Outstanding Wines from the Judean Hills of Israel
Sphera Winery
“I regard Doron Rav Hon as the leading maker of white wines in Israel, and his Sphera Judean Hills White Signature 2022
has great flint and grapefruit aromas plus wonderful textural complexity,” Stuart said.
“He also made the best-ever Israeli dry riesling!”
Senior Editor Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com
SPHERA
A boutique winery of exquisite white wines from the Judean Hills of Israel
Expertise begins with focus
- We decided to concentrate solely on white wines.
- We chose the beautiful Judean Hills as the place to plant our vineyards, to build a winery, and to call our home.
- Like a magnifying glass, our focus on whites allows us to zoom in on the fine details and discern the slightest of subtleties.
- Precision is a key to creating fine white wines. Our work is natural and transparent, every little nuance makes an impact.
White wine making is all about balance
- We follow a detailed work methodology, but at the same time we pay close attention to our vineyard, keeping our senses alert and deciding when to take a step back to allow nature to take the lead.
- We believe in a clear and minimalistic approach that brings out the fruits’ true essence, while ensuring wines that are layered with rich and complex flavours.
- We continue to search and evolve, using innovative technologies and unique growing techniques. Even so, our feet remain rooted and our pace is measured in order to maintain uncompromising excellence in our work.
This is SPHERA
- A clear, full circle that moves in harmony.
- It’s our philosophy for both making wine and living our lives.
Savor Exquisite White Wines At This Winery In Israel’s Judean Hills
Sphera is the only winery in Israel dedicated exclusively to white wines.
In a land where red wine reigns, winemaker Doron Rav Hon excels at creating exceptional white wines that everyone loves. Located in the Judean Hills of Israel, a 45-minute drive from Jerusalem, Sphera Winery is a family-run boutique winery featuring award-winning wines crafted with great love and care.
The word “sphera” means a clear, full circle that moves in harmony. The winery uses only grapes produced in their vineyards throughout the Judean Hills region, an emerging viticultural area. The plants are personally overseen by Doron himself; he takes great measures in protecting them from the Mediterranean heat and ensuring their quality before fermentation.
Fine Wines from the Judean Hills
Our Vineyards
Our vineyards are located in Givat Yishayahu, surrounding the winery.
Their close proximity allows us to refine our expertise: observing the vineyard, the fruit and the climate up close.
The Givat Yishayahu vineyards offer exceptional conditions for crafting white wines. Nestled in a landscape of valleys, with mountain shade and drying winds, the vineyards benefit from significant temperature variations and cool nights, ideal for the optimal development of the grapes.
Givat Yishayahu 01
Terroir Features: A valley in natural woodland, where vines are planted according to the curve of the valley, adjusting to sun and wind exposure. This variation creates a diverse range of grapes, resulting in unique wine flavors.
Soil Type: Terra Rossa and Limestone.
Trellising: Double Cordon. 890 vines per acre. 2,200 vines per hectare
Proximity to the Winery: 1500 m
Givat Yishayahu 02
Terroir Features: The wind flow in the valley reduces humidity, supporting a healthy growing season.
Soil Type: Terra Rossa, Rendzina, Rich alluvial soil.
Trellising: Tamir method. 1,780 vines per acre. 4,400 vines per hectare The planting density and growth angle create shaded rows, limiting direct sun and ensuring balanced vine growth.
Proximity to the Winery: 1500 m
Givat Yishayahu 03
Terroir Features: A long, narrow valley between mountains. Late sunrise and early darkness contribute to a slow, balanced ripening. A homogeneous vineyard, flowering, ripening, and harvest occur simultaneously across all plots.
Soil Type: Brown alluvial soil and deep terra rossa
Trellising: Double Cordon. 890 vines per acre. 2,200 vines per hectare.
Proximity to the Winery: 600 m
THE TEAM
Winemaker and co-owner Doron Rav Hon studied viticulture in Bourgogne, France, completing his apprentice period at Domaine Jacques Prieur and specialization in sparkling wines in Champagne. Precision and minimal intervention define his creative philosophy.
Co-owner Sima Rav Hon is the passionate beating heart that pumps up the special vibe of the winery. She is focused on building the brand’s unique identity, as she explains: “SPHERA” has its own special language that evolves and develops with time. It is a part of everything we do”.
In the past few years, the next generation – Lia, Erez, and Nadav has begun to find its natural place in the winery, taking an active role in its operations.
Having grown up in Givat Yishayahu, they have lived and breathed the vineyard rows, the green landscape, agriculture, hospitality, and winemaking since childhood. We are excited to embrace the fresh ideas they bring.
