Har Odem Winery, a family-owned estate in Israel’s Golan Heights, has been invited to present its wines at the internationally acclaimed Great Wines of the World exhibition in New York City, marking a historic first for an Israeli winery.
The event, curated by influential wine critic James Suckling, is regarded as one of the most exclusive showcases in the global wine industry. Har Odem will feature its selections at the exhibition on Wednesday, standing alongside some of the most prestigious names in international winemaking.
Founded in 2003 by Michael Alfasi and operated by the Alfasi family, Har Odem Winery is situated in the small community of Odem, just two kilometers from the Syrian border. At an altitude of 1,060 meters (3,480 feet), it holds the distinction of being Israel’s highest winery. Despite its remote and often volatile location, the winery has earned acclaim for its resilience and high-quality production.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, the Golan region has faced increased instability, including gunfire, lockdowns, and a significant drop in tourism. Nevertheless, Har Odem successfully completed its 2023 harvest amid the unrest.
The winery’s vineyards are located in the Valley of Tears, a site of intense fighting during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The region’s cool climate and basalt-rich soil have proven ideal for viticulture, contributing to the distinctive character of Har Odem’s wines—qualities that earned them high ratings from Suckling and led to the invitation to New York.
“Only 5% of all wines awarded Suckling’s top scores over the past year are selected for this annual tasting,” said Ya’ara Alfasi-Biadglin, vice president of marketing and exports at Har Odem. “To stand beside the likes of renowned French châteaux and global wine leaders is a tremendous honor.”
Founder Michael Alfasi, 69, will represent the winery at the event alongside his son Adam. Alfasi called the invitation “an extraordinary recognition” of the family’s dedication and the team’s collective effort.
“This is more than an industry milestone,” added Alfasi-Biadglin. “It’s a rare opportunity to represent Israel not through headlines, but through a glass of wine.”
The exhibition appearance is expected to boost international visibility for Israeli wines and place Har Odem firmly on the map of global fine winemaking.
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