Grapes and wine have been produced in the Land of Israel since Biblical times. The ancient land of Israel (known at various times as Canaan and Judea) was harvesting grapes and making wine over two thousand years before Europe. In Biblical times the wine industry was the mainstay of the economy and wine had significant ritual importance. The most common grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon (The best awards for Israeli wines & the premier wine of each winery tends to be with this grape), Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Others include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Johannisberg Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Muscat Canelli. Of the newer varieties, Syrah/Shiraz was noted as the most promising. Numerous o
