🍷 Tasting Notes
Color: Deep ruby
Aroma: Lavender, violet, red and black fruits, hints of smoked oak
Taste: Red and black cherries, herbaceous notes, warm spices
Body: Full-bodied
Finish: Long and spicy
🌺 About the Wine
Tulip Espero Red 2023 is a blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes harvested from vineyards in both the Galilee and the Judean Hills. Each varietal was fermented and aged separately for six months in oak barrels. After blending, the wine was aged for an additional six months to achieve its final balance and depth.
The name “Espero” means “hope” in Esperanto, a constructed (or “artificial”) language. Unlike natural languages that evolve over time, constructed languages are intentionally created. Famous examples include Elvish (by J.R.R. Tolkien for The Lord of the Rings), Klingon (by linguist Marc Okrand for Star Trek), and Dothraki (by David Peterson for Game of Thrones).
Esperanto, however, was not invented for fiction—it was developed in 1887 by Polish-born ophthalmologist L. L. Zamenhof as a universal language meant to promote peace and unity among people.
Tulip’s Espero Series was crafted to reflect this same spirit of connection and inclusivity. The winery, located within a community of adults with special needs, embraces the idea that wine—like language—can bring people together. Fittingly, Esperanto remains the world’s most widely spoken constructed language.
🌷 About the Winery
Founded in 2003 by Roy Itzhaki, Tulip Winery combines a passion for both wine and humanity. It is located in Kfar Tikvah (“Village of Hope”), a community for adults with special needs. Tulip employs members of the village in every aspect of its operations—from tending vineyards and producing wine to managing the visitor center—providing meaningful employment and empowerment through work.
The winery’s name honors Roy’s mother, who loves tulips. Since its founding, Tulip has flourished, producing over 400,000 bottles annually and distributing them throughout Israel and around the world.
🍇 About the Winemaker
Head Winemaker Dana Beny brings an international perspective to Tulip. She studied winemaking in Italy and gained hands-on experience in Bordeaux, South Africa, and California before succeeding longtime winemaker David Bar-Ilan. Dana oversees both wine production and vineyard management, ensuring that Tulip’s wines express their regional character with precision and care.
Tulip has recently established a new agriculture department, led by Professor Costas Bakiastas, a Mediterranean viticulture expert, alongside Gil Sharon, vineyard manager. Under Dana’s direction, they are implementing innovative planting and growing methods designed to enhance flexibility—an increasingly important value since October 7, 2023.
🛍️ Where to Find Tulip Wines
Tulip wines, including Espero Red, can be purchased online at KosherWine.com.
Please use this special link to credit Israel Wine Girl with your purchase.
You can also find Tulip wines at most Total Wine locations, along with MAIA, their sister boutique winery focused on Mediterranean-style wines—also founded by Roy Itzhaki.
“Tulip Winery proves that wine can do more than delight the senses — it can bring people together.”
Israel Wine Girl 
Leave a comment