From Israel: ISRAWINEXPO2006

Tasting at a higher level; the wines of now in Israel

By Avi Roth

Last week, when Israel's first international wine expo was opened to the public and media in Tel Aviv's Exhibition Center, the country's wine industry reached new prominence.

ISRAWINEXPO 2006, was a combined initiative by the Israel Trade Fairs & Convention Center, the Israeli Wine & Gourmet Magazine, the Grape-Man Wine-Center, and sponsored by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, Ministry of Agriculture, The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, The Israel Wine Grapes Board and the Israel Wines Portal. The expo successfully emphasized the excellence, and regional diversity of Israeli wines. Popular wine brands that have driven Israel's international profile and relatively small boutique.

wineries, have presented at the event some of the best wines Israeli winemakers have to offer.

Pouring Kosher wines were 36 of the country's estimated 200 wineries with wines priced at $9 to $55 and more. Most of the major wineries have kosher certification, as well as most mid-sized producers. However, most of the small boutique wineries do not.

It was all about interaction. Offering a comprehensive range of activities, ISRAWINEXPO 2006 was designed to reconnect the media and consumers alike with the Israeli wine industry Renaissance. At the same time, it enhanced the consumer's knowledge and enjoyment for wine. It truly presented a unique opportunity to enjoy tasting and chat with the experts about winemaking, food and wine parings.

Israelis known for their affinity to travel have done just that; traveled around the world and tasted the fine wines of Europe, US and elsewhere, in cafes and restaurants. They started to learn and understand more about great wines and compare it to the local market. The demand and supply equation prompted the rise of local consumption and caused the stellar growth of the wine industry in the past few years creating a phenomenon.