Old Grape Press at Katzrin Village

There is something mystical about winemaking. It is an extremely complex occupation and considered an art by the connoisseurs. Wine has also always been a significant element of ritual in both Jewish and Christian tradition. It even has its own blessing, which is recited before drinking.

So, when looking for things to do in Northern Israel, consider a visit to the Golan Heights Winery, a state-of-the-art winery, where you will be given a workshop on wines and spirits. At the same time, we offer you a glimpse of the past at the ancient winery in Katzrin Village.

What Does an Old Grape Press Look Like?

Set in the heart of an ancient, pastoral village setting is an open structure with several basins embedded in its floor. The largest basin displays lovely decorations of mosaic tile. At the corners stand thick posts, creating shade from the sun, and the netting keeps away the flies and other insects that may be attracted to the sweet fruit juices.

How Did the Old Grape Press Work?

The grape vines were tended to in the winter by trimming and supporting them so that the grape clusters would grow at an appropriate height to make the picking process easier.

Once harvested, the fresh clusters were collected and placed in the gat (grape basin) to be crushed.

Many people ask us why bare feet were used for crushing. Could they not have used millstones as they did at the traditional olive press? The answer is interesting: If millstones were used to crush the grapes, the grape seeds would have been crushed as well, causing the bitter oil to seep out and mingle with the grape juice, thus spoiling the wine.

They needed something hard enough to press the juice out of the grapes, but soft enough so as not to break open the seeds. The optimal solution was clean, bare feet.

Community Life at the Old Grape Press

The old grape press at Katzrin Village was a communal grape press. Every family would have their turn to make wine using their own grapes. Time spent at the grape press may have been arranged in advance. Perhaps lots were cast to determine the order in which families arrived. Who knows? Although much has been discovered over the past 100 years about ancient life in Israel, especially over the past 60 years, there are still many questions to be answered.

An Active Experience at the Old Grape Press

When the grapes ripen in mid-to-late summer, they are harvested and then brought to the old-fashioned wine press to be transformed into sweet wine. So, come learn about the fermentation process as you roll up your pants, clean your feet, and jump in on the fun! Come stomp on the grapes to create delicious, sweet wine.

Related activities include the Golani Winery.