Yatir Winery

Yatir Winery is located in the northeastern Negev desert, 10 minutes from the Yatir Forest, near the ancient archaeological site of Tel Arad. Vineyard plots are scattered throughout the forest at elevations ranging from 650 to 900 meters above sea level. The soils are clay limestone and chalky in composition, with individual plots varying in soil makeup, slope angle, and aspect. This mosaic of micro-terroirs gives the winemaking team considerable raw material to work with.

• Elevation range of 650-900 meters creates significant diurnal temperature variation
• Clay limestone and chalky soils underpin the vineyard sites
• Individual plots vary in soil composition, slant, and aspect across the forest
• Located within the Negev appellation of the Judean Hills parent region

The climate at Yatir is classified as a dry, cold desert climate. Summer days are hot and dry, but nights are cool, creating the diurnal temperature shifts that preserve acidity and aromatic complexity in the grapes. This combination of intense daytime sun and cool nights is central to the style of wines Yatir produces, driving both phenolic ripeness and freshness simultaneously.

• Hot, dry summer days with cool summer nights create strong diurnal temperature variation
• Cold desert nights preserve natural acidity in the grapes
• High altitude amplifies the cooling effect relative to lower Negev areas
• Dry conditions limit disease pressure in the vineyards

The Yatir Forest itself was planted in 1964 by the Jewish National Fund and remains Israel's largest planted forest. Vineyard plots within the forest were first established in 1996-1997, and the winery was founded in 2000. The site sits near Tel Arad, an archaeological landmark with 3,000 years of recorded history, and the broader region carries a winemaking heritage stretching back approximately 2,500 years to the Kingdom of Judah. Yatir Winery channels that ancient legacy through a thoroughly modern approach to viticulture and winemaking.

• Winery founded in 2000 as a joint venture with Carmel Winery
• Vineyards first planted 1996-1997 in the Yatir Forest
• Region has 2,500 years of winemaking history dating to the Kingdom of Judah
• Yatir Forest planted by the Jewish National Fund in 1964

Yatir grows an impressive range of 15 varieties suited to its high-altitude desert terroir. Red varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Grenache, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Carignan, Tannat, and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Viognier, Chenin Blanc, and Roussanne. The winery's three main blends are Yatir Forest (the flagship Bordeaux blend), Yatir Creek, and Mt. Amasa. Yatir also produces Darom by Yatir, a secondary label using grapes from southern Israeli regions. Some vineyards are cultivated using the traditional goblet-bush vine method.

• Flagship Yatir Forest is a Bordeaux-style red blend with 9 consecutive 90+ Wine Advocate scores
• Three main blends: Yatir Forest, Yatir Creek, and Mt. Amasa
• 15 varieties grown across the vineyard holdings
• Darom by Yatir is a secondary brand sourced from broader southern Israel

Yatir is recognized as one of Israel's top wineries both domestically and internationally. The flagship Yatir Forest wine has received scores of 90 points or above from Wine Advocate for nine consecutive seasons, a benchmark of consistent quality at this level. With annual production of approximately 150,000 bottles, Yatir sits firmly in boutique territory while maintaining the distribution reach to build an international profile for Israeli fine wine.

• Recognized as one of Israel's leading boutique wineries locally and internationally
• Yatir Forest has earned 90+ Wine Advocate points for nine consecutive seasons
• Annual production of approximately 150,000 bottles
• Kosher certified across the entire range