CARMEL WINERY - CENTER FOR WINE CULTURE

Carmel Winery was founded in 1882 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild. The company owns the two largest wineries in Israel, the first in Zichron Ya'akov, and the second in Rishon Le Tsion, south of Tel Aviv. Carmel Winery also owns two wineries near vineyards dedicated to the production of small quantities of artisan wines: Kayoumi Winery, in the Upper Galilee, and Yatir Winery, in the northeastern Negev, near Arad. Carmel's winemakers can therefore choose from vineyards from different terroirs and from all the wine-growing regions in Israel, although their presence is particularly strong in the Upper Galilee, where the climate is colder. In total, Carmel Winery's vineyards cover 1,400 hectares, and Carmel produces over 15 million bottles a year. Some of the wines sold are kosher. The visitor center at Zichron Ya'akov lets visitors learn about the wine-making process and, of course, taste the wines. The guided tour (for a fee) includes a tour of the cellars, with an overview of technologies combining innovation and tradition, and detailed explanations of the winemaking process, with the screening of a short film in English. Finally, a tasting of three different wines is offered in the estate's historic cellar. The complex also includes a sales boutique, two tasting rooms and a "Bistro de Camel" restaurant.