A Conversation with Amichai Lourie - Award Winning Winemaker of Shiloh Winery

Amichai, from Shiloh Winery, opens his heart in the midst of unprecedented challenges. The past week has been a turbulent, emotional whirlwind for the State of Israel, Amichai and his family included, and he doesn’t hold back. Amidst the rolling vineyards and the promise of a bountiful harvest, his world, as well as the world of others, has been shaken to its core.

Asking him the simplest question, “How have things been for you personally over the last week?” reveals a story of heartache and determination. In a land where most are called to serve from the age of 18, Amichai’s family is no exception. His son, son-in-law, cousins, and nephews have all been deployed to the frontlines to defend the State of Israel, bearing witness to the unspeakable horrors that have befallen the homeland. The videos we see are but a mere glimpse of the anguish, suffering and loss they endure, the reality a hundred times worse. Amichai, too old to enlist, watches helplessly, yearning to aid in a battle that touches every fiber of his being. 

This crisis extends beyond the war efforts, and struck at a difficult time for the winery, during the harvest, when the team should have been together. Now, Amichai is left with only two people to perform the work of ten. The challenges are overwhelming, and the stress and sadness weigh heavily on his heart, praying that his team comes back safely from the front lines!

Yet, amid the turmoil, Amichai’s strength and resilience shine through. The biggest Shiloh vineyard, perched on the mountains, is a testament to a family of farmers. One of the brothers, a remarkable commander, אור יוסף רן הי"ד - Or Yosef Ran, paid the ultimate price in the first day of fighting. The sacrifices cut deep, but they fuel the spirit of determination that flows through Shiloh Winery and the entire Nation of Israel.

When asked if there was a charity that was close to his heart and how we could help support from here, Amichai shared his profound awe at One Israel Fund, which "uses 100% of its donations to support a variety of causes." They are currently assisting in the ongoing war with army supplies and essentials for the Israel Defense Forces.

And there, on the horizon, a glimmer of hope. The newly constructed winery, a testament to resilience, stands tall. Built by the hands of a steadfast Jewish workforce, it embodies a vision of a brighter Israel. The new visitor center is almost ready, but the finishing touches are on hold. Why? Because everybody, from every walk of life, has been called up and enlisted.

In the face of the darkest hour, there lies a silver lining. Amichai speaks of a truth that transcends time, “For the first time, we can fight back.” He quotes an age-old Psalm "אֶרְדּ֣וֹף א֭וֹיְבַי וְאַשִּׂיגֵ֑ם וְלֹֽא־אָ֝שׁ֗וּב עַד־כַּלּוֹתָֽם" - I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them, never turning back until they were consumed (תהלים פרק יח פסוק לח) -  The echoes of history resound, but this time, there is a chorus of strength, unity, and unwavering hope.

Together, we stand with Amichai, with Shiloh Winery, and with a nation that refuses to be broken. In the vineyards, where grapes grow and stories unfold, we find the spirit of a people who rise, unyielding, in the face of adversity.