Our Vineyards
Carmel Mountain Range: Zichron Yaakov & Givat Ada
Towards the end of 19th century, the Zichron Ya’akov region was appointed by Baron Edmund de Rothschild as an ideal location for the cultivation of high quality vineyards. The Tishbi family has five centuries of experience in the cultivation of wine grapes, their vineyards covering 62 acres (25 hectares) spreading from the slopes of the Carmel Mountains to only a few kilometers from the Mediterranean coastline. The cool sea breezes which alleviate the summer heat generate the morning mists, hence providing extra protection to the vines. The diverse soil varies from red and black alluvial to white limestone. Each grape variety is grown in the conditions suited for its cultivation – for example, the Gold award-winning Chardonnay from the Jonathan Tishbi Special Reserve series is grown solely on black soil, producing an especially high quality yield – around 700 kilograms to 0.1 hectares without irrigation. Cabernet Sauvignon was planted on the white limestone-based soil, characterized by providing a limited yield in order to produce the highest quality grapes.
Upper Galilee: Kfar Yuval & Kerem Ben Zimra
Close to the Lebanese border at 300 to 700 meters elevation, this is perhaps the best terroir in Israel; the virgin red soil of the ancient Hula Lake is well drained and studded with smooth pebbles, making it airy, yet rich; high elevations and hillside day/night temperatures allow good polyphonolic maturation. This location, with its cold climate, yields grapes with a particularly intense character. The soil is especially suited for the cultivation of wine grapes due to the limestone sub-soil. Since temperatures in the vineyard are low both day and night, the grapes contain consistently high acidity. This climate contributes to a slow ripening with the harvest taking place only in mid October. The combination of these qualities produces wines with the potential alcohol content of 13%. Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Chardonnay are used for "Reserve" and "Estate" wines.
Lower Galilee: Kfar Tavor
The vineyards on the slopes on the Tavor hillside, at 400 meters elevation, produce Sauvignon Blanc, French Colombard, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The rich, red, light limestone based soil on which these grapes are grown has excellent drainage qualities and has an airy character thanks to the rivers partly covering this region. Their location on the southern slopes of the Tavor hillside imparts the optimum amount of sunshine on the vines, resulting in high sugar content, deep color, full tannins and early ripening. The grape varieties - Sauvignon Blanc, French Colombard, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot - are designated primarily for the “Tishbi” series.
Judean Hills
600 to 900 meters elevation hillside vineyards in the Judean Hills nearby Jerusalem, with limestone soil produces Chardonnay, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These grapes create the most elegant wines of the Tishbi Winery. This region is characterized by its dry climate and cool breezes. Summer evenings are cool, even before sunset, with the open elevated vineyards being located towards the west. In the early hours of the morning and the evening, the temperature drops significantly, this enhancing the growth of grapes. The wines possess cassis & cranberry aromas and long-lasting, subtle tannins, showing similarities in character to certain Bordeaux wines (Saint Julienne, Pouillac). Surrounding vegetation lends flavors of eucalyptus, menthol and herbs. This district has been renowned for thousands of years for its vine growing and wine production, and is mentioned in the book of Genesis in the Bible in Jacob's blessing to his son Judah. Harvesting takes place mid October, often leading into mid November.
Negev Desert: Sde Boker
At an elevation of 500 meters, and in a location with a significant historical ambiance, these vineyards are cultivated on desert soil and enjoy a unique, airy climate. The cultivation of grapes in this region constitutes the realization of David Ben Gurion’s visions to develop the wilderness of the Negev. Archeological research in the ancient Nabataean city of Ovdat has proved that 1,000 years ago, wines were being produced from vines grown in this area. Today, the vines are cultivated with the aid of advanced technology, using sophisticated irrigation systems. The yield is purposely limited in order to preserve water and to reach the optimum quality of the grapes. The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties yield especially small grapes possessing substantial skins, rich in color and tannins. This is thanks to the hot, dry days and the cool night breezes. The great wines created from this region possess deep colors, extraordinary flavor intensity, and an excellent aging potential - the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon having been designated for the "Jonathan Tishbi Special Reserve" which is produced in limited quantities.
