Israel’s internationally recognized expertise in producing quality wines has given the local industry a huge boost in exports and wide acclaim at the main wine expo in Europe.

The seven largest Israeli wineries – Carmel, Golan Heights, Teperberg 1870, Recanati, Galil Mountain, Tavor and Yatir – were exhibited at an Israeli booth at the leading wine expo in Europe – the ProWein International Trade Fair. During the event, which took place at the beginning of this week in Dusseldorf, Germany, the wineries showcased more than 100 types of their finest products.

These seven wineries together contribute to more than 60 percent of Israel’s wine production. This is the first time that they teamed up to represent Israel in what is considered the world’s most important wine fair.

The wineries’ export directors explained that the decision to exhibit their wines together was based on an understanding that the Israeli wine industry, which is growing in reputation around the world, could be better exposed through a collaborative effort.

Each winery offered tastings as well as five joint events with the other Israeli companies and a lecture by Master of Wine Caro Mourer on the Israeli wine industry from its historical beginning until the present.

The expo takes place as Israel and Germany mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, and it is among the special events organized by the Israeli Trade Mission in Berlin to highlight the economic relations between the two countries.

Internationally Acclaimed, Booming Industry

The Israeli wine market is growing annually, with a yearly revenue of $220 million per year. Israel has 250 active wineries, 50 which of are large-scale, and the rest are boutique companies. The scale of production reaches 40 million bottles, including grape juice. According to the Israel Export Institute, some 20% of Israeli wine production is exported for consumption around the world.

The ProWein Dusseldorf International Trade Fair is one in a series of international wine expos held by international wine company ProWein every year. Fifty countries exhibit at the Dusseldorf exhibition. Organizers estimate that some 1.2 million people come to the expo, including 60 percent from outside Germany.

Hemdat Sagi, Director of the Israel Trade Mission at the embassy in Berlin, said: “Israeli wines are establishing an international reputation for quality, adhering to the most stringent standards and winning praise from the world’s leading wine experts. Our goal is to bring them to the shelves of German stores to a market of 82 million consumers, not all of whom are aware of the advantages of Israeli wines. ProWein, the largest expo of its kind, is the best place to do this and we are happy to support the wineries, especially during this special year.”

By: Aryeh Savir
Staff Writer, United with Israel