Overview
The Coastal Plain stretches along Israel's Mediterranean shoreline, historically centered on the vineyards around Rishon LeZion, Rehovot, and the Judean Lowlands. This was the cradle of Israel's modern wine industry, with large wineries such as Carmel establishing their first cellars here in the late 19th century. The landscape is flat to gently rolling, with elevations close to sea level and a warm, humid Mediterranean climate.
Soils are diverse, ranging from sandy alluvial deposits and red loam to clay and kurkar sandstone. While much of the plain has shifted to other crops, it remains important for large-scale wine production and is increasingly home to innovative projects working with Mediterranean varieties and blends. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Colombard are widely planted.
Key Varietals
- Cabernet SauvignonA reliable red that produces ripe, fruity wines in the Coastal Plain's warm, sunny conditions.
- MerlotA soft, approachable red that ripens consistently and forms the backbone of many coastal blends.
- Sauvignon BlancA crisp white that retains freshness when harvested early in the warm coastal climate.
- ColombardA high-yielding white variety used for fresh, aromatic everyday wines and blends.