🍇 Tasting Notes
Color: Deep purple
Aroma: Plum, blackberry
Taste: Black cherry, blueberry, plum, coffee, spices, vanilla
Body: Full-bodied
Finish: Velvety, well-balanced, with good acidity
🍷 About the Wine
Levantina is a blend of three delicious varietals: Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Carignan. Each was sourced from different vineyards across Israel and fermented individually in stainless steel before aging in oak for 10 months. The wines were then blended and returned to oak for an additional two months, resulting in a wine that is fruit-forward, has firm tannins, and is layered with complexity—a full-bodied wine that is ready to enjoy.
The blend is composed of 50% Petite Sirah, which provides the wine’s dominant structure—deep, dark, and rich in tannins. These grapes were harvested from vineyards in Kidron, near the Jerusalem Hills.
Grenache makes up 25% of the blend, with grapes grown in the Upper Galilee. This component contributes juicy fruit flavors, a velvety texture, and bright acidity.
The final 25% is Carignan, sourced from Kfar Tavor in the Lower Galilee. It enhances the wine’s color, adds spice, and further elevates the acidity.
Levantina is part of the Asufa Series (“asufa” means collection), which gives winemaker Guy Eshel the opportunity to experiment with different grape combinations and proportions to create complex wines. The series includes seven wines, with Levantina earning 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and a Silver Medal from Decanter.
The name “Levantina” reflects its regional identity, highlighting grapes sourced from across the Levant—the historical and geographical term for the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes Israel.
This wine pairs beautifully with hearty meats, BBQ, and Mediterranean dishes. One of our favorite pairings is my daughter and granddaughter’s amazing Ratatouille, made using the Easy French Ratatouille recipe from TheKitchn.
🏡 About the Winery
To tell the story of the Galilee as a wine-growing region, you have to start with the Haruni family.
Originally from England, the Harunis moved to Israel in 1991. Alex arrived planning to learn Hebrew, while his father, Mat—a successful businessman—was searching for a new venture. Coming from the gemstone and diamond industry, the family had no background in wine, but they were passionate Zionists who wanted to contribute to the country in a meaningful way.
At the time, there was very little wine production in the Galilee. Recognizing the region’s potential for premium winemaking, they set out to help develop it. In 1995, they founded Dalton Winery.
With no prior experience, they brought in expert consultants and invested heavily in top-tier talent—something that remains a cornerstone of their philosophy today.
Their impact is evident not only in Dalton’s success, but in the growth of the entire region. Dalton now manages over 200 acres of vineyards and produces approximately 1,000,000 bottles annually. As of February 2026, the Galilee accounts for roughly 45% of Israel’s grape production and is home to a wide range of wineries, from large commercial producers to small boutique operations.
“If you will it, it is no dream”… אם תרצו, אין זו אגדה
👨🔬 About the Winemaker
Guy Eshel has been with Dalton since 2015. Israeli-born, he spent part of his upbringing in California, which helped shape his global perspective on wine.
He graduated from UC Davis in 2013 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology, then traveled extensively to refine his craft. He spent time in France’s Northern Rhône, continued on to Australia where he worked at the renowned Clonakilla winery, and later returned to California to join Broc Cellars in Berkeley—where he drew inspiration from the “New California” wave of alternative winemaking.
After eight years abroad, Guy returned to Israel and joined Alex Haruni at Dalton, bringing with him a wealth of international experience and a fresh, innovative approach.
❤️ Why I Love This Wine
This is the kind of wine that checks every box for me—bold, complex, and incredibly satisfying, yet still approachable. The balance between rich fruit, structure, and acidity makes it versatile, whether you’re pairing it with a hearty meal or simply enjoying a glass on its own. It’s a beautiful expression of what Israeli winemaking can achieve when tradition and innovation come together.
🛒 Where to Find
I purchased this wine online from kosherwine.com. (Use code IWG5 to get 5% off the sale)
Israel Wine Girl 
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