
The Jerusalem Wine Festival: One of the highlights of the year!
The Jerusalem Wine Festival at the Israel Museum is one of the highlights of the social calendar in Jerusalem.
It lasts for an entire week in the sculpture garden of the Israel Museum, and as an added perk, during the festival, you're ticket also includes entrance to the museum, but why would you want to do that when there’s all that wine to taste?
When is the Jerusalem Wine Festival this year?
The 2022 Wine Festival is expected to start on July 23, 2002.
(This could of course change depending on the Covid-19 restrictions in Israel come July 2022.)
How much do tickets cost to the Jerusalem Wine Festival?
Tickets typically cost 95 shekel each and include entry into the museum.
Closer to the time, you can order tickets online now, or buy at the museum on the day, however, tickets at the door are limited and can sell out on a busy night.
What time does the Wine Festival Start each night?
Doors open to the Festival at 7pm.
Be aware that there are usually large crowds on the Thursday night of the Wine Festival (helped by the fact that Thursday is the start of the weekend here in Israel) - this can delay your entry as all guests have to pass through security to enter.
What time does the Wine Festival End?
The Festival closes each night at 11pm. Generally it takes some time for everyone to leave the museum, but 11pm is when the music stops and the stands stop serving wine.
Is there food at the Jerusalem Wine Festival?
In past years, there have been a number of options regarding food. These are in the form of market type stalls and have been dairy.
There’s usually a large cheese stand as well as sushi and other similar options. Food is not included in your entry ticket and you will have to pay extra for this.
Are all the Wines Kosher?
No.
Generally the wines that are not kosher display a sign on their stand stating that they are not kosher.
It’s best to ask if it is important to you as the staff won’t always point it out. How does it work?
On arrival, you will pass through the Israel Museum’s security station and be directed towards the sculpture garden.
Just before you get to the festival there will be a large desk where they will trade your entry ticket for a wine glass.
This is your only glass for the night, so keep good hold of it!
After that, it’s up to you to wander round the stands and ask to taste the wines that you are interested in.
The wines are free, but don’t expect to be poured any full glasses - you’ll only be given a taster of each wine, but you can go back as many times as you want as long as they still have enough bottles of the wine.
A useful bit of hebrew to know on the night is ‘Efshar Li’tom’ which translates to ‘Can I have a taste?’
What is the Jerusalem Wine Festival?
This is the 19th year of the Jerusalem Wine Festival, and it’s become somewhat of an institution. Each summer, dozens of Israeli wineries and distilleries, along with a select number of foreign companies set up their stands in the sculpture garden of the Israel Museum.
It’s a beautiful location, and the timing of the event means that you’ll usually be able to catch a sunset there. As well as the wines, there are a number of food stands (usually no meat options though) and each night, there’s a stage with live music.
If you get bored of tasting the wines or your curiosity piques you, then you are also able to take a wander around the museum as part of your entry fee.