Color: Pale gold
Aroma: Notes of apricot, orange zest, fresh blossoms, with subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon
Palate: Crisp and refreshing, fruit-forward with balanced acidity
Body: Medium
Finish: Long and smooth
A Fresh Take on a Classic Blend
Heritage White 2023 from Yaffo Winery is a beautiful expression of the Chardonnay–Viognier blend—a pairing of two French-born grape varieties now celebrated around the world.
Chardonnay, hailing from the Burgundy region, is known for its versatility and structure. Its naturally high acidity makes it ideal for blending and various winemaking styles. Viognier, native to the Rhône Valley, is rich and aromatic, exuding fragrances of stone and tropical fruits, often with a touch of honeysuckle. While its acidity tends to be softer, its weight and texture make it a standout.
Together, these grapes create a harmonious wine—lush in fruit character, with golden hues and a touch of creaminess. It’s a food-friendly wine that shines with poultry, fish, and creamy pastas. Bonus: it’s an award winner, too!
A Family Winery with Heart
Yaffo Winery’s story is one of romance, family, and deep-rooted passion for winemaking. It began in the 1970s in France, where Moshe Celniker was studying physical therapy. There, he met Anne, a native of Alsace whose family had been making wine for generations. Their love blossomed in Strasbourg, where Anne also introduced Moshe to the world of fine wine and gastronomy.
The couple eventually moved to Israel, settling in Jaffa. In the early 2000s, they began making wine as a hobby in their backyard. What started as a labor of love quickly evolved into a thriving venture. By 2006, they had relocated to a larger site in the Ella Valley, which remains the winery’s home today.
Today, Yaffo Winery remains a close-knit family business. Their son, Stephan, serves as head winemaker, while their daughter Sophia leads marketing and events—keeping the family’s warm spirit alive in every bottle. From modest beginnings with just 1,500 bottles a year, Yaffo now produces over 70,000 annually, all with the same heartfelt approach.
Meet the Winemaker
Stephan Celniker studied agriculture at Hebrew University and later honed his craft in viticulture and oenology in Burgundy, France. He gained hands-on experience in prestigious wine regions like Saint-Émilion and South Africa, giving him a unique perspective that blends Old World elegance with New World vibrancy.
Stephan believes Israel’s climate and terroir are especially suited to expressive, fruit-driven wines. His winemaking style emphasizes approachability and freshness, steering clear of overly oaked or heavily manipulated wines. His goal: to let the grapes speak for themselves—and they do, beautifully.
Where to Buy
You can find Yaffo wines at select boutique wine retailers or online at kosherwine.com/IsraelWineGirl
Israel Wine Girl 
Leave a comment