Ramat Naftaly Winery

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Established in 2003 in Moshav Ramot Naftaly in the Upper Galilee, Ramot Naftaly Winery is a boutique winery producing approximately 10,000 bottles annually. Since 2009, all wines have been certified kosher.

The winery is led by Yitzhak Cohen, whose journey into winemaking began in 1989 when he served as CEO of Golan Heights Winery. Yitzhak fell in love with the wine business and dreamed of one day building a small winery of his own. To achieve this, he pursued extensive training in winemaking, including studies at Tel-Hai College and visits to wineries across Europe. In 2003, with the full support and involvement of his family, Yitzhak realized his dream and established Ramot Naftaly Winery. Today, the winery remains a family-run operation, supported by a dedicated team that shares a passion for cultivating vineyards and crafting exceptional wines.

The winery’s vineyards are located on the southern edge of the Kedesh Valley, between Moshav Ramot Naftaly and Moshav Dishon. This region is surrounded by high mountainous ranges that protect the vines from harsh winds. The vineyards are planted in deep Terra Rossa soil on moderate slopes, benefiting from natural drainage, morning mist, and soft sunlight, even during the hottest summer months. These conditions produce high-quality grapes that are ideal for winemaking. The winery cultivates six grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Barbera.

Ramot Naftaly's winemaking process is meticulous and focused on quality. Grapes are harvested manually early in the morning and immediately placed in cooling rooms. In the evening, they are carefully sorted by hand before being transferred to a small crushing machine. The crushed grapes are then fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. Following fermentation, the wine ages in new French oak barrels housed in a cooled barrel room. The aging process lasts between 12 and 24 months, allowing the wines to develop their full complexity and character.

Ramot Naftaly Winery is dedicated to producing wines that reflect the distinct terroir of the Galilee. Yitzhak envisions the Kedesh Valley becoming one of Israel's most prestigious wine appellations, thanks to its unique conditions and exceptional growing environment. The winery operates with the philosophy that great wines start with great grapes, combining careful vineyard management and rigorous production practices to ensure excellence in every bottle.

In addition to crafting its own wines, Yitzhak plays an active role in the local winemaking community, offering wine manufacturing and processing services to support other wineries in the region.