There’s something very special about Israel’s wineries in the Negev. First of all, to see a lush vineyard thriving in the desert soil is a bit unexpected. Secondly, to arrive at these vineyards you first encounter one of my favorite Israeli roadsigns…
Erez Rota established his farm in the Negev desert in the summer of 2004. Erez is an artist, known for his landscape paintings and sculptures as well as a farmer.
Rota Farm is located on a picturesque valley on the ancient Nabatean Incense Route. The farm is surrounded by low hills on all sides.
Tonight at midnight Erez, his Bedouin workers and volunteers will begin the 2012 harvest. Because of the early ripening of the grapes in the Southern desert, Erez may be the first vintner to harvest noble red varieties in Israel this year.
Erez has installed his sculptures all over the farm. This adds additional beauty to the farm and vineyards.
Erez is more than happy to host visitors for a winery visit and tasting. Just don’t come early in the morning following an all-night harvest.
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Erez just bottled a new wine-Neta, a blend of equal parts CS, Merlot and Syrah with about 5% Malbec. Neta will be released in about three months following aging in the bottles.
For more information on Rota Winery and Rota Wines see the web site at www.rotawinery.com.