From Desert's Edge to Your Glass: Chaim Sackton's Gilad Winery

The Kosher Terroir

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Journey to the edge of the Judean Desert, where breathtaking vistas meet ancient biblical lands at Gilad Winery. Perched dramatically above steep drops into the Jordan Valley, this boutique gem has become a beacon for kosher Mediterranean-style wines under the passionate stewardship of Chaim Sackton.
As we sit surrounded by barrels in his intimate winery, Chaim shares the story of Gilad's inception—how a morning coffee overlooking the distant Gilad Mountains inspired not just the winery's name, but his entire approach to winemaking. Each wine series carries biblical names from this historic region, creating a direct connection between ancient tradition and modern craftsmanship.
What sets Gilad apart is Chaim's unwavering commitment to lighter, more approachable wines. While many Israeli wineries chase bold, high-alcohol profiles, he deliberately crafts wines with restrained extraction and elegant fruit expression. His GSM blend exemplifies this philosophy—a wine so versatile it pairs beautifully with everything from steak to chocolate chip cookies. As Chaim explains, "I prefer drinking light wines with food than full-bodied wines" because they allow both the wine and the food to express themselves fully.
Perhaps most fascinating is the story behind Heritage, Gilad's flagship wine. After aging in new oak for 24 months, Chaim felt the wine hadn't reached its potential—the wood overpowered the fruit. Rather than compromise, he aged it an additional 24 months in the bottle until it transformed into something truly special. This patience and commitment to quality over expediency defines everything about Gilad Winery.
From his current production of 20,000 bottles to plans for expanding to 50,000 and adding a visitor center, Chaim's vision continues to evolve. If you're seeking authentic kosher wines that celebrate Israel's unique terroir while remaining remarkably drinkable, seek out these limited-production treasures from Gilad Winery. Your palate will thank you.

For more information:

Chaim Sackton: Winemaker, Owner

Address: סנה, Geva Binyamin

Email: [email protected]

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Chapters

1. Welcome to The Kosher Terroir (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Gilad Winery (00:02:07)

3. Naming the Winery and Series (00:05:27)

4. Wine Production and Philosophy (00:11:24)

5. Building a Boutique Winery Business (00:16:30)

6. First Tasting: GSM Blend (00:25:47)

7. Second Tasting: Nachal Yabok Blend (00:32:19)

8. The Heritage Wine Experience (00:40:35)

9. Pairing Philosophy and Final Thoughts (00:46:45)