Name: Bar Giora Winery
Address: Mateh Yehuda, Judean Hills, IL
Telephone: 02-5781574

About Bar Giora Winery

Bar Giora Winery is a small, artisan boutique winery founded in 2003 on the picturesque Moshav Bar Giora in the Judean Hills, southwest of Jerusalem. Named after the moshav itself — which in turn commemorates the Jewish rebel leader Shimon bar Giora — the winery began as a personal passion project and has grown into a respected name among Israel’s discerning boutique wine community. Partners Shlomo Aviton and Aviel Schneider bring complementary skills and a shared vision to the enterprise, producing wines of genuine character from the terraced vineyards of the Judean Hills.

Wines and Vineyards of Bar Giora Winery

Moshav Bar Giora sits at approximately 700 metres above sea level in the heart of the Judean Hills, where ancient limestone terraces support some of Israel’s most characterful viticulture. The soils here are a mixture of terra rossa and rendzina over hard limestone bedrock — well-drained, mineral-rich substrates that stress the vines beneficially and concentrate flavours in the fruit. The cool nights of the Judean Hills, combined with warm, dry Mediterranean summers, create a growing season well-suited to producing wines with elegance, structure, and ageing potential.

Bar Giora Winery produces a small annual volume of wines from classic varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot forming the core of the range. The winemaking philosophy embraces restraint and respect for the terroir, avoiding excessive extraction or heavy oak influence in favour of wines that age gracefully and speak clearly of their mountain origin. The modest production ensures careful attention to detail at every stage, from vineyard management to bottling, resulting in wines that punch well above their small-winery status.

Visiting Bar Giora Winery

Bar Giora Winery is located on the scenic Moshav Bar Giora, easily accessible from Jerusalem via Route 375 through the Judean Hills. The winery receives visitors for tastings and cellar tours by prior arrangement — call 02-5781574 to book your visit with Shlomo or Aviel directly. The moshav setting, surrounded by forested hills and ancient terraced vineyards, makes for an unforgettable backdrop to an afternoon of wine exploration.

A visit to Bar Giora Winery is a genuine off-the-beaten-track experience in the Judean Hills wine country. The personal welcome extended by the two founding partners, combined with the authenticity of a small producer winery set in one of Israel’s most scenic landscapes, makes this an essential stop for anyone with a serious interest in Israeli boutique wine culture.

Bar Giora Winery

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