This Week’s Featured Wine: Israeli Journey Red from Vitkin Winery
- Color: Vibrant purple
- Aroma: Fresh fruit, violets, pepper, and a hint of vanilla
- Taste: fresh fruitiness and notes of spice
- Body: Medium-bodied, well-balanced
- Aging: 10 months oak barrels
About Vitkin Winery…
Vitkin Winery’s story is one of the most fascinating in Israel—a true journey in every sense of the word. Founded in 2001 by brothers-in-law Doron Belogolovsky and Assaf Paz, the winery blends passion, craftsmanship, and a spirit of exploration.
Doron, a marble craftsman by trade, spent much of his time working in Italy, where he developed a deep appreciation for wine. Inspired by his experiences abroad, he planted a vineyard in his yard and became a self-taught winemaker.
Assaf, formerly a pastry chef, also fell under wine’s spell. He studied winemaking in Bordeaux and gained hands-on experience in wineries across France, California, and Australia. Upon returning to Israel, he worked with several of the country’s leading wine producers.
Together, Doron and Assaf launched Vitkin Winery in their hometown of Kfar Vitkin, joined by Doron’s wife and Assaf’s sister, Sharona Belogolovsky, who took on the role of CEO.
Vitkin’s Wines…
From the beginning, their mission has been to craft wines from Mediterranean grape varieties that truly reflect the local terroir—grapes such as Carignan, Syrah, Marselan, and Grenache. Today, Vitkin sources fruit from vineyards in Kfar Vitkin as well as the Jerusalem Mountains, Golan Heights, and Galilee. This geographic diversity allows each varietal to thrive in its ideal conditions, producing top-quality grapes—and, in turn, exceptional wines.
Assaf believes wine should express both place and history, a philosophy that shines through in the Israeli Journey Red. While many Israeli wineries focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, this distinctive blend celebrates Mediterranean grapes:
55% Carignan, 25% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Syrah.
Aged for 10 months in oak barrels, the result is a vibrant, flavorful wine with notes of fresh red and black fruit, a touch of pepper, and hints of Mediterranean herbs.
Start your Journey…
Versatile and approachable, the Israeli Journey Red is perfect for sipping with appetizers or pairing with a range of dishes—from meats to fish.
This Shabbat, as we begin the celebration of Passover, why not symbolically begin your journey from Egypt to Israel, from slavery to freedom, with a glass of Vitkin’s Israeli Journey Red?
We picked up our bottles at the Buy Rite Wine Shop in Hamilton, NJ. A full selection of Vitkin wines can also be found at online kosher wine retailers.
Israel Wine Girl 
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