Living a triple life as backpacker, DJ and Celebrity Wine Review Field Reporter, I always find myself in amazing places. The past several months I explored Europe, where many countries are famous around the world for their wine. I had a great time there, but it felt like it was time to move my quest to a lesser known wine country. After hours of consideration I chose the holy land, Israel, as the location of my next adventures. After all, wine is mentioned plenty of times in the Bible. Surely there would be great wines made today from the same lands.

No trip to Israel would be complete without a stop in Jerusalem, especially for a first timer like myself. I dedicated one day to wandering the compact maze of markets and alleyways that make up Old Jerusalem and another exploring the modern day city. During my visit to the well advertised  Avi Ben wine shop, I was told that there was a boutique winery that was worth checking out a short bus ride away.

[caption id="attachment_937" align="aligncenter" width="768" caption="Typical street Old Jerusalem"][/caption] After leaving the well stocked shop, which even contained a small selection of Kosher American wines, I headed for a falafel stand, then hopped on the next bus headed for Tzuba. The bus twisted and turned its way through the Judean Hills and dropped me off at Tzuba Estate Winery, 730 m above sea level, where the altitude and climate combine to make the ideal conditions for producing a wide variety of prize winning wines. [caption id="attachment_942" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Part of Tzubas' vineyards, and a neighboring village."][/caption] Tzuba is located in an area historically recognized as a major wine producing region since Biblical times. There are several ancient wine presses found throughout the property indicating that at one time there was a huge wine industry here. The presses and other ruins have been dated to the first centuries BC and AD. Of course guided tours can be arranged. Tzubas' South African Winemaker Paul Dubb was kind enough to let me join a tour group in progress. The group I was lucky enough to tag along with had a program that included a tour of the winery, vineyards and historic presses, a yoga session in an underground cistern, lunch, an ATV tour of the Judean hills, and last but not least, a tasting session! [caption id="attachment_946" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Tasting area with vines in the distance."][/caption] Tzuba produces around 40,000 bottles a year, making it a larger boutique. For such a small production they offer an amazing amount of varieties. I counted over 10, including 2 whites, several blends and 2 desert wines. The Metsuda Reserve 2006, a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec was my favorite. The 100% pure Chardonnay desert wine was a treat not to be missed. Coming form a person not particularly fond of sweet wines, that should say a lot! With so much history surrounding you, any trip to the holy land should be absolutely amazing. I firmly believe that life is all about the experiences, and my experience Tzuba was memorable. It was amazing to think that I was standing on a press where some of the wine that Jesus drank could have came from two thousand years ago. Lucky for me, great wines are still made here today. If you asked me "What would Jesus drink?' my answer would definitely be "wine from Tzuba !" For more information and to arrange tours go to www.tzubawinery.co.il. No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) —1 Timothy 5:23