Negev vineyards and wineries exhibit that when ancient traditions and pioneering agricultural innovations are aptly coupled, fine wine can be produced even under the harshest desert conditions.
To position the Negev as an international destination for wine and agritourism, the foundation mobilizes the ecosystem and helps to improve the quality of experiences offered. In 2020, the foundation established the Negev Wine Consortium, made up of 30 wineries and vineyards that prove it is possible to produce wine in hostile desert conditions. Through the initiative, vintners and winemakers receive business coaching and trainings; tourists experience majestic desert landscapes and enjoy the unique flavors of desert wine; agricultural festivals emerge; bureaucratic and statutory hurtles are reduced; and the Negev is positioned as an agritourism and wine destination.
To actualize the potential of agricultural and wine tourism in the Negev, Merage Foundation Israel works on the following fronts, with primary focus on fostering meaningful and interactive vineyard and winery experiences:
Individual business consulting and professional training for vinters and winemakers
Forum for peer-learning and knowledge sharing
Series of agricultural festivals in the region
Advocacy efforts to lessen beuraucratic and statutory hurtles
Positioning Negev as global agriculture and wine tourism destination
A fascinating combination between an ancient tradition of growing vineyards and wine production alongside agricultural innovation. Come and get to know the places, the people and the tastes that are already receiving international recognition. Dozens of wineries and vineyards are waiting for you within a short drive.
The program is part of the initiatives of Merage Fund for economic development in the Negev, for more information on the initiatives for the development of the Negev, click here
