The Golan Heights Winery has just officially announced the upcoming Golan Vintage 2010. This is the sixth celebration of this event which in past years has drawn a sophisticated crowd for wine tastings, culinary demonstrations by Israel's top chefs and a gala dinner. The festival is scheduled to take place on 28 and 29 April.

Some have accused the festival of being somewhat "elitist" to which I have answered in the past - absolutely and in this case, power to the elites for those who have come, from varying social and economic strata within Israeli society have been both a fun-loving and remarkably polite crowd with whom mingling has been great fun. Best of all, these are people who have a serious interest in wine and the culinary arts.

The festival itself will offer a variety of wine tastings and wine seminars, those led not only by senior winemaker Victor Schoenfeld but also by others of his talented staff of winemakers. As to the culinary events - the demonstrations have always been great fun. I will never forget, for example, when chef Chaim Cohen simultaneously shocked and delighted his audience by preparing and then serving goose liver with tchina. Culinary advisors to the festival include chefs Chaim Tibi, Erez Komorovsky, Shalom Kadosh and Yaron Kestenbaum.

First details are just now beginning to trickle down. My strong suggestion - watch here carefully for further information on prices and arrangements and then, if you do decide to attend, to make reservations early. To those to whom it may be of interest, I will be in attendance on both days of the festival. And I intend to have a damned good time of it!

To those to whom it is important, rest assured that all of the foods and wines served will be kosher.   In my opinion, the festival not to be missed and those living outside of Israel will do well to tie this event into their visits.

Best
Rogov