The Jerusalem Wine Festival has come and gone for the year. This wine tasting festival is only a few years old but it has already become a Jerusalem tradition for Israel’s Anglo population and Jerusalemites, thirsty for some culture in the holy city. Last week, I attended the event and came in with mixed feelings.

From the perspective of the festival organization, I was a bit disappointed compared to last year. There were less wineries – particularly new boutique wineries — to discover. Last year Katlav was the surprise hit of the event (despite its relatively low scores – proving that YOUR PALETTE is what matters) but was no where to be seen this year. The major new presences were Asif Winery and Ben Haim winery, both of which I found enjoyable. Fewer wineries, however, were pouring their “good stuff” (although Recanati gets a shout out for serving their excellent Reserve wines). Last year Tabor was serving their mid-range but this year only the lower level. Even the Golan Heights Winery had fewer wines this year than last. Teperberg 1870 has tons of wine last year, but this year only poured a handful. Although I discovered their Late Harvest Riesling, an excellent dessert wine. This was quite disappointing.

On the other hand, it accomplished what it was intended to do. This festival was founded by Avi Ben and intended to sell wine – and sell it did. It introduced many people, both Israelis and tourists, to many wonderful Israeli wines. It was my first chance to taste the newly released Gamla Brut, which I found to be an excellent Israeli sparkling wine. I also found Tabor’s sparkling dessert wine, the Pninim (Pearls) to be an interesting quaffer for a summer picnic. Agur Winery, Saslove, and Avidan also had some pleasant new world wines.

The other surprise was seeing what kinds of wine businesses are opening up. A new bar and center for wine culture, named Mia, opened up in downtown Jerusalem. They have courses in wine appreciation. An American immigrant has opened up a new business called The Winemaker that supplies the equipment to make your own beer and wine, as well as courses in beer and wine making.

But the most important thing about the festival is that it got people drinking Israeli wine. More and more Israelis drink wine for fun and recreation … even in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Wine Festival isn’t the most sophisticated wine tasting in the country, but it’s a great fun way to spend a summer night.