The beauty of the Golan
The Golan Heights is the northernmost part of Israel. Bordering Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan this portion of land has a tumultuous past as it was fought over for years. Despite its rocky history, the Golan has managed to become one of the most beautiful areas in Israel. Although it is most famous for its beloved and vast array of waterfalls, the area also has an incredible history dating back to prehistoric times.
In stunning Banias National Park also known as Caesarea Philippi and trek through the forest to a gushing waterfall and visit the ancient pagan worship site where Jesus declared his Messiahship.
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)
Another national park close by is Tel Dan. It was a major city in Canaanite in Israelite times. Excavations at the site yielded significant remains, including the oldest complete arch in the world.
Mountains will drip New Wine
“In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water. Joel 3:18
Making wine in Israel practically disappeared after the Muslim conquest and the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the early 1500s. But for the past hundred years, winemaking in Israel has returned with vigor. Over the decades, Israeli wine has blossomed and has risen to global prominence.
There is no disputing the fact that the real turning point in Israeli winemaking (in terms of quality) is largely due to the Golan Heights Winery, which was founded in 1983. This winery re-wrote the book on making wine in a land where winemaking is as old as the Bible itself.
Over the decades, archaeologists have uncovered ancient wine presses throughout Israel. The largest find to date was 20 wine presses in the Jerusalem Hills. These winepresses were built over a 2,100-year period.
There are many wineries in the Golan Heights that offer tours and wine tasting, here are a few:
Golan Heights winery - The Golan Heights Winery in Katzrin is a cooperative and Israel’s third-largest winery.
Dalton Winery - is a large kosher winery located in Merom HaGalil close to Dalton. It is a pioneer winery in Galilee and has been operating since 1995.
Adir Winery - s a kosher winery located in the same business park as Dalton Winery in Merom HaGalil close to Dalton, so you can easily go from one to the other. The visitor center overlooks a vineyard landscape and offers wine tasting and tasting of cheeses from its own dairy, including goat cheese and goat frozen yogurt.
Terranova Winery - This winery is located in Moshav Kanaf on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Galil Mountain Winery - is a kosher winery adjacent to Kibbutz Yiron that states that it provides a free-flowing connection with nature. Their facility overlooks vineyards and mountain scenery. They have a visitor center that offers wine tasting and a tour of the entire wine-making process