Negev

Israel's desert south, where viticulture became possible through drip irrigation.

Country

Israel

Climate

Desert, irrigated viticulture

Main varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon · Syrah · Chenin Blanc · Marselan

Viticulture in the Negev depends entirely on irrigation. Wide diurnal temperature swings and a near-total absence of vine disease produce clean, concentrated wines.

The region is interesting as evidence that origin and quality are set by viticultural practice rather than tradition alone: by historical standards the plantings here are only decades old.