Wine has been a crucial factor of Zichron Yaakov’s economy and culture since the founders’ first days in 1882. Gary Fieldman is a real estate agent with knowledge and expertise in Zichron Yaakov and its fascinating history. He has constructed a text about the role of winemaking in the settlement’s history. Contact Gary Fieldman today to learn more about the years-long connection between Zichron Yaakov and wine.
Baron Rothschild and winemaking in Zichron Yaakov
The spirit of song pulsated in Naftali Hertz Imber, the writer of the Hatikva anthem, after drinking wine. Baron Edmund James de Rothschild had a similar passion. Not necessarily to wallow in a drinking den, but an innocent and tremendous faith in his power to create an authentic wine tradition in the Land of Israel and great wines like those produced in the Bordeaux region of France.
It is easy to cite as an example the vast sums of money he invested in building the wineries in Rishon Lezion and Zichron Yaakov, over 11 million francs and twice the amount required for his father, Yaakov, to buy the celebrated Chateau Lafaiete winery. Still, the correspondence and historical documents reveal that the Baron’s significant involvement was not only expressed in financial matters.
Zichron Yaakov – The beginning of Israeli winery
The Baron’s romantic plans were soon abandoned in favour of the mass production of cheap wines intended mainly for Jewish drinkers and prayers. But here, in the impressive stone cellars of Zichron Yaakov, it all began.
His pasture in Rishon Lezion was privileged to be sketched by the Templar engineer Schumacher. The Carmel Winery in Zichron Yaakov was established through the Baron’s funds as a copy without an architect and detailed plans. Still, it has no equal in documenting the chronicles of the art of winemaking in Israel and illustrating the story of the two wine revolutions. The first occurred at the end of the 19th century, and the one began towards the end of the 20th century.
In the last two decades, simultaneously with the accelerated development of the entire Israeli wine industry, the people of Carmel Wineries dreamed of producing quality wines and encouraging the local wine culture.
The picturesque town of Zichron Yaakov is one of the few places in Israel that contains several quality wineries with excellent wines. Just the mere tour of these wineries quickly sends us to an experience from another century, a little barony, intoxicating as well as delicious.
Zichron Yaakov is celebrating 140 years since its establishment in 1882. Today, a wine festival is taking place, a celebration of revelry that began thanks to Baron Rothschild, who founded the Carmel Mizrahi Winery, a luxurious winery at the time.
Contact Gary Fieldman today to learn more about Zichron Yaakov’s extensive wine culture. Gary Fieldman is a real estate agent, an expert on Zichron Yaakov real estate and its surroundings, and a wine lover who will share all the secrets about wine in Zichron.
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