Although the land area of Israel is a mere 7,992 square miles (which is 5.0% of the land area of California), like many wine growing nations or regions that have a long north-south axis (Italy, Chile or California, for example), the country has a large variety of microclimates. In the north, for example, snow falls in winter and conditions are Davis Region II (comparable to Bordeaux and the Northern Rhone), yet within a few hours' drive one arrives at the Negev Dessert, there to enter a Region V (North Afirica) region. The country is divided into five vine-growing regions, and the names of these are generally accepted by the European Commun ity and appear on all labels of varietal wines that are designated for export. Each region is divided into subregions, encompassing a specific valley, mountain or other locale. The main regions are:

Galil (Galilee): This area, which also includes the Golan Heights, is the region most suited for viniculture in Israel. The high elevation, cool breezes, marked day and night temperature changes and rich, well drained soils make the area suitable for Cabernet Sauvigon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Some sub regions are also appropriate for Johannisberg Riesling. Among other wineries located here are The Golan Heights Winery and Dalton. The Galilee region is now being heavily planted by Segal, Margalit and Saslove and the Golan Heights Winery is now in the process of planting vineyards and building a second winery in the region.

Judean Hills: Surrounding the city of Jerusalem, and with a cool climate due to the relatively high elevation, this area has proven excellent for viniculture, especially for Chardonnay grapes. The region is home to many of the small wineries that specialize in sweet kosher wines.

Shimshon (Samson): Located between the Judean Hills and the Coastal plain, the region includes the area around Rishon le-Zion and Rehovot, and is home to Carmel Mizrachi's Rishon-le- Zion winery.

Negev: Ten years ago, few would have thought this semiarid dessert region appropriate for growing grapes. Drip irrigation has made it possible to grow grapes here, and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes have succeeded especially well here.

Shomron: Located near the Mediterranean coast and just south of Haifa and surrounding the villages of Zichron Ya'akov and Binyamina is the largest grape growing area in the country. Wineries in the area include Baron, Binyamina and the Zichron Ya'acov winery of Carmel Mizrachi as well as several boutique wineries.

© Daniel Rogov