Israel’s Wine Regions
Shomron
Shomrom (Samaria) is Israel's largest wine growing area. In the north, Shomrom is bounded by the Jezreel Valley, on the east by the Jordan Valley, in the south by the Judea, and in the west by the Sharon. It is located in a mountainous region, geographically in the center of Israel. The three major mountain peaks are Ba'al Chatzor at 1016 meters, (about 3335 feet high), which represents the border of the Judea mountains, the Shomrom, the mostly limestone Mount Ebal which rises to 940 meters (3084 feet), and Mount Gerizim, which rises to 881 meters (approximately 2850 feet) high. The latter two mountains are considered holy by the Samaritans. The Shomrom mountain range is the longest one in central Israel. It starts in the Gilboa area in the north and ends near the Jerusalem Mountains. Its tallest peak is 1026 meters high (approximately 3365 feet).
The soil in this area is mostly terra rosa from limestone. The climate is typically Mediterranean with an average rainfall of 540 mm (about 21 inches), and the temperature ranges between 25 degrees C (about 77 degrees F), in the summer, to 13 degrees C (about 55 degrees F), in the winter. This climate is characterized by two distinct seasons, a warm dry summer, and a cold wet rainy season in winter.
The eastern slopes of the Shomrom Mountains receive less rain than the western slopes since the air currents become warmer and the relative humidity decreases, causing to the clouds hold back their precipitation. The average height of the Shomrom is 200 meters (approximately 655 feet).
The main concentration of vineyards in the Shomrom area is in the valleys surrounding the winery towns of Zichron Ya'acov and Binyamina.
The settlement and the winery at the Zamarin hill in Zichron Ya’akov were established back in 1882 by the Baron Edmund de Rothchild, who recognized the potential of the rich land and cool climate for growing high-quality grapevines. Located at the foot of the Carmel mountain range, at heights between 30 to 170 meters (100 to 560 feet) which receive the cool Mediterranean Sea breeze and contain a rich red soil, black alluvial and white limestone soil, these vineyards produce high-quality grape varieties such as Merlot, Emerald Riesling, Petite Syrah, and French Colombard.
The vineyards in the Jezreel Valley are located in the region of the biblical wine land. Vines are planted on moderately north-sloping areas in deep clay soil. The choice of rootstock, a regulated crop load, and proper irrigation ensure optimal qualities and conditions in a region characterized by cold nights, hot days, and the relatively low humidity. The grapes ripen earlier than those planted on high elevations and have a particularly high sugar content, excellent color, and low acidity levels. Grape varieties include Petit Syrah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Emerald Riesling.
The Shomrom area where several major wineries are situated is known for its excellent wines, as well as unique brand labels and liquors which have won many medals and awards in international competitions. For wine lovers, these wines are considered true Israeli wines, full of character, worthy to be kept and enjoyed with selected food.
