasoned with za'atar and fresh herbs harvested from the surrounding Golan plateau.
• Wild Mushroom Salad — Taste seasonal salad made with mushrooms foraged from the Golan Heights, dressed with local olive oil and paired with white wine.
• Druze Pita and Labneh — Break bread with traditional Arab flatbread and strained yogurt (labneh) prepared by local Druze communities, served alongside wine tastings.
• Roasted Local Fish from Lake Kinneret — Sample fresh St. Peter's fish or carp caught from nearby Lake Kinneret, grilled simply with lemon and herbs, paired with Golan rosés.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress for Sun and Terrain — Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as the vineyards involve outdoor exposure and the elevation can intensify UV rays.
• Book Tastings Ahead — Reserve winery tours and tastings in advance, especially during weekends and harvest season (August–September), as popular wineries fill quickly.
• Respect Local Customs — Be mindful that the Golan Heights has a mixed Jewish, Druze, and Christian population; dress modestly in villages and ask permission before photographing people or homes.
• Designate a Non-Drinker — Plan transportation carefully—designate a driver or use taxis/tours, as roads wind through hills and designated driving under wine influence laws are strictly enforced.