Demand for Israeli wine is increasing faster abroad
Local consumption of wine remains constant, but vintners are increasing production for the export market.
By Amiram Cohen Tags: Israel newsIsraelis are buying NIS 800 million worth of wine a year, no more than they did three years ago. The head of the Israel Wine & Grapes Board, Tzachi Dotan, said he had no clear explanation, but it seems many consumers have switched to alternative alcoholic beverages in recent years.
Despite the stagnation in wine sales, growers planted an additional 5,000 dunams (1,250 acres ) of vines this year, for a total of 45,000 dunams. The wine grape harvest started this week, and about 50,000 tons of grapes are expected.
Israeli wine makers exported $19 million worth of wines in 2009 and hope to reach $24 million this year. Total production is forecast at 35 million bottles, 70% red and 30% white.
 |
Harvesting grapes in the vineyards of Kibbutz Tzuba |
| Photo by: Reuters |
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
these grapes look suculent
Where are the wineries located? Please let me know. Salaam/Shalom
kibbutz in israel west of jerusalem in the judean hills on the way to tel aviv