Sitting down with Naama Berg, co-founder of Psâgot Winery, was like stepping into a story that spans time. Located in the Jerusalem mountains, Psâgot Winery is more than just a producer of great wines—it’s a living testament to resilience, country history, and the enduring spirit of the land. As Naama shared her journey, it became clear that Psâgot is not just about crafting wine; it’s about reconnecting with the roots of Israel’s biblical winemaking heritage, coming back home, and reengineering the environment to be healthier.
A Legacy Unearthed
Naama began by recounting the discovery of a 2,000-year-old cave during vineyard construction in 2003—a moment that would define Psâgot Wines’ identity. Inside the cave were ancient artifacts: Clay pots, wine presses, bones, and a coin from the Great Revolt inscribed with “For Freedom of Zion” found in an ancient grave dating back from the Hasmonean Dynasty. This coin is hand-glued to every bottle of Psâgot’s red wines. “It was mind-blowing to realize we were standing on what used to be an ancient winery,” Naama said. “This discovery wasn’t just history—it was our story.” Today, it is the only Israeli winery with a museum showing the pieces unearthed.
The Terroir That Shapes Psâgot
Located 960 meters above sea level in the rocky terrain north of Jerusalem, Psâgot’s vineyards thrive in a challenging environment. The limestone-rich soil, cold nights, and sunny days create ideal conditions for producing high-quality grapes. Naama explained how her father-in-law planted the first vineyard in this area 36 years ago helped by his son, Yaakov, drilling through rocks — a labor-intensive process that took years before yielding fruit. “It’s about bringing life back to this land,” she said.
Today, Psâgot produces approximately one million bottles annually, offering reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines, dessert wine, and champagne-style creations aged for 10 years. Psâgot produces over 600,000 bottles annually, with 70% exported to more than 27 countries. From hand-harvesting grapes to aging wines in French oak barrels stored in their ancient cave, every step melds tradition while embracing modern techniques.
Honoring Tradition While Embracing Innovation
Psâgot blends older winemaking traditions with modern techniques to craft wines. Some wines are still aged in the original cave discovered during excavation—a deliberate nod to history that involves extra effort but preserves authenticity. The winery also features a museum showcasing artifacts from Israel’s First and Second Temple periods and Roman glass wine vessels. The winery’s visitor center at Sha’ar Binyamin resembles an ancient stone inn overlooking Wadi Qelt and the Edom Mountains.
Naama emphasized how Psâgot’s approach is rooted in respect for the land. “We’re not just making wine; we’re doing good things for the environment,” she said. “It’s about giving back to the land and letting it give back to us.”
The Wines
I was able to try three of the wines and enjoyed all of them.
- 2023 Psâgot Sauvignon Blanc – lots of tropical fruit, citrus, lime and jasmine with a nice mineral touch at the end.
- 2023 Psâgot Edom M Series – cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, black pepper, oregano and a roasted meat flavor. Really enjoyed and it had lots of nuances.
- 2021 Psâgot Peak – blackberry, chocolate, vanilla and spice.
A Vision for the Future
As we wrapped up our conversation, Naama reflected on how Psâgot bridges past and present. From cultivating vines in rocky soil to winning global awards, Psâgot embodies resilience and innovation. “Coming back home is not just about being here physically,” she said. “It’s about being deeply connected—to the land, to history, and to what we’re building for future generations.”
And as we near Passover, these wines would be perfect to bring to those celebrating or to any wine lover.
