Somek

Somek Winery is a family-owned boutique winery located in Zichron Ya'akov, Israel. Established in 2002 by Barak and Hila Dahan, the winery operates under an 'Old World' philosophy, utilizing only grapes from their family vineyards, which have been cultivated since 1882 in the Bika'at Hanadiv (Rothschild) Valley.

The estate vineyards are situated at the foothills of Zichron Ya'akov, benefiting from a unique terroir conducive to producing high-quality wine grapes. The Dahan family employs meticulous manual cultivation methods, including pruning, thinning, and limited irrigation, resulting in low yields of exceptional quality.

The winery cultivates a diverse range of grape varieties:

- **Red Varieties:** Carignan, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petit Verdot.

- **White Varieties:** Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Viognier.

**Winemaking Philosophy and Production:**

Somek Winery emphasizes traditional manual methods in both vineyard management and winemaking processes. Barak Dahan, a fifth-generation vintner, combines his deep-rooted knowledge of the land with Hila's academic background in agriculture and enology, including a degree from the Hebrew University and further studies at Adelaide University in Australia. This synergy of tradition and modern expertise guides their meticulous approach to winemaking.

The winery's production is intentionally limited to maintain quality, with all stages handled by family members—from grape selection to bottling, marketing, and distribution. For instance, their Carignan wine is crafted from vines over 50 years old, aged for two years in French oak barrels (one-third new), followed by an additional two years of bottle aging before release.

**Visiting and Contact Information:**

Somek Winery offers comprehensive and professional visits conducted by the owners, providing insights into their family history, vineyard practices, and winemaking processes, culminating in guided tastings of their wines.