7 Best Sights in Upper Galilee and the Golan, Israel

Come for the wine, stay for the delicious tapas, and find yourself hours later still at Lotem for the good company, live music, and valley views. At this organic winery, a tour and tasting includes learning about organic grapes in Israel and about why the winery plays music to the barrels and bottles 24/7. The winemaker, Jonathan, can also whip up some of the region's tastiest ceviche, fish kebabs, and salads to balance the elegant red blends. The restaurant is open on the weekends and tasting tours are possible throughout the week with advance reservations. The winery is 45 minutes by car south of Mount Meron.

An Australian-trained winemaker named Tal Pelter aspired to bring his modern oenology training and methodology to the Israeli market. Starting with a yearly release of 4,000 bottles and rapidly increasing production to more than 100,000 bottles, Pelter is now one of Israel's most beloved wineries. In addition Pelter makes cognac, arak, and brandy, which he offers as part of the intimate winery tours; both wine and cognac pair nicely with his wife's homemade goat cheese—also available for purchase.

This winery sells 5,000 bottles of its kosher wine, made using traditional methods, each year. The grapes—mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay—are grown in basalt soil 3,280 feet above sea level. The wines' distinctive flavor comes from being aged in French oak barrels. Owner Ofer Bahat is happy to divulge information and tastings can be arranged in advance.

Producing more than 15 blends and varietals in a yearly production of one million bottles, this is one of Israel's largest wineries. The tour in the modern, well-designed visitor center begins with an overview map of the six Upper Galilee vineyards, continues with a look at the modern press and stainless-steel storage tanks, and then moves to the tasting room for a sampling of whites, a rosé, and reds. End the tour on the balcony with its panoramic view of vineyards and hills.

This winery caught the world's attention with its award-winning Yarden, Gamla, and Golan labels. The area's volcanic soil, cold winters, and cool summers, together with state-of-the-art wine making, have proven a recipe for success. The shop sells the full line of wines, including the Katzrin Chardonnay, the Yarden Gewürtztraminer, and the Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as sophisticated accessories for the oenophile. Call in advance about a tour of the winery and a tasting; the winery offers a number of options.

This family-owned boutique kosher winery, located between Majdal Shams and Merom Golan, produces 80,000 bottles a year, mostly dry reds nurtured by the area's volcanic soil, but also a crisp Chardonnay. There are lovely fortified wines and cherry wines as well. Drop in for an impromptu tasting, where local cheeses are also for sale. Half-hour tours of the vineyards are available by appointment.

High atop one of the Galilee's peaks overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Stern Winery has received numerous accolades over the years. As with many young Israeli wineries, the family-run visitor center involves an intimate tour and provides an informative overview of the country's wine industry. Blends at Stern Winery are all named after the owner's children and family members. Reservations are recommended to book a tasting tour.