Ramot Naftaly Winery

Ramot Naftaly Winery is a small family-run boutique winery in the moshav of Ramot Naftali, in the Upper Galilee. It was founded in 2003 by Yitzhak (Itzik) Cohen, who moved into winemaking from agriculture, with early guidance from winemaker Tal Pelter. The vineyards sit in the Kedesh Valley, between the moshavim of Ramot Naftali and Dishon, on terra rossa soils, and Cohen's ambition is to make the Kedesh Valley a distinct Israeli wine appellation. This is a small operation: around 10,000 bottles a year, mostly reds. Varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Barbera and Nebbiolo. The signature wine is the Duet blend (Merlot/Cabernet); the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is often mentioned too, while critics single out the Malbec and Petit Verdot for particular praise. The range also includes Kedesh, Primo, Chardonnay and a Nebbiolo Rosé. A visit is a tasting paired with a tour of the winery and vineyard: you're shown the stages of production, the wines are poured (usually by the owner himself), and the tasting comes with cheese and olives. It typically takes about 1–2 hours. There's a visitor center and shop on site. Itzik Cohen leads the tours personally, and reviews consistently note the warm, family atmosphere; the Kedesh Valley offers panoramic views over the Hula nature reserve and Mount Hermon.

Information updated: May 2026