Israel’s White-Wine Grape Harvest Rises 34% as Growers Shift from Red Varieties
Israel’s harvest of grapes for white wine increased by 34% over seven years, according to Agriculture Ministry data reported by Ynet. Colombard became the leading white variety after recording an 80% increase, while red varieties lost market share.
White grapes gain ground in Israel
Israel’s harvest of grapes used for white wine increased by 34% over seven years, reflecting a notable change in the composition of the country’s wine-grape sector. Agriculture Ministry data reported by Ynet show that white varieties expanded while the market share of red varieties declined.
The figures point to more than a single strong harvest. A change measured across seven years indicates that growers and wineries have progressively allocated more attention to white-wine grapes. The source material does not provide total production volumes, vineyard area or annual figures, so the contribution of higher yields and new plantings cannot be separated. It nevertheless identifies a clear shift in the balance between the two main wine categories.
Colombard leads the expansion
Colombard recorded the most prominent advance among white varieties. Its harvest increased by 80% over the period, making it Israel’s leading white-wine grape variety, according to the Agriculture Ministry figures cited by Ynet. That increase was substantially faster than the 34% growth reported for white-wine grapes as a whole.
The gap suggests that Colombard was a major contributor to the broader expansion of the white segment. For growers, the variety’s rise signals where demand from wineries has been strongest within the category. For processors, greater availability can support higher production of wines based on Colombard or blends that use the grape. The available data do not specify prices, winery purchases, planted hectares or the share of Colombard destined for each wine style.
Red varieties face a changing market
The Agriculture Ministry data also show erosion in the market share of red varieties, although the provided report does not give a percentage for the overall decline. Ynet notes that the composition of the red segment is itself changing. No individual red varieties or production figures are identified in the supplied material, limiting direct comparisons with Colombard’s performance.
The seven-year movement toward white grapes has practical implications across Israel’s wine supply chain. Vineyards make planting decisions that can shape output for years, while wineries must align grape procurement, processing capacity and product portfolios with the changing varietal mix. Distributors and retailers may also see a broader domestic supply of white wine if the additional grape harvest translates into higher bottled output. However, the figures provided do not establish changes in wine sales, consumption, inventories, prices or international trade. The confirmed development is narrower but significant: white-wine grapes increased their position in Israel’s harvest, Colombard led that expansion with 80% growth, and red varieties surrendered part of their market share.
