Color: Deep red
Aromas: Berries, pepper, vanilla, and floral notes
Flavor: Red and black berries, plum, herbs, and a touch of chocolate
Body: Medium to full
Finish: Refreshing acidity
About the Wine
Carignan is a bold, fruit-forward wine known for its rich flavors, deep color, and firm tannins. It brings a lot to the table—literally—without overpowering your meal. It pairs especially well with poultry. For an unforgettable Shabbat lunch, try it with Celebrity Chef Jamie Geller’s Baharat Chicken. Trust us, it’s a culinary match made in heaven.
Originally the most widely planted grape in France (until Merlot took the lead in the 20th century), Carignan thrived in the warm Mediterranean climate of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Today, it’s grown all over the world—from Spain and Italy to the U.S., and of course, Israel. While Carignan shines as a single varietal, it’s also a great team player in blends.
Yaffo Winery’s 2023 Carignan comes from 30-year-old vines grown in the historic Mazkeret Batya area of Israel’s Central Coastal Plain—one of the country’s original winegrowing regions, first planted in the late 1800s. After harvest, the grapes were fermented on their skins for three weeks, followed by malolactic fermentation, then aged for eight months in a mix of French and American oak.
A small touch of Merlot in the blend brings added roundness and structure. The result is a beautifully balanced, medium- to full-bodied wine with rich tannins, ripe dark fruit, warm spice, and just a hint of vanilla. It’s thoughtful, delicious, and unmistakably expressive of its terroir.
About the Winery
The story of Yaffo Winery is a true love story—and not just for the vines!
It began in the 1970s in France, the land of love and passion. Moshe Celniker, then a physical therapy student, met Anne, a native of Alsace whose family had been winemakers for generations. The two met in Strasbourg, where Anne introduced Moshe to the world of fine wine and gourmet food. He quickly fell in love—not just with Anne, but with winemaking itself.
After marrying and starting a family, the couple moved to Israel. By the early 2000s, they were living in Jaffa and making wine together in their backyard. What began as a beloved hobby quickly evolved into something much bigger. In 2006, they relocated to a larger property in the Ella Valley, where the winery still operates today.
Their son, Stephan, now leads as head winemaker, while daughter Sophia runs marketing and event planning—keeping the family spirit alive in every bottle. What started with just 1,500 bottles a year has grown into a boutique winery producing over 70,000 bottles annually, all proudly family-run. At Yaffo Winery, love is poured into every glass—and shared with you in every sip.
About the Winemaker
Stephan Celniker, Yaffo Winery’s head winemaker, studied agriculture at Hebrew University before training in viticulture and winemaking in Burgundy, France. He worked at wineries in Saint-Émilion and South Africa, gaining hands-on experience with both Old and New World styles.
Stephan believes Israel’s unique terroir lends itself to a more New World approach—producing wines that are vibrant, fruity, and aromatic. His winemaking philosophy is simple: let the fruit speak for itself. He focuses on crafting approachable, easy-drinking wines without overusing oak or overextending fermentation.
Where to Find It
We got our bottle online from Kosherwine.com, but if you find yourself in Israel, why not go to the winery and pick it up yourself?
The tasting room is open on Fridays, and guests are welcome. Visit Yaffo Winery online to schedule a tasting.
Israel Wine Girl 
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