Psagot Winery is a boutique winery located in the Jerusalem mountains, just north of Jerusalem in the Binyamin region. Since its establishment in 2003, the winery has been producing award-winning wines that are recognized both in the kosher market and beyond. Psagot’s vineyards benefit from exceptional vine-growing conditions, and the winery’s new location marks its 17th year of wine production in the region.
The winery’s story combines historical connection, fine quality, and modern progress. It all began in a 2,500-year-old cave, where a message from the past was revealed to the founders in the form of an ancient coin. The iconic gold coin on the bottle is a tribute to this discovery and a symbol of the winery’s connection to the land and its history. The winery’s new location is expected to produce over 600,000 bottles of wine, and its new winemaker is bringing fresh ideas and techniques to the production process.
Visitors to the winery can enjoy a tour of the vineyards and the winemaking facilities, as well as a tasting of the award-winning wines. The winery’s location in the Jerusalem mountains offers a stunning view of the primordial landscape of Israel, making it a popular destination for wine lovers and tourists alike. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a unique experience, Psagot Winery is definitely worth a visit.
History of Psagot Winery
Founding
Psagot Winery was founded in 2003 by Na’ama and Yaakov Berg in the village of Psagot, located just outside the perimeter of Jerusalem. The Bergs had been growing and selling grapes in the region since 1998, and eventually decided to build their own winery.
The winery’s story began in a 2,500-year-old cave, where an ancient coin was discovered, revealing a message from the past. This discovery inspired the Bergs to create a winery that would combine history and legacy.
Development Over the Years
Since its founding, Psagot Winery has grown significantly. The winery has moved its operations to a more expansive campus in Kochav Yaakov, just south of the original winery. The winery’s head winemaker, Ya’acov Oryah, has his own history in the winemaking world. He joined Psagot full-time as head winemaker extraordinaire in 2014.
Despite its success, Psagot Winery has faced controversy due to its location on privately owned Palestinian land. A demolition order was issued by the Israeli authorities against the winery, as even under Israeli law, building over privately-owned land is illegal. As of 2019, the order had yet to be enforced.
Psagot Winery’s visitor center offers a diverse selection of activities and experiences for visitors. The winery’s products have won numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a top winery in Israel.
Location and Accessibility
Psagot Winery is located in the Jerusalem mountains, overlooking the beautiful and ancient landscape of Israel. The winery is situated in the settlement of Psagot in Binyamin, just a 6-minute drive from Jerusalem’s Pisgat Zeev neighborhood.
Getting to Psagot Winery
Visitors can easily get to Psagot Winery by car. The winery is about a 20-minute drive north of Jerusalem, and visitors can follow the signs for Psagot and the winery. The winery is perched above a small community and overlooks the windswept hills.
For those who prefer public transportation, there are buses that run from Jerusalem to the nearby town of Kokhav Ya’akov, where visitors can take a taxi to the winery.
Nearby Attractions
There are several nearby attractions that visitors can enjoy while visiting Psagot Winery. Just a short drive away is the biblical site of Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for over 300 years. Visitors can also explore the ancient city of Jericho, which is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
For those interested in nature, the Ein Prat Nature Reserve is just a short drive away. The reserve offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Psagot Winery is easily accessible and offers visitors a range of nearby attractions to explore while enjoying their visit to the winery.
Wine Production
Psagot Winery is located in the Jerusalem mountains and has been producing award-winning wines since 2003. The winery’s success is due to its commitment to quality, its exceptional vine-growing conditions, and its unique winemaking process.
Vineyards
The winery’s vineyards are planted deep in the rocky soil of Benjamin in Israel. The area’s optimal conditions for growing grapes make it an ideal location for producing high-quality wines. The vineyards benefit from the region’s warm, dry climate, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in a more complex flavor profile.
Wine Varieties
Psagot Winery produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé. The winery’s red wines are made from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Petite Sirah grape varieties. The white wines are made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier grapes, while the rosé is a blend of red varietals grown in vineyards north of Jerusalem.
Wine Making Process
The winery’s winemaking process is a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The grapes are handpicked and sorted to ensure only the best grapes are used. The red wines are fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in oak barrels. The white wines are fermented in barrels and aged on the lees to give them a creamy texture. The rosé is made using the saignée method, where the juice is bled off from the red grapes after a short maceration period.
Psagot Winery’s commitment to quality is evident in every bottle of wine they produce. From the vineyards to the winemaking process, every step is carefully monitored to ensure the highest quality wines.
Tours and Tastings
Psagot Winery offers a variety of tour options for visitors to explore the winery and learn about the winemaking process. Visitors can choose from a range of tours, including guided tours of the winery, vineyards, and barrel rooms. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the history of the winery, its winemaking techniques, and the unique terroir of the region.
Tour Options
The winery offers several tour options to suit different interests and preferences. The tours are available by appointment only and can be tailored to the size of the group and the desired duration of the visit. Some of the popular tour options include:
- Guided Winery Tour: This tour provides a comprehensive overview of the winery, including a visit to the vineyards, barrel rooms, and production facilities. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle, and taste some of the winery’s award-winning wines.
- Vineyard Tour: This tour takes visitors on a stroll through the vineyards, where they can learn about the different grape varieties grown at the winery and the unique characteristics of the terroir. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Barrel Room Tour: This tour takes visitors to the barrel rooms, where the wines are aged and matured. Visitors can learn about the different types of barrels used in the winemaking process and taste some of the wines straight from the barrel.
Tasting Experiences
Visitors can also enjoy a range of tasting experiences at Psagot Winery. From casual tastings to more formal wine-pairing dinners, the winery offers something for every palate. Visitors can taste the winery’s award-winning wines and learn about the unique characteristics of each vintage.
Some of the popular tasting experiences include:
- Classic Tasting: This tasting includes a selection of the winery’s current releases, including red, white, and rosé wines. Visitors can taste the wines and learn about the winery’s winemaking philosophy.
- Reserve Tasting: This tasting includes a selection of the winery’s premium wines, including limited-edition releases and single-vineyard wines. Visitors can taste the wines and learn about the unique characteristics of each vintage.
- Wine-Pairing Dinner: This experience includes a multi-course dinner, with each course paired with a different Psagot wine. Visitors can enjoy a culinary journey through the winery’s wines, accompanied by delicious dishes prepared by the winery’s chef.
Overall, Psagot Winery offers a range of tour and tasting options for visitors to explore the winery and learn about its wines. With knowledgeable guides and stunning views, a visit to Psagot Winery is a must for any wine lover visiting the Jerusalem region.
Awards and Recognition
Psagot Winery has received numerous awards and recognition for its exceptional wines. The winery has won awards at both national and international competitions, solidifying its reputation as one of the best wineries in Israel.
In 2018, Psagot Winery was awarded the prestigious “Best Wine Producer” award at the Terravino Mediterranean International Wine & Spirit Challenge. This award recognizes the winery’s commitment to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Jerusalem hills.
Psagot Winery has also received recognition for its individual wines. The winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the 2019 Decanter World Wine Awards and a silver medal at the 2019 International Wine Challenge. The winery’s Chardonnay has also been recognized, winning a gold medal at the 2019 Sommelier Wine Awards.
In addition to these awards, Psagot Winery has been featured in numerous publications, including Wine Spectator and The New York Times. These publications have praised the winery’s commitment to quality and its ability to produce exceptional wines in a challenging climate.
Overall, Psagot Winery’s awards and recognition speak to the quality of its wines and its commitment to producing exceptional products. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious bottle of wine to enjoy, Psagot Winery is a must-visit destination in the Jerusalem hills.
Community Involvement
Psagot Winery is not just a winery; it is a community. The winery is deeply invested in the surrounding area and is committed to giving back to the community in various ways.
One of the ways Psagot Winery gives back is through its support of local farmers. The winery sources its grapes from local farmers, helping to support the local economy and promote sustainable agriculture in the region. In addition, the winery also provides training and support to local farmers to help them improve their grape-growing techniques and increase their yields.
Psagot Winery is also committed to supporting local charities. The winery regularly donates a portion of its profits to various charitable organizations in the region. In addition, the winery hosts fundraising events throughout the year to support local causes.
The winery also plays an active role in the community by hosting events and activities throughout the year. These events range from wine tastings and tours to cultural events and concerts. The winery’s visitor center is open to the public and features exhibits on the history of winemaking in the region, as well as a tasting room where visitors can sample the winery’s award-winning wines.
Overall, Psagot Winery is more than just a winery; it is a vital part of the local community. The winery’s commitment to supporting local farmers, charities, and cultural events has helped to make it a beloved institution in the region.
Future Plans
Psagot Winery has been producing exceptional wines for over 17 years. With its new home and experienced winemaker, the winery is poised for even greater success in the future.
One of the winery’s main goals is to expand its distribution network and make its wines more widely available. To achieve this, Psagot Winery plans to increase its production capacity to over 1 million bottles per year. The winery will also be exploring new markets and partnerships to help bring its wines to a broader audience.
In addition to expanding its distribution network, Psagot Winery is committed to sustainable winemaking practices. The winery plans to continue investing in its vineyards and winemaking facilities to minimize its environmental impact and ensure the long-term health of its vines.
Psagot Winery is also looking to develop new and innovative wine blends. The winery’s experienced winemaker is constantly experimenting with different grape varieties and aging techniques to create unique and exciting wines that showcase the best of the Binyamin region.
Overall, Psagot Winery is dedicated to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Jerusalem mountains. With its new home, experienced winemaker, and ambitious plans for the future, the winery is well-positioned to continue producing world-class wines for years to come.
