Capital by Zion Winery – A Jerusalem Legacy in Winemaking

The story of Zion Winery begins in 1848, within the Old City of Jerusalem. Established by the Shor family, the winery has remained in family ownership and management for over 177 years. Today, it is recognized as the 5th largest winery in Israel. Yet, it continues to operate with the ethos of a family estate, where tradition, continuity, and attention to detail are central values.

Now located on the eastern outskirts of Jerusalem, at the edge of the Judean Desert, the winery draws grapes from carefully selected vineyards across Israel, ranging from the northern Golan Heights to the southern Negev. This broad geographical scope allows for a rich diversity of terroirs while maintaining the consistent style and quality that define Zion wines.

The Capital Label

Capital is the winery’s flagship label, named after Jerusalem itself. The range reflects both quality and accessibility, with several wines achieving recognition in Israel’s leading wine competitions as well as on the international stage.

• Cabernet Sauvignon – classic in style, fruit-forward with balanced structure and a lingering finish.
• Merlot – soft, rounded, with layered complexity; widely regarded for its substantial value at its price point.
• Lions Gate Red – a blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Merlot; rustic, spicy, and fruit-driven.
• Lions Gate White – a fresh and aromatic blend of Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat (unavailable in the U.S.)
• Rosé – crisp, refreshing, with bright acidity and delicate berry notes.

Each of these wines has earned awards, including gold medals at the Challenge International du Vin, the Israel Wine Awards, and the Best Value Competition, as well as recognition at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

A Tradition Sustained

The continuity of the Shor family in leadership is central to the winery’s identity. CEO Yossi Shor and winemaker Zvika Shor represent the latest generation, carrying forward the work of their fathers. With Zvika Shor serving as winemaker since 1992, the winery benefits from one of the longest-standing hands-on experiences in Israeli winemaking today.

Despite its scale, Zion Winery is often described as having the feel of a boutique operation – blending the efficiency of a business with the resources of a major producer and the intimacy and craftsmanship of a family-owned winery.