The sariki and beer varieties are replanted from pips found during excavations in the Negev region where they were grown 1,500 years ago to produce a prized wine. This project contributes to the revival of viticulture in Israel.

This project will contribute to the new development of viticulture in the region. - photo credit: Friendly Negev Tourism (Danna Avidan)

Israel's wine has a long, ancient history. The Israel Nature Authority, the University of Haifa and the Merage Israel Foundation are currently replanting vines grown from seeds of the endemic Saraiki and Beer grape varieties found during archaeological excavations in the centre of the Negev desert.

The project involves restoring three plots of vines near five ancient wine presses discovered in the Ein Avdat national park. "The new vineyard will be inspired by traditional Israeli agricultural methods and reflect the principles of sustainability typical of desert vineyards", explain the institutions, pointing out that "the town of Avdat was a major centre for wine production and export in the ancient world. From the fourth to the seventh century AD, it was renowned throughout the Byzantine Empire as a producer of quality wine".

A new boom

This project will contribute to a new boom in winegrowing in the region. For some years now, 40 wineries have been producing chardonnay, chenin, sauvignon, malbec, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot from the northern Negev to Eilat. The Merage Israel Foundation is currently working with the Ministry of Justice to make the Negev a controlled appellation and a genuine wine tourism destination. "The Negev should also be recognised internationally as a cultural wine route, combining the Negev's ancestral wine heritage with today's pioneering wine industry," says the Merage Israel Foundation.

By Marion Bazireau On September 23, 2023

Source:VITISPHERE