Binyamina Winery, one of the large and veteran wineries in Israel, holds within it a fascinating historical story that began even before it became a winery.
In the past decades, the winery has undergone upheavals, owners, winemakers, and many changes. These days the winery is receiving a new winemaker and launching new wines for the upcoming holidays.
The history (in short) of the winery in Binyamina begins in 1925 when Baron Edmond de Rothschild assisted in establishing a perfume factory on the site.
In 1952, winemaker Yosef Zeltzer established in the closed factory building a winery called “Eliaz,” after his son who fell in the War of Independence.
In 1994, a group of investors purchased the winery, invested many resources in vineyards and new technologies in the winery, and changed its name to Binyamina Winery.
In 2008, the winery was purchased by a group of investors who introduced many innovations in the winery and still lead it today.
“A special winery in many respects”
According to Omer Ben Hurin, Deputy CEO, the winery has gone through quite a few upheavals and is now on the right track with new plantings, significant investments in equipment and improvement of existing equipment, and quite a few changes in personnel. Yotam Sharon, who was appointed as the chief winemaker of the winery, will head the production team with his vision.
Yotam, a talented winemaker who does not compromise on quality, studied winemaking at the University of Montpellier in France, worked for many years as a winemaker at Barkan Winery, and continued as a consultant to leading winemakers and wineries, and in producing his own private brand.
“Binyamina Winery is a special winery in many respects,” says Yotam. “First of all, it is a beautiful winery, and here I met a team of workers who have invested many years in the winery because it is dear to their hearts. I am happy to return to work in a large winery.”
The winery’s visitors’ center, located in the original historic building in the heart of the Binyamina moshava, is returning to full activity, opening its gates to the general public and offering visitors tours, wine tastings, and a meticulous snack menu.
In addition, the winery proudly reveals a new and accessible e-commerce site for wine lovers, where one can discover the winery’s stock of wines, including rare gems directly from the cellar, and home delivery. Enter the address: binyaminawines.co.il.
The new whites
Binyamina Shuf Chardonnay 2024: 100% Chardonnay grapes from Gilboa, from a vineyard located on the slopes of Mount Malchi-shua, at an altitude of 440 meters above sea level, overlooking the Beit She’an Valley. A wine rich in aromas and refreshing flavors, fresh citrus, peaches, ripe melon, and vanilla, with an elegant texture and a long and enjoyable finish. Price: NIS 89.
Binyamina Hoshen Stones Emerald 2024: Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the Ben Zimra vineyard in the Upper Galilee, carefully selected in the vineyards, like the precious Hoshen stones that were embedded in the High Priest’s breastplate. Pleasant aromas of peaches and citrus combined with green and fresh herbaceousness, elegant texture, and refreshing finish. Price: NIS 110.
The prestigious reds
Hame’ara (The Cave) Winery was founded in 2000 by the owners of Binyamina Winery, with the goal of establishing a prestigious boutique winery.
The ancient cave, built at the end of the 16th century as part of the establishment of the Ottoman rule in Israel, is hidden in the heart of a pastoral area, with its walls engraved with stories from the history of the Land of Israel.
This unique structure was used for storing food products and towards the end of the 19th century, during the British Mandate period, its purpose was converted into a wine and brandy cellar. Today, the cave serves as the premium wine series of Binyamina Winery.
Hame’ara The Cave Chosen Barrel 2021: Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested in the mature Aloney HaBashan vineyard in the Golan Heights.
A meticulous process and long maturation created a rich and complex wine with high aging potential. Aromas of black cherries, stimulating pepperiness, and vanilla. Full body and velvety texture balanced by good acidity. A long and enticing finish. Price: NIS 369.
Hame’ara Exquisite Barrel 161/19 2021: The selected grapes came from old vineyards in the Upper Galilee.
A refined and elegant wine from special barrels. A rich and complex wine with impressive and enticing aromas of black cherries, earth, tobacco, toasted oak, chocolate, and licorice, full-bodied, velvety texture, and an impressive, long, and lingering finish. Price: NIS 789.
Something sweet for dessert
Binyamina Muscat Canelli Selected Clusters 2021: A fortified sweet wine from Muscat Canelli grapes from Ramat Sirin in the Lower Galilee. Produced in the spirit of the tradition of producing fortified wines from the traditional wine region of the island of Madeira in Portugal.
Rich aromas of candied fruits, smoke and nuts, coffee, caramel, and citrus peel. Pleasant acidity balances the velvety and honeyed character on the palate. The taste lingers in the mouth for a long time and will serve as a perfect digestif after the meal. 17.5% alcohol. Price: NIS 109.