Color: Deep purple
Aroma: Violets, black raspberry, chocolate, and a hint of clove
Taste: Black and red fruits, chocolate, roasted coffee
Body: Medium-bodied
Aging: 8 months in French oak barrels
About the Wine
Part of Tulip’s signature “Tulip Series,” this 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes harvested in two prime growing regions of Israel: the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights. The Upper Galilee’s Terra Rossa soil and the Golan’s Basalt soil offer excellent drainage, which encourages rich, concentrated fruit flavors—ideal for winemaking.
The grapes are picked early in the morning to help preserve their natural sugars and aromas. That early harvest timing pays off in the bottle, resulting in a wine with vibrant flavor and great balance.
This vintage is made up of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Carignan and 5% Viognier added for a subtle Mediterranean twist. The result? A smooth, easy-drinking wine with soft tannins and a lush, fruit-forward character.
About the Winery
Tulip Winery was founded in 2003 by Roy Itzhaki and his family in Kfar Tikvah (“Village of Hope”), a community that supports residents with special needs. From the beginning, Tulip has integrated members of this community into every step of the winemaking process. Their motto—“We label wine, not people”—says it all.
In 2014, the Weisman Family joined the venture, bringing the same commitment to quality and inclusivity. Today, the winery produces around 300,000 bottles a year, distributed throughout Israel and internationally. Tulip wines have earned awards at home and abroad, and this 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon holds a solid 3.8/4 rating on Vivino.
About the Winemaker
Tulip’s head winemaker, Dana Beny, brings a global perspective to the winery. She studied winemaking in Italy and has hands-on experience in Bordeaux, South Africa, and California. Dana took over from longtime winemaker David Bar-Ilan and is involved not only in production but also in overseeing vineyard cultivation. Like her predecessors, she believes great wine starts with great grapes.
We picked up this bottle of Tulip’s 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon at the ShopRite in Cherry Hill, NJ. We’re planning to open it not just for Shabbat, but also to share with friends and family on Mother’s Day, May 11th.
We might even try a few more from the Tulip Series—Tulip White, Tulip Merlot, or Tulip White Franc.
Mother’s Day feels like the perfect time to toast with Tulip Wines. After all, the winery’s name was inspired by Roy Itzhaki’s mother, who loved tulips.
Israel Wine Girl 
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