點吾臻品酒莊

Israel - An Old Testament to Wine

When Moses first led his people out of Egypt to the “Promised Land”, he sent two spies out into the desert. And what do you think those spies came back with? Two clusters of grapes! Now that’s our kind of “Promised Land”! When the Thirsty Traveler set out for Israel, he took on a mission of biblical proportions: to find the new, cool Israeli wines that are becoming local and international sensations!

For countless millions of people, Jerusalem is the world’s religious epicenter. Jews, Christians and Arabs all consider this place sacred, and pilgrims from every corner of the globe come here to see the holy sights and seek spiritual enlightenment.

Well, the Thirsty Traveler is here to fulfill a slightly different quest. We’re on a pilgrimage to discover how Israel is building on 5,000 years of wine-making history, and creating some world-class wines in the process.

Wine has always been an integral part of Jewish life. You’ll find it in nearly every ritual and celebration — from births to bar mitzvahs — and it’s been that way for thousands of years.

Archeologists say that people were making wine here more than 5,000 years ago. Back in those days, wine was an integral part of everyday life, and Kiddush wine was used in ceremonies of every sort. Well, some things haven’t changed, and wine is still a big part of everyday life in Israel. But one thing that has changed is the incredible quality of the wine.

These wonderful wines represent the “new order” in Israeli wine. And what’s the flagship wine leading the parade to world-class status? Cabernet sauvignon. While you’re in Israel, check out a little place called Zichron Ya’acov. This is where Baron Rothschild kick-started modern Israeli winemaking. And it’s also the home of Carmel Wineries, where the passion to make a truly great wine thrives and grows!

There is no doubt that part of the appeal of Israel's wine story is its exotic, rich history. But the real story today, in its vineyards and its wineries, is the quest for quality, which makes Israel arguably the most progressive wine country in the whole of the eastern Mediterranean, if not the world.

But hey! There’s a lot to see and do in Israel, this most gracious, spiritual and beautiful country! Take Jerusalem for example: while you’re there, you can’t miss The Wailing or Western Wall, the remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a place of prayer sacred to the Jewish people. Take a wander through the city, which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and alleyways; this ancient part of the city is filled with shrines and attractions holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, including Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

If you’re into something more swinging and modern, don’t miss Tel Aviv’s beaches, nightlife, and youthful exuberance, and be sure to take in the Jaffa Flea Market which has to be seen to be believed! Cap off your travels with a cool-down in the Dead Sea, and another glass of wonderful, crisp Israeli Cab Sav!

Israel is a country of passion, and you’ll find that passion everywhere. So here’s to our new friends in Israel, their passion for the vine, and their undying passion for life.

L’chaim!

摘自 The Thirsty Traveler

 http://www.thirstytraveler.tv/html/destinations/detail.php?id=49