Drink Wine. Israeli Wine.

Posted on June 19, 2008

The following is a guest post from Ezra Butler, a fellow evangelist of Israeli wine. It was originally printed on Jewneric. I love his call to “be an Israeli wine evangelist.”

Maybe it’s just me, but everywhere I turn in Jerusalem, I am sucked into a conversation about wine. People who know me professionally lament to me, asking “Why doesn’t Israel market itself through its wines?” My friends will either tell me about their favorite wine store (and physically take me there), or have a nice bottle with me (lately, its been on my porch, with perfect Jerusalem summer weather). And many of the wine professionals here give me new things to taste, to expand my palette. Even the younger brother of my best friend has started reading Rogov’s book, and asking me my thoughts on certain grapes and varieties. A good friend of mine has started a blog Israel Wine that aggregates news about Israeli wines (and of course, the prerequisite associated Facebook Group.

Don’t get me wrong. I love it. Finally the tides are changing. Israeli wines are good. Really good.

Carmel is no longer “oh that brand”, it has really come into its own. It even just released a Brut (a sparkling “champagne-like” wine) with an extremely reasonable price point, with excellent reviews from trusted sources. I’m excited to taste that.

Change your attitude towards wine: It’s not just for Shabbat or Purim. Wine is meant to be enjoyed. There is nothing better than a bottle of chilled Rose on a summer Friday afternoon with a friend, trust me.

Check out Z Mehler’s list of Kosher wines (skipping F-K, of course).

Invite some friends over for “wine night” once a week, choosing a different Israeli wine that you have never tasted before. It is a perfect apolitical mixer. Ask me for any recommendations.

When you come to Israel, check out some of the smaller wineries. And by that I mean visit them. Most wineries, whether they have an official tour or not, would love to show you around, and give you some delicacies to taste. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Just one thing, when I went to Psagot, Yaacov actually put me to work. The best day I work that I have ever done.

Give the gift of wine to others. Thankfully, since I moved, as a housewarming present, people have been giving me really nice bottles of wine. Be an Israeli Wine Evangelist. Get people to taste it.

Above all, really enjoy it. Understand the complexities, and realize that it is just like Israel. Israel is a small country with many different types of people, and wines. A Merlot from Kadesh Barnea will taste nothing like a Merlot from Yarden. One is grown in the Golan and the other in the desert. Completely different. Be courageous, and taste new types of wine, even if they are not just like you. (Am I messing up this metaphor?)

LeHayyim.

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