✨ Tasting Notes
Color: deep purple
Aroma: blackberries, plums, with subtle oak
Taste: rich dark fruit layered with warm spice
Body: medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced
Finish: long, clean, and refreshing
🍇 About the Wine
Ella Red is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. It’s a medium- to full-bodied wine with elegant tannins and a smooth, structured feel.
What really stands out is the complexity and richness that come from blending these varietals—each one adding its own layer of depth. The finish lingers just long enough to make you want another sip… and then another.
🌄 About the Winery
Ella Valley Vineyards is an estate winery located in the Judean Hills, established in 1998.
To be recognized as an estate winery, a few key standards must be met:
- Wine is made 100% from grapes grown on the estate
- Fermentation, aging, and bottling all take place on-site
- The winery owns and manages its vineyards, ensuring full control over quality
Ella Valley farms approximately 800 dunams (just under 200 acres) across three distinct vineyard sites:
- Kerem Nativ Hala – the closest vineyard to the winery, sitting at 320 meters on the edge of the Ella Valley. Varietals planted at this site include: Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Carignan, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer.
- Nes Harim Vineyard – reaching 700 meters above sea level and surrounded by natural forest, allowing for a long, slow ripening period and highly concentrated fruit. Varietals planted at this site include: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Viognier.
- Aderey Vineyard – the largest site at 400 meters, with diverse soils that create ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Varietals planted at this site include: Malbec, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo, Tannat, Cinsault, Colombard, and Carignan.
The winery produces about 400,000 bottles annually, with a philosophy centered on complete control from vine to bottle—deciding what to grow, how to grow it, and exactly when to harvest.
👨🔬 About the Winemaker
The founding winemaker, Doron Rav Hon, helped establish Ella Valley’s reputation and focus on expressing the Judean Hills terroir. Trained in Burgundy, he completed his apprenticeship at Domaine Jacques Prieur and later specialized in sparkling wine production in Champagne. He is now co-owner of SPHERA Winery and serves as winemaker.
Today, the winery is led by Ariel Bier, part of a newer generation of Israeli winemakers bringing fresh energy and perspective while continuing the winery’s commitment to quality and place.
📍 Where to Find
I picked up a bottle at Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet, and it’s also available online at KosherWine.com for under $25.
💡 Tip: Use code IWG5 for 5% off
Israel Wine Girl 
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