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There's something magical about beginnings—especially when they're rooted in volcanic soil under sweeping Golan skies. Join me for an unforgettable visit to Sha'al, where Sam and Rivka Baum are writing the next chapter of Israel's wine story with their Family Baum Winery.

After years at prestigious Castel Winery, Sam identified this northern Golan location as "the best area in the whole Levant" for viticulture. The evidence is compelling: deep soil with perfect water retention, volcanic basalt for drainage, dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, and uniquely low soil pH that makes minerals readily available to the vines. Standing among newly planted Syrah and Carignan rows with fierce winds whipping around us, I could feel the potential humming in the air.

The Baums' story isn't just about terroir—it's about resilience. Sam called Rivka from Gaza during his military service: "We have to harvest in four days." While he fought, she carried their winemaking dream forward with determination and community support. Their 2024 vintage marks their first implementation of the Syrah-Carignan blend that will define their flagship wine, and tasting it straight from the barrel revealed remarkable complexity with red fruit notes balanced by deeper tobacco and leather tones.

What struck me most during my visit wasn't just the wine—it was their philosophy. The Baums are creating a true "farm-to-table" winery, controlling every aspect from vineyard to bottle. Rather than expanding endlessly, they've committed to perfecting a single exceptional flagship wine that truly expresses this special place. Their first estate-grown vintage won't arrive until 2030, but based on what I tasted, the wait will be worthwhile.

Want to experience Israel's next great wine story as it unfolds? Follow the Baum Family Winery and discover what happens when passion, expertise, and extraordinary terroir come together.

Please follow Sam and Rifka at the following :

on Instagram @familybaumwinery
and
on Facebook - Family Baum Winery

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