Israeli Winemakers Urge International Fans To ‘Sip For Solidarity’

Israeli winemakers are calling on fans of their products to show their support for the country during wartime by buying vino from the Holy Land.

“Sip For Solidarity” is the initiative of the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA), a trade organization that promotes local wineries through education and events. 

The war, which began when Hamas massacred 1,400 people and captured hundreds more in southern Israel on October 7, has led the country to call up more than a quarter of a million of its reserve soldiers. 

This has had a direct impact on the wine industry, as a significant number of the workers it needs to see the process through are now defending the country. Furthermore, those who are still working in the wineries are having to harvest the grapes under the ongoing threat of rocket fire from Hamas in Gaza.  

IWPA Vice President Joshua Greenstein urged consumers to buy Israeli wine, which will not only help to support the industry but also aid Israeli relief efforts. According to Greenstein, for the next two months, 10 percent from the sale of each case of wine will be donated to help those in need. 

“Winemaking has its own schedule, unlike other industries where you can pause production or run with limited staff. Grapes grow and ripen when they do; the winemaking process is very hands-on. Without staff, many wineries face an impending crisis,” said Greenstein. 

“Wine is usually something enjoyed when you go out to eat or to a party, and people in Israel aren’t feeling particularly celebratory these days. It’s catastrophic not just for this year’s sales, but for the vintages harvesting now that won’t be ready for sale for years to come,” he said. 

“With the wine-consuming public’s support, these challenges are surmountable, and wineries will still craft wines that accurately and deliciously reflect the character of the vintage and of Israel, just as they always have.”