Camels are rare visitors to the world’s finest wine regions. However in these photos, they are seen alongside the Ramat Arad Vineyard, which is adjacent to Yatir Winery. It is situated in the northeastern Negev, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level. Over the last ten years this particular vineyard has been the source of Carmel’s single vineyard Ramat Arad Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon and a one off Yatir Merlot. It remains the vineyard for Yatir Sauvignon Blanc.

                             

Of course the vineyards for all the other Yatir wines are not from the Negev, but from the 900 meter altitude Yatir Forest, in the southern Judean Hills. These vineyards are only ten minutes from Yatir Winery at Tel Arad.
This is a unique area as it is a meeting place between the Judean Hills, the Negev Desert & Judean Desert and a place where forest meets desert. Furthermore, it is only half an hour from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

As you can see it is a special area where Israelis have made the desert bloom. It is an area of Bedouins, camels… and also home to one of Israel’s finest wineries!!