The rooftop lounge and patio of the Petersen Automotive Museum proved to be the perfect venue for the 2017 Kosher Food and Wine Experience. This year the annual festival included both an afternoon event for trade and media and then an evening planned for fortunate ticket holders.

For us it was a great opportunity to learn more about some of Israel's wineries and vineyards. Domaine du Castel is an example of how a modern winery has developed on lands that first grew grapes in biblical times. It is located in the Judean Mountains with an elevation of 2500 feet and was founded in 1992. A large number of varietals do well here including reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Syrah, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The white varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Gewurztraminer.

Carmel Winery is one of the oldest in Israel, founded originally by Baron Edmond de Rothschild. Now Carmel has 3,500 acres of vineyards and operates four wineries. Some of Israel's best known vineyard regions are Upper Galilee, Carmel Mountains and Judean Hills.

Yatir Winery is located in the South, near the Dead Sea, on reclaimed land that was once part of the Negev desert, but now reforested as the Yair forest. Yatir makes Viognier, Rose and Yatir Mt Amsha, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz , Petit Verdor and Merlot.

Tabor Winery is located in Galilee but its vineyards spread over Mt. Tabor and the Golan Heights.

All the classic varietals are grown here with reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz and whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Roussanne and Barbera Rose

Also we noted a wine made as a blend of two Mediterranean varietals Marselan and Tanat..

Wines from fifteen countries were on display for tasting including Herzog Wne Cellars of Oxnard as well as Teal Lake wines from Australia, Alfasi from Chile and large selection of Chateau wines from France.

Some exciting foods were also offered providing tasty appetizers and specialties. Award winning Tierra Sur Restaurant, located at the Herzog Winery in Oxnard was present. Then there were the appetizers of Masaki Sushi. Rita's served some wonderful iced desserts and we were back for seconds at The Chocolate Girl. All this on the top floor of the Museum offering fine views of the city on a sparkling clear day with temperatures in the 70s.

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Last Update:3/1/17