About Castel Winery

Castel Winery was founded in 1988 by Eli Ben Zaken in Ramat Raziel, in the Judean Mountains west of Jerusalem, where he planted the first vineyard in his own garden, a pioneer of modern boutique winemaking in the Jerusalem Corridor. The first harvest, in 1992, produced Castel Grand Vin, which became one of the most celebrated wines in Israeli history. Ben Zaken’s approach was uncompromising from the start, and his aim was always a family winery for the next generation to inherit, which the Ben Zaken family still runs today.

The Wines

Castel is best known for its Bordeaux-influenced reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and related varieties grown in the Judean Mountains. The flagship Grand Vin is made only in the finest vintages, while Petit Castel offers a more accessible take on the same terroir; both are consistently praised at home and abroad. High elevation, limestone soils and wide day-to-night temperature swings suit the Bordeaux grapes, and careful work in vineyard and cellar draws out the region’s potential.

Visiting the Winery

Castel welcomes visitors to Ramat Raziel for tastings and cellar tours, reached by a scenic drive through the Jerusalem Mountains. Tasting at the place where Israeli boutique wine began carries its own significance, and it remains one of the great pilgrimage stops of the Israeli wine world.

Information last updated: July 26, 2026. Please confirm hours and details directly with the winery before visiting.

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Michael B.
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Grand Vin de Castel is simply Israel’s best red wine. The winery itself is intimate and the tour explains the French influence on their winemaking beautifully.
4 months ago
Noa L.
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Booked a private tasting and it exceeded all expectations. The winemaker spent an hour with us explaining each wine. The Blanc du Castel is extraordinary.
7 months ago
James T.
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If you only visit one winery in the Judean Hills, make it Castel. Steep hillside vineyards, old-world style wines and an unforgettable experience.
10 months ago

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