Fresh from the Desert, Ramat Negev’s Midbar White
🍷Tasting Notes
Color: Pale straw with golden reflections
Aroma: Citrus blossom, grapefruit, pineapple, and fresh melon
Taste: Bright lemon and tropical fruit flavors with hints of peach and green apple
Body: Light to medium-bodied
Finish: Crisp, refreshing, and zesty with lively acidity
🍾 About the Wine
This aromatic blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Sauvignon Blanc offers beautiful aromas and flavors of both citrus and tropical fruits, balanced by crisp acidity that makes it truly refreshing.
The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning from vineyards located in the Negev Highlands near the village of Kadesh Barnea — the historic oasis area near the border of Israel and Egypt that served as a main encampment for the Israelites during their 40 years wandering in the desert.
The vineyard is characterized by the typical Negev climate of desert dryness and dramatic temperature differences between hot days and cool nights.
Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes are immediately crushed and separated from the skins to preserve the wine’s delicate light color. The wine then undergoes a slow, cold fermentation process to maintain the fruit’s natural aromas and flavors. This slower fermentation also helps preserve the wine’s bright natural acidity, giving it its crisp and refreshing character. ❄️🍷
The lively acidity and citrus notes pair beautifully with tangy goat cheese or feta, creamy dips like hummus and tzatziki, fresh green vegetables and salads, and herb-forward chicken dishes. 🧀🥗🍗
For a special meal pairing, check out Celebrity Chef Jamie Geller’s Butterfly Herb and Lemon Grilled Chicken. 🍋🔥
🌄 About the Winery
The Ramat Negev Winery was established in 1997 by Alon and Nira Zadok, wine lovers who believed deeply in David Ben Gurion’s vision of making the desert bloom.
They began with just 2.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines. By 2000, they were producing approximately 3,000 bottles annually, earning them recognition as the “First Family of Negev Wine Producers.” 🍇
Over time, and with the help of their sons — Yogev, the winemaker, and Gilad, who oversees sales and business development — the winery expanded its vineyards, embraced new technologies, and grew into a winery that now produces approximately 500,000 bottles each year. 🍷
The Zadok family is a true success story and demonstrates that with passion, knowledge, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to change, almost anything can be accomplished. As Theodor Herzl famously said, “If you will it, it is no dream“. ✨
Each bottle produced at the winery stands as a testament to authentic family tradition, a deep connection to the desert soil, and the blending of creativity and innovation in crafting world-class wines.
👨🔬 About the Winemaker
Yogev Zadok, son of Alon and Nira, serves as Ramat Negev Winery’s winemaker. He studied oenology for three years at the University of Florence in Italy and completed an internship at the world-renowned Marchesi Antinori winery in Tuscany.
Yogev helped place Ramat Negev on the international wine stage when their Exodus Grand Reserve — a blend of Petit Verdot and Malbec — won a Platinum Award at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards. 🏆🍷
❤️ Why I Love This Wine
I love this wine because it perfectly captures the spirit of the Negev desert — bright, vibrant, and full of life. 🌞🍋🌵
The combination of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc creates a refreshing balance of tropical fruit and crisp citrus, making it incredibly easy to drink. It’s the kind of wine that feels equally perfect for a holiday table, warm-weather sipping, or simply relaxing at the end of a long day. 🍷
But beyond the wine itself, I love the story behind it. The Zadok family truly embraced David Ben Gurion’s dream of making the desert bloom, and every bottle reflects their passion, perseverance, and pioneering spirit. 💛
🛍️ Where to Find
For those living in the Princeton area, Princeton Corkscrew had an entire case on the rack when I stopped in before Shavuot — but now they only have 11 bottles left! That means you should head over soon and pick up your own bottle.
And please tell Laurent that Jody, Israel Wine Girl, sent you. 😊🍷
For those outside the area, Ramat Negev wines — including the prestigious EXODUS — are also available online at Kosher Wine Direct.
Israel Wine Girl 
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