Ya Winery — events 2026 | Haifa Events

Ya Winery

Galilee

Ya Winery is a small boutique winery in the village of Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galilee, launched in 2022 by veteran Israeli winemaker Yossi Ashkenazi. It is his first winery as both owner and winemaker: he is a third-generation farmer and grandson of Binyamin Ashkenazi, a founder of Kerem Ben Zimra, and previously co-founded the nearby Adir Winery (2003). The winery is housed in a stone building about 80 years old. All the grapes come from the family's own vineyards, planted back in the 1990s on the basaltic northern slopes of Mount Meron at around 870 m, with output of roughly 35,000 bottles a year. The flagship is a Cabernet Sauvignon red (for example the 2020, 12 months in French oak, about 13.5% ABV); there is also a 100% Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé. Tastings take place in and around the historic stone building with sweeping vineyard views, paired with cheeses from local Galilee dairies. On Fridays there is a Shabbat-eve reception with wine, cheese boards and music, and the courtyard is used for small events.

Wineries nearby

Start

Haifa

Drive

71 min · 73 km

Where

Kerem Ben Zimra

After

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Visiting info

Where: Kerem Ben Zimra, Upper Galilee (~73 km / ~71 min from Haifa)
Hours: Sun–Thu 09:00–16:00; Fri 09:00 until one hour before Shabbat; closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Hours are seasonal (summer 09:00–17:00 / winter 09:00–15:00) — confirm by phone before visiting.
Booking: By reservation — tastings and visits are arranged in advance by phone or via the website contact form. Best to call ahead rather than rely on a walk-in for a tasting.
What to try: The flagship Cabernet Sauvignon (12 months in French oak), a 100% Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé; the wines are served with cheeses from local Galilee dairies.
Kosher: Kosher — per the certifications on Ya bottles: Badatz Eida Haredit Yerushalaim, Badatz Mahzikei Hadat – Belz, and Rabbanut Marom Hagalil.
Restaurant: No restaurant. On-site food is tasting-oriented: cheese platters from local Galilee dairies served alongside the wines.
With kids: Not explicitly stated; the format is an adult-oriented tasting. Families with children should call ahead.
Contact: Phone/WhatsApp 050-5641305; email yawinery.res@gmail.com; Instagram/Facebook @yawinery
Website: https://ya-winery.co.il/

Frequently asked questions

How far is it from Haifa?+

The winery is in Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galilee, about 73 km from Haifa — roughly a 71-minute drive.

Do I need to book?+

Yes. Tastings and visits are arranged in advance by phone or via the website contact form; it is best to call ahead rather than rely on a walk-in for a tasting.

Is it kosher?+

Yes. Per the certifications listed on Ya bottles, the wine is kosher: Badatz Eida Haredit Yerushalaim, Badatz Mahzikei Hadat – Belz, and Rabbanut Marom Hagalil.

What does a visit include?+

A tasting of the boutique range in and around the historic stone building with vineyard views, paired with cheeses from local Galilee dairies. On Fridays there is a Shabbat-eve reception with wine, cheese and music.

What is the winery known for?+

It is the personal project of senior Israeli winemaker Yossi Ashkenazi, grandson of a founder of Kerem Ben Zimra and a co-founder of Adir Winery. Its signatures are the roughly 80-year-old stone building, estate-only vineyards on the basaltic slopes of Mount Meron (870 m), and a tiny output of about 35,000 bottles a year.

Ya Winery

Visiting info

Frequently asked questions

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