The Negev on the Global Wine Map:
Israel’s desert region officially receives international recognition as a protected Geographical Indication
May 18, 2026 — In a landmark development for Israel’s wine industry, the Negev has officially received recognition as a protected Geographical Indication (G.I./Appellation) under the name “Negev.” The designation places Israel’s southern region and its ancient winemaking heritage firmly on the global wine map.
The recognition is based on extensive professional research conducted by leading Israeli experts, demonstrating that wines produced in the Negev possess a distinct and identifiable profile unique to the desert terroir. The initiative was led by the Merage Foundation Israel, which has spearheaded efforts to position the Negev as an internationally recognized wine tourism destination. The process took approximately four years and has now resulted in the formal designation of a new Israeli wine region stretching from Kiryat Gat in the north to Eilat in the south.
The Negev wine region currently includes over 60 wineries and vineyards, producing over one million bottles annually. The designation also revives a winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years; the Negev was renowned for its wines as early as biblical times, though modern winemaking in the region resumed only in the 20th century. Today, using advanced agricultural and irrigation technologies, local growers are demonstrating that vineyards can successfully thrive in desert conditions, even amid global warming and extreme climate challenges.
The new recognition is expected to significantly strengthen the international positioning of Israeli wines by combining a compelling story, distinctive flavors, and cutting-edge agricultural innovation. With this achievement, the Negev becomes the second wine region in Israel to receive official appellation status, joining the Judea Wine Region which paved the way several years ago. This designation places the Negev alongside globally recognized wine regions such as Champagne, Chianti, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley.
The Merage Foundation Israel is a private philanthropic foundation established by David and Laura Merage of Denver, Colorado. Since 1998, the foundation operates in Israel across a range of social and economic initiatives aimed at strengthening Israeli society. From its earliest days, the foundation identified the Negev as one of Israel’s most important growth engines and has invested in numerous regional development initiatives, including agricultural and wine tourism programs.
Nicole Hod Stroh, Executive Director of the Merage Foundation Israel, said: “The recognition of the Negev wine region represents a deeply personal milestone. As someone who made aliyah from Colombia and has spent many years advancing regional development and economic growth in the Negev, I see wine tourism as a modern and meaningful expression of contemporary Zionism. This recognition strengthens the region’s economic and tourism potential while positioning the Negev internationally as an innovative, high-quality wine region. I have no doubt that in the coming years the Negev will become a sought-after wine tourism destination alongside leading wine regions around the world.”
Irene Benjamin, Director of the Negev Wineries Club, added: “The recognition of the Negev wine region is a major achievement for the wineries of the area and for the Israeli wine industry as a whole. Through my work with the Negev Wineries Consortium, I witness daily both the unique challenges of producing wines in desert conditions and the extraordinary professionalism and dedication of the region’s growers and winemakers. This international recognition marks an important milestone in the development of the region and further strengthens its place on the global wine map.”
