Tzuba Winery is a renowned winery located in the Judean Hills, near Jerusalem. The winery is an estate winery that uses grapes from the Tzuba vineyards, and it has been producing over 60,000 bottles of wine annually since its establishment in 2007. The area has been historically recognized as a major wine-producing region since Biblical times, and the winery is a must-visit for wine lovers.
Visitors can enjoy a visit and wine tasting at Tzuba Winery, which is located just 25 minutes away from Jerusalem. The winery is surrounded by the beautiful Judean hills, making it a scenic and peaceful location to enjoy a glass of wine. With 38 reviews and a rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor, it is clear that Tzuba Winery is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience near Jerusalem, Tzuba Winery is definitely worth a visit. With its rich history, beautiful surroundings, and delicious wines, it is the perfect destination to relax and enjoy a glass of wine with friends and family.
History of Tzuba Winery
Founding
Tzuba Winery is located in the Judean Hills, an area historically recognized as a major wine-producing region since Biblical times. The winery was established in 2007 and has since produced over 60,000 bottles of wine a year. It is an estate winery using the grapes from the Tzuba vineyards. The local topography of the Tzuba hillside vineyard, with an altitude of 700m, and climate provide ideal conditions to cultivate the vineyards and produce a variety of prize-winning boutique wines.
Growth and Expansion
Tzuba Winery’s history dates back to Biblical times when the town of Tzuba was a big town with wine presses, water cisterns, mikvehs – ritual baths, burial caves, springs, and more. Tzuba is mentioned in the book of Samuel-II chapter 23. One of the 36 heroes of King David in this chapter was Yigal son of Nathan from Tzuba.
Tzuba Winery has grown and expanded since its founding. The winery’s flagship wine is the “Metzuda” 2012, which is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. It’s aged for 24 months in French barrels. Tzuba’s Merlot 2011 is 100% even though Israeli law only requires 85% to be varietal labeled. The wine does not go through malolactic fermentation.
Today, Tzuba Winery is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take a tour of the winery and participate in wine tastings. The winery is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It has received positive reviews from visitors who appreciate the beautiful location, friendly staff, and delicious wines.
Location and Accessibility
Proximity to Jerusalem
Tzuba Winery is located in the Judean Hills, just 25 minutes away from Jerusalem. It is situated in an area historically recognized as a major wine-producing region since Biblical times. The winery is nestled among the beautiful Judean hills, providing a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy.
Transportation Options
Visitors to Tzuba Winery can take advantage of several transportation options to get there. Those who prefer to drive can easily reach the winery via Route 386, which is just a short drive from Jerusalem. The winery has ample parking space available for visitors.
For those who prefer to use public transportation, there are several bus routes that stop near the winery. The 186 and 187 bus lines both stop within walking distance of the winery. Visitors can also take a taxi from Jerusalem to the winery.
Overall, Tzuba Winery is easily accessible from Jerusalem, whether visitors choose to drive or take public transportation. The winery’s location in the Judean Hills provides a unique and beautiful setting for visitors to enjoy award-winning boutique wines.
Wine Varieties and Production
Grape Varieties
Tzuba Winery produces a variety of wines from different grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Sangiovese. The winery also cultivates indigenous grape varieties such as Marawi and Jandali, which have been grown in the region for centuries.
The winery carefully selects the grapes and only uses high-quality fruit for its wines. The grapes are harvested by hand and sorted before being crushed. This ensures that only the best grapes are used for the wine production process.
Wine Production Methods
Tzuba Winery uses traditional wine production methods combined with modern technology to produce its award-winning wines. The winery has a state-of-the-art winemaking facility that includes stainless steel tanks for fermentation, oak barrels for aging, and temperature-controlled storage rooms.
The winery uses a combination of French and American oak barrels to age its wines. The oak barrels add flavor and complexity to the wines, giving them a unique character. The winery also uses different aging techniques such as barrel aging and bottle aging to produce different styles of wine.
Tzuba Winery produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé wines. The winery’s flagship wine is the Tel Tzuba Sangiovese, a dry red wine that has won numerous awards and accolades. The winery also produces a range of other red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz. The white wines produced by the winery include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, while the rosé wines include a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
Overall, Tzuba Winery is committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Judean Hills. The winery’s dedication to traditional winemaking techniques combined with modern technology has resulted in a range of award-winning wines that are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts around the world.
Tasting and Tours
Tour Options
Visitors to Tzuba Winery have several tour options to choose from. The Classic Tour takes guests through the vineyards and the winery, providing an overview of the wine-making process. The tour concludes with a tasting of three wines. The Premium Tour includes a guided tour of the vineyards, winery, and barrel room, followed by a tasting of five wines, including some of the winery’s premium varieties. The VIP Tour is a private tour that includes a guided tour of the vineyards, winery, and barrel room, as well as a tasting of six wines, including some of the winery’s reserve wines.
All tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the winery’s history, winemaking process, and the unique terroir of the Judean Hills. Tours are available in English, Hebrew, and Russian.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Tzuba Winery offers several wine tasting experiences for visitors. The Classic Tasting includes a flight of three wines, including a white, red, and dessert wine. The Premium Tasting includes a flight of five wines, including some of the winery’s premium varieties. The VIP Tasting is a private tasting that includes a flight of six wines, including some of the winery’s reserve wines.
Guests can also choose to enjoy a cheese platter or a chocolate platter with their wine tasting. The cheese platter includes a selection of cheeses, bread, and olives, while the chocolate platter includes a selection of chocolates and nuts.
All wine tastings are conducted by knowledgeable staff who provide information on the wines, including tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and the winery’s history and winemaking process.
Overall, Tzuba Winery offers a range of tour and tasting options that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the winery’s history, winemaking process, and unique terroir, while enjoying some of the winery’s award-winning wines.
Accommodation and Amenities
On-site Accommodations
Tzuba Winery offers a variety of on-site accommodations for visitors who wish to stay overnight. The winery has four guest rooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests. Each room is uniquely decorated and features modern amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the morning.
In addition to the guest rooms, Tzuba Winery also has a luxurious villa that can accommodate up to 10 guests. The villa features a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding vineyards from the villa’s terrace.
Nearby Attractions
Tzuba Winery is located in the heart of the Judean Hills, a region known for its beautiful scenery and rich history. Visitors can explore the nearby attractions, such as:
- Jerusalem: The city of Jerusalem is just a short drive from Tzuba Winery. Visitors can explore the city’s ancient landmarks, such as the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Masada: Masada is an ancient fortress located on top of a mountain overlooking the Dead Sea. Visitors can take a cable car to the top and explore the ruins of the fortress.
- Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and is known for its therapeutic properties. Visitors can float in the salty water and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Yad Vashem: Yad Vashem is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Visitors can learn about the history of the Holocaust and pay their respects to the victims.
Overall, Tzuba Winery offers a unique and luxurious experience for visitors who wish to explore the beauty and history of the Judean Hills.
Reviews and Awards
Critical Acclaim
Tzuba Winery has received positive reviews from both local and international critics. The winery has been praised for its commitment to quality and innovation. Wine Enthusiast, a leading wine magazine, gave Tzuba Winery a score of 90 points for its 2018 Chardonnay. The magazine described the wine as “a rich and creamy wine with notes of tropical fruit and vanilla.”
Wine Spectator, another prominent wine publication, gave Tzuba Winery’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon a score of 89 points. The magazine noted the wine’s “ripe blackberry and currant flavors” and “toasty oak notes.”
Awards and Recognition
Tzuba Winery has won several awards for its wines. In 2019, the winery’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon won a gold medal at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards. The wine was described by the judges as having “a lovely balance of fruit and oak” and “a long, smooth finish.”
The winery’s 2017 Syrah also won a gold medal at the 2019 Sommelier Wine Awards. The judges praised the wine’s “elegant and complex” flavor profile and noted its “spice and black fruit notes.”
In addition to these awards, Tzuba Winery has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability. The winery has implemented several eco-friendly practices, including using solar panels to power its operations and recycling wastewater for irrigation. Tzuba Winery was awarded the Green Globes certification in recognition of its efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
Overall, Tzuba Winery has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality wines in the Judean Hills region. With its commitment to innovation and sustainability, the winery is poised to continue receiving critical acclaim and awards in the years to come.
