Unveiling the Mastery Behind Castel's Celebrated Wines

The Kosher Terroir

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Embark on a captivating odyssey through the storied vineyards of Israel with the venerable Eli Ben-Zaken of Castel Winery. We unravel the rich tapestry of Eli's life—from his Egyptian roots to his ascendancy as a trailblazer in Israeli viticulture. Our conversation traverses the hallowed grounds of his Ramat Razíel winery, now housing their sister brand Razíel, and delves into their exhilarating venture into sparkling wine territory. Eli's narrative isn't just a chronicle of property transformation but a resonant reflection on his resilience against a backdrop of adversity.
Venture with us behind the scenes of Castel Winery, where the fusion of art and science breathes life into every bottle. Witness firsthand the strategic evolution from stainless steel to wood tanks, and be among the first to hear about the eagerly anticipated Razíel Rosé 23. Eli imparts his winemaking ethos, steeped in Bordeaux traditions and a surprised admiration for Chardonnay while elucidating the winery's journey from its modest inception to its steadfast dedication to excellence. Even as we face the intricate processes of crafting non-vintage and vintage sparkling wines, Eli's unwavering quest for quality shines through, illuminating the essence of Castel's craftsmanship.
As the sun sets over the vine-laden hills, our dialogue shifts to the broader vistas and vicissitudes of the Israeli wine landscape. Eli, with his Zionist convictions, paints a vivid picture of the industry's struggles and triumphs—from the tussle for land to the disparities in global pricing. His unique insights into the influence of critics versus the legacy of wineries and the importance of championing local initiatives offer a poignant glimpse into the heart of Israeli winemaking. Join us for this soul-stirring episode that is not just a toast to Israeli wine but an homage to the indomitable spirit that defines its makers.
Domaine du Castel
Yad HaShmona
Haute Judee 9089500, Israel
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
https://www.castel.co.il/
We invite you to taste RAZI’EL wines at Domaine du Castel.
Tours and tastings are possible at Domaine du Castel winery only.
For booking: online https://ontopo.co.il/castel
ttps://raziel-winery.co.il/
Office Opening hours:
Sun-Thurs: 08:30 – 17:00
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed.
Visit center Opening hours:
Visits, tastings and events may be booked in advance.
Sun-Thurs: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00-14:00א
https://raziel-winery.co.il/
We invite you to taste RAZI’EL wines at Domaine du Castel.
Tours and tastings are possible at Domaine du Castel winery only.
For booking: online https://ontopo.co.il/castel
or by calling 02-5358555

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Also on Thursdays 6:30pm Eastern Time on the NSN Network
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1. Unveiling the Mastery Behind Castel's Celebrated Wines (00:00:00)

2. The Resilience of Israeli Winemaking (00:00:09)

3. Grapes, Wine Varietals, and Winery Tour (00:12:24)

4. Wine Making and Cellar Tour (00:28:15)

5. Challenges and Success of Israeli Winemaking (00:54:50)

6. Winemaking Philosophy and New Ventures (01:13:11)

7. The Art and Science of Winemaking (01:23:19)