Flam Winery Near Jerusalem: A Friendly Guide to Israel’s Wine Country

by Mendel Wuensch | Aug 29, 2023 | Day Trip From Jerusalem, Places to See, Restaurants | 0 comments

Flam Winery is a beautiful winery located in the heart of the Judean Hills, just a short drive from Jerusalem. Surrounded by vineyards, the winery operates in the classic European Family Estate model and is owned by Israel’s premier wine family. Founded in 1998, the winery is managed by the second generation of winemakers who pay great attention to detail and style.

Visitors to Flam Winery can enjoy a variety of experiences, including guided tours of the vineyards and winery, wine tastings, and even a chance to participate in the grape harvest. The winery produces a range of high-quality wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The family that owns the winery is often around to welcome visitors and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Flam Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Judean Hills. With its stunning vineyards, high-quality wines, and friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Flam Winery has become one of the most popular wineries in the region. Whether you’re looking to learn more about winemaking, sample some of Israel’s finest wines, or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon in a beautiful setting, Flam Winery is the perfect choice.

History of Flam Winery

Flam Winery is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Judean Hills surrounding Jerusalem. The winery was founded in 1998 by the Flam brothers, Golan and Gilad. The family has been producing wine for over 50 years and operates in the classic European Family Estate model.

The Flam family is a second-generation winemaking family, and all members of the family play important roles in the management of the winery. They have great attention to detail and style, and this is reflected in the quality of their wines.

In 2010, Flam Winery became kosher, and they have since been producing some of the best kosher wines in Israel. With vineyards located in the Upper Galilee and the Judean Hills, Flam Winery has the ability to source a number of grape breeds from unique terroirs in order to produce bold and intense wines.

The winery is housed in a quaint facility in a picturesque area just outside Beit Shemesh. Golan Flam, the winemaker, was educated in Israel and Italy and apprenticed in wineries in both Tuscany and Australia. He brings his knowledge and experience to Flam Winery, creating unique and high-quality wines.

Flam Winery’s story is a family story, and they continue to produce wines that reflect their passion and dedication to winemaking.

Location Near Jerusalem

Flam Winery is located in Beit Shemesh, a city in the Jerusalem District of Israel. The winery is situated in the heart of the Judean Hills, surrounded by vineyards, between the Kisalon river and the Kdoshim forest. Visitors to the winery can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The winery is just a short drive from Jerusalem, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the winery with a day trip to Jerusalem to explore the city’s many historical and cultural attractions.

In addition to its proximity to Jerusalem, Flam Winery is also conveniently located near several other popular tourist destinations. Visitors can explore the nearby city of Beit Shemesh, which is home to a number of historical and archaeological sites, including the Tel Beit Shemesh archaeological site and the Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park.

For those looking for outdoor activities, the area around Flam Winery offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can explore the nearby forests and hills on foot or horseback, or take a bike ride through the surrounding countryside.

Overall, Flam Winery’s location near Jerusalem and other popular tourist destinations makes it an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the beauty and culture of Israel’s Judean Hills region.

Wine Varieties

Flam Winery produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé. They use grapes grown in the Upper Galilee and the Judean Hills regions of Israel, which provide unique soil types, micro-climates, and seasonal conditions that contribute to the distinctive flavors of their wines.

Their red wines include blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, as well as single varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The winery also produces a red blend called “Classico,” which is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Flam’s white wines include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier. They also produce a rosé wine made from Merlot grapes.

The winery’s flagship wine is their “Superiore” blend, which is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. This wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels and is only produced in exceptional vintages.

Flam Winery is known for its high-quality wines, which have won numerous awards and accolades both in Israel and internationally. Their wines are available for purchase at the winery and in select wine shops and restaurants throughout Israel and abroad.

Vineyard Tour Experience

Visiting Flam Winery is not complete without taking a vineyard tour. The tour takes visitors on an all-terrain vehicle to see the grape varieties, and ends with wine and cheese tasting. The tour is available in Hebrew, English, Russian, German, and Swedish, and must be booked in advance.

During the tour, visitors get to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery. The guide provides detailed information about the different grape varieties grown in the vineyard, the soil composition, and the climatic conditions that affect the grapes’ growth. Visitors get to see firsthand how the grapes are harvested, sorted, and crushed to make wine.

The tour is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful vineyard, which is located at the heart of the Judean Hills surrounding Jerusalem, between the Kisalon river and the Kdoshim forest. The vineyard’s stunning landscape and picturesque views make for a perfect backdrop for taking photos.

At the end of the tour, visitors are treated to a wine and cheese tasting session, where they get to sample some of the best wines produced by the winery. The friendly staff provides detailed information about each wine, including its flavor profile, aroma, and food pairing suggestions.

Overall, the vineyard tour experience at Flam Winery is a must-do activity for wine lovers and anyone looking to learn more about winemaking. The tour provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about different grape varieties, and taste some of the best wines produced in Israel.

Wine Tasting

Flam Winery offers a unique wine tasting experience for visitors. Guests can choose between two tasting options: the Classic Tasting and the VIP Tasting.

The Classic Tasting includes a selection of five wines, including two white wines, two red wines, and one dessert wine. Visitors can enjoy the wines while learning about the winemaking process and the history of Flam Winery. The tasting is conducted in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, perfect for those who want to enjoy a casual wine tasting experience.

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, the VIP Tasting offers a selection of six premium wines, including reserve wines and limited edition vintages. Visitors can enjoy the wines in a private tasting room while learning about the winery’s unique winemaking techniques and the stories behind each wine. The VIP Tasting is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to experience the best of what Flam Winery has to offer.

Both tastings are accompanied by a selection of cheeses and bread, carefully chosen to complement the wines. Visitors can also purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home with them.

Overall, Flam Winery offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a unique wine tasting experience. Whether you choose the Classic Tasting or the VIP Tasting, you are sure to leave with a greater appreciation for the art of winemaking and the delicious wines produced by Flam Winery.

Awards and Recognition

Flam Winery has received numerous awards and recognition for its high-quality wines. Here are some of the most notable accolades that the winery has received over the years:

  • 2017 Decanter World Wine Awards: Flam Winery’s 2014 Reserve Syrah was awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards in 2017. The wine was praised for its “complex nose of black fruit, spice, and smoky notes” and its “rich, full-bodied palate with ripe tannins and a long finish.”
  • 2018 Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries: Flam Winery was named one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World by Wine & Spirits magazine in 2018. The winery was recognized for its “elegant and complex” wines, which showcase the unique terroir of the Judean Hills.
  • 2019 International Wine Challenge: Flam Winery’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge in 2019. The wine was praised for its “ripe blackcurrant and black cherry aromas” and its “full-bodied palate with silky tannins and a long finish.”
  • 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards: Flam Winery’s 2017 Reserve Syrah was awarded a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2020. The wine was described as “rich and opulent” with “dark fruit flavors, spice, and a hint of black pepper.”

In addition to these awards, Flam Winery has also been recognized by wine critics and enthusiasts around the world for its exceptional wines. The winery’s commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it a loyal following of wine lovers who appreciate the unique flavors and aromas of its wines.

Environmental Practices

Flam Winery is committed to preserving the environment and implementing sustainable practices throughout their production process. Here are some of the environmental practices that Flam Winery has implemented:

  • Waste Reduction: Flam Winery has implemented a waste reduction program that includes recycling and reusing materials whenever possible. They also use minimal packaging to reduce waste.
  • Water Conservation: Flam Winery has implemented a water conservation program that includes using drip irrigation to reduce water usage in the vineyards. They also use a closed-loop system to recycle water used in the production process.
  • Organic Farming: Flam Winery uses organic farming methods to reduce the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. They also use natural pest control methods, such as introducing predator insects, to reduce the use of pesticides.
  • Energy Efficiency: Flam Winery has implemented energy-efficient practices throughout their production process. They use solar panels to generate electricity and have installed energy-efficient lighting and equipment.
  • Carbon Footprint Reduction: Flam Winery is committed to reducing their carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources and reducing their energy usage. They also participate in a carbon offset program to offset their carbon emissions.

Overall, Flam Winery is dedicated to sustainable practices that minimize their impact on the environment.

Community Involvement

Flam Winery is not only committed to producing high-quality wines, but also to giving back to the community. The winery is involved in several initiatives that aim to support the local community and promote sustainable practices.

One of the main initiatives that Flam Winery is involved in is supporting local farmers. The winery sources all of its grapes from local farmers, which not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the grapes are fresh and of high quality. Flam Winery also works closely with farmers to promote sustainable practices, such as reducing the use of pesticides and conserving water.

In addition to supporting local farmers, Flam Winery is also involved in several community projects. For example, the winery sponsors a local youth soccer team and provides financial support for a local school. Flam Winery also hosts events and workshops for the local community, such as wine tastings and cooking classes.

Furthermore, Flam Winery is committed to promoting environmental sustainability. The winery has implemented several eco-friendly practices, such as using solar panels to generate electricity and recycling water used in the winemaking process. Flam Winery also encourages visitors to the winery to use public transportation or carpool to reduce their carbon footprint.

Overall, Flam Winery is not only a producer of excellent wines but also a responsible member of the local community. Through its support of local farmers, involvement in community projects, and commitment to environmental sustainability, Flam Winery is making a positive impact on the world around it.

How to Visit

To visit Flam Winery, travelers can follow these steps:

  1. Plan ahead: Flam Winery is open to visitors by appointment only. Travelers should contact the winery in advance to schedule a visit.
  2. Choose a tour: Flam Winery offers several tour options, including a guided tour of the vineyards and winery, a tasting tour that includes a sampling of the winery’s wines, and a cheese and wine pairing tour. Travelers should choose the tour that best fits their interests and schedule.
  3. Arrive on time: Travelers should plan to arrive at Flam Winery at least 10 minutes before their scheduled tour time. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.
  4. Dress appropriately: Flam Winery is located in a rural area and visitors should dress accordingly. Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking outdoors are recommended.
  5. Bring a camera: The scenery at Flam Winery is breathtaking and visitors may want to capture photos of the vineyards, winery, and surrounding landscape.
  6. Enjoy the experience: Flam Winery offers a unique opportunity to learn about winemaking in Israel and to sample some of the country’s finest wines. Travelers should relax and savor the experience.

Visitors to Flam Winery can expect a warm welcome and a friendly, informative tour. With its stunning scenery, delicious wines, and knowledgeable staff, Flam Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers traveling to Jerusalem.

Contact Information

Flam Winery is located in the Judean Hills, just outside Beit Shemesh. Visitors can contact the winery to schedule a tasting, tour, or purchase wine.

Address

Flam Winery’s address is Ya’ar Hakdoshim, Eshtaol.

Phone Number

The winery can be reached at +972-2-9929923.

Email

To contact Flam Winery via email, visitors can send a message to [email protected].

Website

For more information about Flam Winery and their wines, visitors can check out their website at flamwinery.com.

Social Media

Flam Winery can also be found on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. Visitors can follow the winery for updates on new releases, events, and more.

Overall, Flam Winery is happy to answer any questions visitors may have and to help them plan a memorable visit to their vineyard and tasting room.

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