Somek Winery

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Nestled in the historic Mediterranean coastal town of Zikhron Ya’akov, Somek Estate Winery is a family-owned boutique winery founded in 2002 by Barak and Hila Dahan. The Dahan family’s winemaking tradition dates back to 1882, when Barak’s ancestors arrived from Romania to cultivate Baron Edmond de Rothschild’s newly established vineyards. Today, Somek exclusively uses grapes from the family’s estate vineyard, meticulously cultivated for over 140 years.

The winery is located in the Bika'at Hanadiv Valley, also known as "The Benefactor Valley" in honor of Rothschild. This unique terroir is characterized by its alluvial soils mixed with sandy loam and terra rossa, as well as its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The coastal Mediterranean climate, with hot days tempered by cooling sea breezes, ensures optimal ripening conditions, enhancing the balance, complexity, and distinctiveness of Somek’s wines—even during the heat of summer.

Barak Dahan, a fifth-generation vintner, brings an intimate understanding of the land and vines to his craft. His deep familiarity with each plot and his commitment to traditional, manual vineyard practices result in exceptional grapes that form the foundation of Somek’s wines. Complementing Barak’s expertise, Hila Dahan holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Hebrew University and a master’s degree in viticulture and oenology from the University of Adelaide in Australia. Her scientific and technical knowledge, paired with Barak’s agricultural heritage, creates a harmonious blend of tradition and modern innovation.

Together, Barak and Hila oversee every stage of winemaking, from grape selection to bottling, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Their shared philosophy is to craft wines that capture the essence of the Bika'at Hanadiv terroir, balancing rich, bold flavors with elegance and character. Each bottle reflects the region’s sun, soil, wind, and rain, brought to life through the Dahan family’s hands-on dedication and deep passion for winemaking. In 2008, the winery produced approximately 80,000 bottles while maintaining its rustic and intimate charm.