Somek Winery: A Family's Passion, A Land's Legacy

Somek, a boutique family winery in the heart of Zichron Ya'akov on Israel's Mediterranean coast, crafts exceptional wines using only grapes from its family vineyards, cultivated since 1882 when this historic region was chosen by Baron Rothschild as an ideal location for viticulture. 

Barak Dahan represents five generations of wine grape growers in the Zichron Yaakov region. His family's story began in 1882, when his great-great-grandfather arrived from Romania with 51 other families to establish the farming village of Zamirin. Initially, their agricultural efforts faltered. However, Baron Edmond de Rothschild stepped in, determined to support their settlement in the Land of Israel. Recognizing the potential, Rothschild built a winery to provide the settlers with a sustainable livelihood. As the owner of the prestigious Chateau Lafite, he envisioned the new winery producing world-class wines, particularly for Jewish communities worldwide. In fact, he invested more in the Zichron Yaakov cellars than in Chateau Lafite itself.

For generations, Barak's ancestors cultivated grapes for Carmel Winery, a testament to Rothschild's enduring vision. While Rothschild's initial goal of instant global acclaim eluded him, Carmel Winery has, over 120 years, earned international recognition. Today, Israel flourishes with over 250 wineries, the five largest producing 90% of the nation's wine. Yet, beyond these industry giants, a vibrant tapestry of small, family-run wineries crafts exquisite, limited-edition wines. Among them is Somek Winery, established by Barak and his wife Hila.

We invite American wine enthusiasts to embark on a journey of discovery through these hidden gems of Israeli winemaking. Each bottle is a story of passion and resilience, a testament to vintners reclaiming their heritage. With unwavering spirit, they transform their vineyards into sources of extraordinary wines, ripe for discovery.

In 2003, Barak and Hila Dahan, driven by a shared vision, established Somek Winery, a testament to their dedication to crafting wines of exceptional quality from their family's vineyards. Barak, a fifth-generation vintner in Zichron Ya'akov, embodies the deep-rooted traditions of his family. His intimate knowledge of each vine and his commitment to time-honored manual techniques yield grapes of remarkable character. Hila, with a Master's degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide, brings a scientific and global perspective to their craft. Located in Bikat Hanadiv, a valley named in honor of Baron Rothschild, Somek Winery utilizes only the finest grapes for its wines, ensuring every bottle leaving their cellars is a true masterpiece.

The synergy between Barak and Hila is the heart of Somek Winery. They blend generations of local expertise with modern winemaking artistry. Their collaborative spirit, driven by unwavering professionalism and a shared passion, ensures each wine truly embodies the unique terroir of Bikat Hanadiv. Somek's dedication to meticulous vineyard care allows their grapes to reach their full potential, capturing the very essence of the land. In the sun-drenched foothills of Zichron Ya'akov, where the fresh Mediterranean breeze whispers through the vines, their vineyards benefit from a legacy of profound care. This deep understanding of the terroir, coupled with precise pruning, thinning, and controlled irrigation, yields low quantities of grapes, but grapes of extraordinary quality.

As a small family estate, Somek Winery operates with a deep respect for 'Old World' winemaking traditions. Committed to producing exceptional estate wines, they exclusively use grapes cultivated in their family's Bika'at Hanadiv vineyards, a legacy tracing back to 1882. To preserve the purest color and flavor, Somek employs a traditional basket press, along with buckets and gravity-flow techniques, eschewing the use of pumps. This dedication to time-honored methods, honed over a decade, results in Somek crafting some of Israel's finest wines. Each bottle represents the culmination of a labor-intensive, yet joyful process, where natural elements—grapes, sun, soil, wind, and rain—are meticulously guided by hand and a pure love of wine.

Here's a glimpse into some of their magnificent wines.

Somek Bikat Hanadiv

This flagship wine from the Somek winery takes its name from the vineyards in the Nadiv Valley, near Zichron Yaakov — a region Baron Rothschild identified in the late 19th century as ideal for viticulture.

From hand-harvested grapes, a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot is crafted to create Bikat Hanadiv. The wine is then aged in French oak for 24 months, followed by 24 months of bottle aging.

Deep ruby in color, this full-bodied wine offers complex aromas of plum, dark chocolate, espresso, licorice, and spice. Rich, complex, and elegant, it's the perfect complement to aged cheeses, slow-cooked stews, and celebratory meals.

Somek White Road 

Somek White Road, Or Haderech Halevana in Hebrew, takes its name from the ancient Roman road that graces Israel's Mediterranean coast. This harmonious blend of Roussanne, Viognier, and Chenin Blanc offers a brilliant pale color that invites exploration.

Well-rounded and structured on the palate, White Road presents a vivacious interplay of blossoming orchard and delicate almond notes. A symphony of flavors unfolds, with tart nectarine, pear, grapefruit, lime, and ginger leading to lingering end notes of sweet butter, honey, and Meyer lemon. A touch of minerality refreshes the aftertaste, inviting a lingering savor.

This delightful and fruity wine is perfect for picnics and cozy gatherings. Its versatility shines alongside savory appetizers, seafood, grilled fish and chicken, and complements Italian cuisine exceptionally well.

Somek Grenache Mourvèdre

Grenache, often the star of red blends, shines here with a heady aroma of violets, cinnamon, and orange peel. Mourvèdre, its perfect counterpart, adds depth and complexity with subtle smoky notes and hints of tobacco and ripe raspberries.

After aging for 24 months in French oak, Somek Grenache Mourvèdre reveals a palate bursting with juicy red berries and currants, layered with cassis, chocolate, espresso, and tobacco. The long, elegant finish offers firm tannins and a pleasing roundness. Rich in structure, this wine promises to further develop beautifully with age.

Somek Adom

Somek Adom is a perfectly balanced red blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan, aged for 24 months in French oak barrels. This results in a wine with a deep red hue and a captivating bouquet of red fruit, chocolate, currants, Mediterranean herbs, and ripe cherry. Rich and pleasurable on the palate with a long, satisfying finish, it pairs perfectly with red meat, aged cheese, or pasta.

Somek Sauvignon Blanc

With crisp acidity and vibrant aromatics, this refreshing white wine bursts with notes of grapefruit, pear, and green apple, leading to a delightful palate of guava and passion fruit. Cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves the pure expression of this 100% varietal Sauvignon Blanc. Floral, delicate, and delicious, it's the perfect companion to an evening with friends—or simply savor it on its own and let its flavors transport you to the Mediterranean shores of Israel, where history and heritage infuse every sip.

Somek Carignan

Tantalizing aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and an abundance of spices take center stage, accented by hints of vanilla and tobacco. Despite its bold personality, Somek Carignan unveils a surprisingly smooth and balanced character. Silky tannins glide effortlessly across the tongue, leading into a long, peppery finish. Good acidity and a full body ensure a delightful mouthfeel, with lingering hints of orange peel and chocolate.

Decanting for a few hours before consuming unlocks even more layers of red fruit, leather, and earthiness, creating a truly rewarding experience.
Savor this flavorful Carignan alongside a hearty meal – it's a perfect pairing for a juicy steak, tender lamb with herbs, or rich veal roast.

We invite you to experience the unique character of Israeli wines and find the perfect bottle to elevate your next occasion. Begin your journey with Somek wines here.