4 Best Sights in Haifa and the Northern Coast, Israel

Rare among Israel's many wineries are Carmel Winery's vaulted-ceiling wine cellars. Dating from 1892, the huge, old, and chilly rooms are a contrast to the state-of-the art facility above ground, where top wines are produced. Founder Baron Edmond de Rothschild, owner of France's famous Château Lafite, would be pleased at the success of his viniculture venture, now the country's largest winery. At the Center for Wine Culture, a guided 45-minute tour outlines the stages of local wine production. Included in the tour are a tasting of some four varieties and a seven-minute audiovisual presentation screened in the original wine cellar. Tours depart between 9 and 4 and must be reserved in advance. Other wine tastings and workshops are also available by reservation.

The setting of one of Israel’s leading boutique wineries, in a pastoral landscape overlooking the forests of the Carmel Mountains, couldn’t be prettier. Call ahead to tour the winery, see the demonstration vineyard, and learn about these attention-getting wines. For your tasting, select a flight of three to five wines: the reds, including blends, are notable. Order a generous tasting platter of bread and fine cheeses (extra charge) to accompany them.

The large visitor center at the country's fourth-largest winery is housed in a former perfume factory built by Baron de Rothschild in 1925. It hasn't changed as much as you'd think, as cosmetics made from grape seeds are some of the products for sale here. You can also find olive oil, vinegar, and, yes, wine. The production facilities are next door in buildings surrounded by towering palm trees. Reservations are required for the 45-minute tour of the winery and barrel rooms, including a sampling of four or five wines. You can do your tasting while having lunch or dinner in the restaurant, once an orange-packing facility. Or, you can simply drop in for coffee and cake.

One of the country's most esteemed wineries is set amid hills and valleys. The Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay of this premier label are among the best in Israel, with vines planted here 120 years ago. At the country-style visitor center, you can pair a French Valrhona chocolate with a Tishbi wine, or enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch under the grapevines in the courtyard. In addition to wine, you can purchase local cheeses, olive oil, honey, and wine jellies at the shop. Call ahead to arrange a one-hour tour, which includes tastings and a visit to the old alembic distillery, where their prized brandy is made. It's about 3 km (1½ miles) north of Benyamina.