Israel, May 27, 2026. A new era for Israeli viticulture: The Negev has been officially recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (G.I.) under the name “Negev.” This firmly establishes Israel’s southern region, with its millennia-old winemaking tradition, on the international wine map and places it alongside world-class wine regions such as Champagne, Chianti, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley.

The recognition is based on extensive expert reports from leading Israeli experts, who were able to demonstrate that wines from the Negev possess a distinctive profile attributable to the region’s unique desert terroir. The Merage Foundation Israel played a leading role in this effort, having worked for years to position the Negev as an internationally recognized wine destination. After approximately four years, the process has now been completed with the formal designation of a new Israeli wine region stretching from Kiryat Gat in the north to Eilat in the south.

The fact that viticulture is practiced in the Negev at all is no given: thanks to state-of-the-art agricultural and irrigation technologies, local producers are able to successfully cultivate grapevines even under extreme desert conditions and in the face of climate change. At the same time, the region is building on a tradition that dates back to biblical times. The Negev was already famous for its wines in ancient times, before modern viticulture was revived there in the 20th century. Today, the region is home to over 60 wineries and vineyards that produce more than one million bottles annually.

With this recognition, the Negev becomes the second Israeli wine region after the Judean Wine Region to hold official status as a protected wine region—a milestone for the entire industry and a strong signal for wine tourism in Israel.

Nicole Hod Stroh, Executive Director of the Merage Foundation Israel, comments: “The recognition of the Negev wine region is a deeply personal milestone. As someone who immigrated to Israel from Colombia and has invested many years in the regional development and economic growth of the Negev, I see wine tourism as a modern and significant expression of contemporary Zionism. This recognition strengthens the region’s economic and tourism potential and positions the Negev internationally as an innovative, high-quality wine region. I am convinced that in the coming years, the Negev will become a sought-after wine destination alongside the world’s leading wine regions.”

Irene Benjamin, Director of the Negev Wineries Club, adds: “This recognition is a major success for the region’s wineries and for the Israeli wine industry as a whole. Every day, I witness both the unique challenges of viticulture in desert conditions and the extraordinary professionalism and passion of the producers. This international status marks an important turning point in the region’s development.”

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About the Israel National Tourist Office in Germany:

Whether it’s round-trip tours, city breaks, beach vacations, wellness getaways, active and cultural trips, self-drive tours, or family vacations: The Israel Government Tourist Office provides information on the various regions, cities, and attractions in the Holy Land. Israel is located in the eastern Mediterranean and is no more than a four-hour flight from most parts of Europe. The country offers a sunny climate, a wide variety of historical, archaeological, and religious sites, as well as a captivating contrast between antiquity and modernity. In Israel, visitors are welcomed with traditional hospitality that dates back to biblical times. goisrael.com

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