Synonymous with Israeli winemaking is Carmel Winery, founded in 1882 by Baron Edmund de Rothschild,
owner of the iconic French Chateau Lafite. Legendary
Carmel Winery
is the largest winery in modern Israel and is led by an equally-legendary winemaker, Yiftach Peretz.
Peretz graduated from the prestigious Viticultura de Enologia in Italy, studying oenology and viticulture.
After learning the ropes of winemaking at several Italian wineries, he returned to Israel in 2006,
joining the winemaking team at Carmel, becoming head winemaker until 2012, at which time he pursued
an opportunity elsewhere, to return to Carmel in 2018 as Chief Winemaker. Peretz oversees a team of
five winemakers and a vast production of world-class wines.
We had a few moments to sit down with this talented and visionary winemaker.
An Interview with Yiftach Peretz
Yiftach, what originally drew you to wine and winemaking?
The combination of agriculture, the culture, and the people.
You famously returned to Carmel in 2018. What made you return to work as a winemaker at this iconic winery?
The people and the vineyard plots. I genuinely missed feeling the soil and working with Carmel’s amazing winegrowers –
this is indeed what I missed – the winegrowers, the vineyard plots, the vision, and the challenge.
How has your approach to winemaking changed over the last 15 years?
While in the past at university, I was taught that the most important factor in winemaking is the grapes –
I now know that superior grapes need to be nurtured from start to finish by quality people. Our winery team
is indeed the most important factor when we relate to the success of the winery. I learned that at the end
of the day, the quality of the grapes is as dependent on the winegrower, agronomist, and winery team as
it is to the grape-growing region.
What do you see as the future of winemaking for Israel?
I believe that we will see more & more cooperation between winegrowers. This will lead to even higher
quality vines which in turn, will continue the upward status of Israel as a winemaking country.
I also hope to see more & more women joining the wine world – both in the field of production and as consumers.
What do modern Israeli winemaking techniques offer the rest of the world?
In addition, what have Israeli winemakers learned from elsewhere?
Most of the winemakers in the Israeli wine industry gained their knowledge and wine techniques
from different parts of the world – this knowledge was enhanced by their passion and love of Israel.
The Carmel Winery is also represented by knowledge acquired in several locations in the world
(Italy, France, Australia & New Zealand). All these elements create a fruitful, interesting, and
creative working environment.
Let’s discuss something fun. Which variety is your favorite to drink? To produce?
Without a doubt, my choice would be Carignan, which is extremely responsive to the terroir
where it grows, with each plot expressing its own different and interesting character.
Carignan is very well-suited to the Israeli dry, hot climate and at the same time,
it produces a wine that displays elegance and long aging ability. This variety provides rich,
fruity flavors like the mature “old vines” cultivated in the vineyards of Zichron Yaacov.
What has been your favorite wine you have produced, or which are you most proud of, and why?
In the Carmel Winery, the range of wines is quite extensive. We are, of course, extremely proud of the
Limited Edition &
Mediterranean,
which are very well-known in the wine world. This being said, the wines that I’m particularly partial to,
and that are interesting to work on, are the
Cabernet Sauvignon
and Sauvignon Blanc from the
Private Collection series.
These wines are of exceptionally high quality and are great value for the money. Their quality
and approachability reaches many Israeli households and consumers overseas, allowing them to
be part of life’s many joyful moments.
Taste Carmel Today!
We invite you to taste the impressive portfolio of
Carmel Wines up to 22% off!
We're confident you'll enjoy them as a great weeknight wine, special Shabbos or Chag wine,
and make them part of your next family Simcha. L'Chaim!
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