How far is it from Haifa?

Katzrin is about 96 km from Haifa, roughly an 88-minute drive.

Do I need to book ahead?

Yes, visits are by reservation only. Walk-ins are generally not accepted, so it's best to call a few days in advance. If you need an English- or other-language tour, mention it when you book.

Yes, all wines are kosher. Yarden wines are non-mevushal and kosher-for-Passover, and per wine-trade sources they carry Orthodox Union (OU) certification. It's worth confirming the current certifying body directly with the winery.

What is the winery known for?

It is one of Israel's largest wineries and is credited with launching the modern quality revolution in Israeli wine. Its flagship is Yarden Katzrin; it was named Wine Enthusiast's "New World Winery of the Year" in 2012, and its 2004 Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon was the first Israeli wine to make the Wine Spectator Top 100.

Golan Heights Winery

Q: What does a visit include?

The classic tour runs about an hour: an introductory film, the oak-barrel cellar, a view of the bottling line (production-schedule permitting) and a tasting of about three wines. Premium options and chef-prepared meals in the wine cellar are also available.

Golan

Golan Heights Winery in Katzrin was founded in 1983 (the first vineyards were planted in 1976 and the first vintage was released in 1984) and is jointly owned by eight Golan farming communities — four kibbutzim and four moshavim. It is widely credited with launching the modern quality revolution in Israeli wine. Head winemaker Victor Schoenfeld, born in California's Napa Valley, has led production since 1992. It is one of Israel's largest wineries, producing wines across four labels — Yarden (top tier), Gamla, Golan and Mount Hermon. Its flagship is the super-premium Yarden Katzrin, a Bordeaux-style red (a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend) made only in exceptional vintages; the winery is also known for its Chardonnay and traditional-method sparkling wine. Accolades include Wine Enthusiast's "New World Winery of the Year" 2012, and its 2004 Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon was the first Israeli wine to make the Wine Spectator Top 100. A visit means a guided visitor-center tour by reservation. The classic tour runs about an hour and includes an introductory film, the oak-barrel cellar, a view of the bottling line (production-schedule permitting) and a tasting of about three wines. Premium options exist too (such as Love and Wine, professional wine and sparkling tastings, and Four Seasons vineyard tours), along with chef-prepared meals served in the wine cellar. English-language tours are available on request. Walk-ins are not the norm, so book ahead.

Wineries nearby

Golan Heights Winery

Visiting info

Frequently asked questions

Other wineries near Haifa

Back in Haifa by evening

When

Venues

About