Desert dreams: Nana Winery brings fine wine to Mitzpe Ramon

Meet Eran “Nana” Raz. “Nana” isn’t his real name but a nickname that has followed him since childhood. Together with his wife, Shahar, and their six children, Nana turned a wild dream into a thriving reality: a vineyard in the desert.

But the dream wasn’t his alone.

His grandmother had always told him that the work of building Israel was far from finished, and he carried her words with him into the desert. Planting vines on unforgiving terrain was his way of honoring her vision and turning it into a legacy.

Though he never set out to make and bottle his own wine, eventually he decided to do just that – ensuring that every sip would showcase the land he tended to.

For years, the area was a major corridor for drug trafficking from Egypt into Israel. Nana himself encountered unique characters there more than once, even guarding his young vineyard by sleeping on the land to protect it.

But he wasn’t only looking out for himself. He also helped his neighbors navigate the challenges of becoming farmers in the area, assisting them with paperwork and teaching them agricultural techniques.

Together, as a community, they became stronger, better able to ensure its safety, and ultimately, its thriving future.

Nana Winery lies at 800 meters above sea level, in the upper Zin River section of Mitzpe Ramon. Here, the extreme temperature shifts between hot days and cool nights lend the grapes a gradual, complex ripening.

Planted in mineral-rich soil, the vines produce fruit that embodies the desert’s essence: wines marked by intensity, clarity, and elegance.

Since its first planting in 2007, the vineyard has expanded, growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Chenin Blanc (my favorite), Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Nana also sells grapes to top Israeli producers such as Pelter Winery, while curating his own boutique label.

Desert viticulture requires precision and control. Irrigation is minimized so the vines thirst, producing small berries with concentrated flavors. Sunlight is carefully balanced by planting direction, ensuring the grapes are kissed by just enough desert light to mature beautifully.

Still, what makes Nana Winery a truly unforgettable destination is not just the wine; it’s the chance to sleep among the vines. Nana Winery offers just two accommodation units, both suited for couples, and they are as original and distinctive as the vineyard itself.

Shahar gifted it to Nana for his birthday, hoping they might one day live on the land they so loved. Today, the wagon-turned-cabin is a rustic, romantic retreat.

The open space includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, bathroom, and gallery bedroom accessible via a firefighter’s ladder. Every window frames a view of the desert: vineyards, mountains, and endless skies.

One window above the bed offers unparalleled stargazing – no telescope required.

Outside, a quaint private balcony and fire pit create the perfect setting for watching the sun set over the Negev with a glass of wine in hand.

Midweek stays start at around NIS 1,550 per night, rising to NIS 1,850 on weekends.

Their newest unit, The Patriotit, is constructed from two connected containers and perched on a slope overlooking the desert; this tiny house is anything but small in feel.

Its spacious central area includes a fully detailed kitchen, a dining table facing sunset views, and a cozy lounge.

A few steps up lead to a luxurious bathroom and bedroom, also with a stargazing window above the bed. The outside area offers both a balcony and a private yard with another firepit, perfect for couples seeking seclusion under desert skies.

The Patriotit is priced at around NIS 2,300 midweek and NIS 2,600 on weekends.

Both cabins – and the winery itself, for that matter – highlight serenity, romance, and connection to the desert.

For Nana and Shahar, who aren’t rushing to expand their accommodations, visits and stays are about intimacy and quiet – an escape for couples, rather than families with children.

A NIS 140 tasting includes four wines and a hospitality platter with local cheeses, breads, olive oil, spreads, fruits, and vegetables. Wines are also available by the glass, and the on-site fridge is stocked with local delicacies.

Visitors can relax in a hosting tent overlooking the vineyard, stroll through the orchard, or claim a quiet table among the vines. Special events, such as stargazing during meteor showers or romantic celebrations on Tu B’Av (considered Israel’s Valentine’s Day), add extra reasons to plan your visit.

Practical notes: the vineyard does not allow children or pets, maintaining its atmosphere of serenity.

From encounters with unique desert characters to welcoming guests years later, Nana has helped transform not only his land but also Mitzpe Ramon itself into a name synonymous with wine and desert hospitality.

And if you spend the night, you’ll see firsthand why this is one of Israel’s most romantic wine stays.