About Castel Winery

Castel Winery was founded in 1988 by Eli Ben Zaken in Ramat Raziel, in the Judean Mountains west of Jerusalem. Ben Zaken planted the first vineyard in the yard of his home, making him a pioneer of modern boutique winemaking in the Jerusalem Corridor. In 1992, the first harvest produced Castel Grand Vin, a wine that would become one of the most celebrated in Israeli wine history. Consequently, Castel Winery helped define a new era of quality Israeli wine.

From the outset, Eli Ben Zaken’s approach was uncompromising. He committed to the highest winemaking standards from the very first vintage, regardless of scale or commercial pressure. Furthermore, his vision was always to create a family winery that future generations could inherit and build upon. Today, the Ben Zaken family continues to oversee every aspect of production at Castel.

Wines and Vineyards

Castel Winery is best known for its Bordeaux-influenced red wines, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other classic varieties grown in the Judean Mountains. The flagship Castel Grand Vin is produced only in the finest vintages, when the fruit meets the winery’s exacting standards. In addition, Petit Castel offers a more accessible expression of the same philosophy and terroir. Both wines have earned consistent praise from critics in Israel and abroad.

The Judean Mountains terroir gives Castel wines their distinctive character. High elevation, limestone soils, and significant day-to-night temperature differences create ideal conditions for Bordeaux varieties. Moreover, the meticulous work in both the vineyard and cellar ensures that each vintage expresses the full potential of this remarkable growing region.

Visiting Castel Winery

Castel Winery welcomes visitors to Ramat Raziel for guided tastings and cellar tours. The scenic drive through the Jerusalem Mountains to reach the winery is a pleasure in itself. Furthermore, the experience of tasting wines at the place where Israeli boutique winemaking was born carries its own unique significance.

For wine enthusiasts, Castel Winery is one of the great pilgrimage destinations of the Israeli wine world. As a result, it attracts visitors who want to understand where modern Israeli fine wine began and how it continues to evolve with each new vintage.

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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.
2 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.
6 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.
8 months ago

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