Rota Winery, Negev Desert. Photo by Katherine Martinelli courtesy Creative Commons.
Carmey Avdat—which grows Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes—is part of the “Negev Wine Route”; other wineries on that itinerary are the Ramat Negev Winery, Rota, Ashba, Rujum, Derech Eretz, and Sde Boker. What a surprise that the desert can be so fruitful, so generous—and that the wine from this region can be so fabulous!
Eyal Izrael of Carmey Avdat farm and winery explains how he and Hannah have successfully adapted themselves to this land: “Our exploration of the desert served as the foundation for our vision and dream,” he told me. “We learned to listen to the voices of the desert and to respect it—but not to attempt to tame it.”
Carmey Avdat—which has the distinction of being Israel’s first solar-powered winery—no television, no wifi interrupt the desert experience (but an espresso machine, a refrigerator, and a full breakfast delivered every morning bring joy to the spirit). Guests who stay here can swim in white rock pools inspired by those in the mountain orchards of the Sinai. The surrounding hillsides are planted with native trees—carob, olive, fig, and pomegranate—which visitors can wander among and from which they can sample.
