Judean Hills

The region around Jerusalem, noted as Israel's first officially recognised appellation.

Country

Israel

Climate

Mediterranean, hill country

Main varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon · Syrah · Chardonnay · Cabernet Franc

The Judean Hills are a region of limestone terraces and foothills west and south-west of Jerusalem. Over the past two decades it has become the country's boutique winemaking centre.

In 2020 Israel's first appellations of origin were registered here: "Judea", "Judean Hills" and "Judean Foothills". Wine may carry them if at least 85% of the grapes come from the region. The registering authority is the Israel Patent Office; since Israel joined the Lisbon Agreement in 1958, the appellation is then registered in 28 further member states.

It is also where projects selling fully serviced vineyard parcels to private owners are located. In that model the owner receives wine from their own plot while the estate handles viticulture, vinification and the agricultural halachic requirements.