Ben Zimra Winery

Domaine du Castel is a family winery in the Judean mountains, near Jerusalem. We strive to make classic & elegenat wines from our unique terroir. Eli Ben Zaken, together with his three children, strive to make classic and elegant fine wines. The red wines, Grand Vin and Petit Castel, are both Bordeaux blends; aged in French oak barrels, they have an intense and complex bouquet. The palate is silky and rich with deep black fruit, spices and soft but assertive tannins. The finish is long, smooth and clean. The wines are unfined and unfiltered to fully preserve their flavors. They are well suited for aging and should reach their peak a few years after release. The "C" Blanc du Castel is a Chardonnay. The wine is aged sur lie for 12 months in the underground cellars. There is a frequent bâtonnage (stirring of the lees), a technique that enhances its complexity. The aroma is fruity with a hint of roasted almonds. The palate is rich and round with plenty of yellow tropical fruit and citrus. It is very well balanced and mouth coating. Domaine du Castel winery currently produces around 8000 cases annually. The Wine Advocate of Robert Parker, perhaps the most influential wine critics in the world, writes: "Domaine du Castel is one of Israel's most prestigious wineries, invariably on most short lists in the "best winery in Israel" debate … among the long established crown jewels."

Barkan Winery Visitor Center at Kibbutz Hulda invites you to be exposed to the great world of wine saturated with flavors, aromas and colors. At the center we offer guided tours and wine tasting with a team of professional winemakers, along with an amazing view of more than two thousand dunams of vineyards. All these great experiences are only half an hour drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. In addition, you can also order cheese platters and snacks and purchase from the winery's shop.

In the Upper Galilee, near Kibbutz Yaron, we discovered the beauty of a liberated encounter with nature. This meeting experience spawned a free and creative winery in its approach and work. We work with nature and create a lasting relationship with the land and vineyards that grow out of it