🇮🇱 Every Journey Begins Somewhere…
Besides being an absolutely delicious summer white, I love this wine simply because of its name—Israeli Journey.
My own Israeli journey began in 1976, and although it has taken me in directions I never imagined, it continues today. Every trip, every vineyard, every bottle, and every person I’ve met along the way has become part of that journey.
This week’s Wine of the Week seemed like the perfect reminder that every bottle tells a story—and every one of us has our own Israeli journey.
💙 I’d love to hear about yours. Whether it was your first trip, a memorable experience, or simply discovering Israeli wine for the first time, send me your story at israelwinegirl@gmail.com.
🍋 Tasting Notes
Color: Pale yellow
Aroma: Citrus, apple, floral notes, honeysuckle, with a subtle hint of crushed herbs
Taste: Rich and complex with flavors of green apple, pear, lychee, and crisp minerality
Body: Medium
Finish: Bright acidity with a clean, refreshing finish
🍇 About the Wine
A blend of White Grenache, Roussanne, Viognier, Colombard, and a touch of Gewürztraminer, this wine had me excited before I even poured the first glass. The result is an aromatic, fresh, beautifully balanced white bursting with citrus, orchard fruit, floral aromas, and vibrant minerality.
Three of these grape varieties—Grenache, Roussanne, and Viognier—originate from France’s famed Rhône Valley, one of the world’s great wine regions. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and cooled by the legendary Mistral winds, the Rhône has produced exceptional wines for centuries.
🇫🇷 The region is also home to the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose name translates to “The Pope’s New Castle.” During the 14th century, when the papal court moved from Rome to nearby Avignon, the popes helped establish standards for quality winemaking that would eventually influence vineyards throughout Europe—and, centuries later, modern Israeli wineries as well.
🇮🇱 Vitkin’s Israeli Journey White beautifully reflects that Mediterranean heritage while expressing Israel’s own unique terroir.
🍽️ Food Pairing
This wine pairs wonderfully with:
- 🐟 Fresh fish
- 🍗 Roast chicken
- 🍝 Light pasta dishes
- 🧀 Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella
- 🫒 Mediterranean appetizers
Served well chilled, it’s the perfect white wine for a warm summer evening.
🏡 About the Winery
Founded in 2001, Vitkin Winery was established by brothers-in-law Doron Belogolovsky and Assaf Paz, together with Doron’s wife and Assaf’s sister, Sharona Belogolovsky. Their vision was simple: to produce authentic Mediterranean wines that reflected Israel’s climate, landscape, and unique character.
Today, Vitkin is considered one of Israel’s pioneering boutique wineries, helping to revive lesser-known varietals such as Carignan, Colombard, and Petite Sirah. Rather than relying solely on estate vineyards, the winery sources grapes from carefully selected vineyards throughout Israel, allowing each variety to thrive where it grows best.
📍 In 2015, the winery moved to its current home in the Hefer Valley, just outside Netanya. The beautiful visitor center, designed by architect Sharona Belogolovsky, offers wine tastings alongside a delicious farm-to-table menu. If you’re planning a trip to Israel, Vitkin is well worth the stop.
👨🔬 About the Winemaker
Assaf Paz is one of Israel’s most accomplished winemakers. He was the first Israeli graduate of the University of Bordeaux’s Department of Oenology and has worked in wineries throughout France, Australia, California, and Israel.
His experience at Tishbi, Binyamina, and Carmel helped shape his philosophy of crafting wines that truly express Israel’s unique terroir.
Today, his portfolio showcases both classic and less common varieties, including Carignan, Pinot Noir, Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling—all produced with a distinctly Israeli character.
🛒 Where to Find It
Vitkin wines are available at select Buy Rite Wine & Spirits stores and online at KosherWine.com.
Don’t forget to use my discount code IWG5 at checkout!
🥂 Final Thoughts
Wherever your Israeli journey has taken you—or wherever it may lead next—I hope this bottle becomes part of the adventure.
L’chaim! 🍷
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