04 September 2025
Episode 90: Part 2 of Simon Jacob's interview about the Beit El Winery with founders Hillel & Nina Manne
The Kosher Terroir
About
Welcome to The Kosher Terroir
The Beit El Winery
Nestled in the ancient hills where Jacob once dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven, Hillel & Nina Manne have created something extraordinary. This boutique winery transforms biblical terroir into world-class kosher wines. This episode takes you to Beit El Winery, where tradition meets innovation in every bottle.
With disarming candor and refreshing pragmatism, Hillel shares his journey from studying agriculture at UC Davis to establishing vineyards in the historically rich Judean Hills. "I make wine that I like, my family and I drink as much as we can, and what's left over we sell," he tells us with characteristic straightforwardness. This philosophy-focusing on personal enjoyment rather than market trends-has paradoxically led to remarkable success.
The Manne family's approach to winemaking challenges conventional wisdom at every turn. In comparison, many winemakers tout minimal intervention, but Hillel advocates for active management in the vineyard, resulting in higher phenolics and more developed flavors. His Carignan, initially planted as a "simple wine" for neighbors, has become their signature offering, beloved for its approachability and complexity. Meanwhile, their Merlot defies the varietal's often maligned reputation to become another standout in their portfolio.
What makes this story particularly compelling is how the family maintains complete control from vineyard to bottle. Now joined by sons Meir and Shalom David, they produce approximately 40,000 bottles annually, with plans for modest growth while maintaining their boutique identity. Their wines span multiple tiers, from the popular Sulam Yaakov (Jacob's Ladder) line to limited special releases like the 5757.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a student of agricultural innovation, or fascinated by how ancient land can yield modern excellence, this conversation offers remarkable insights into a family that has turned its passion into liquid poetry. Open a bottle of something special and join us for this unforgettable journey through the kosher terroir of Beit El.
Hillel Manne Owner, Winemaker / Nina Manne, COO
Visiting the Winery (by Appointment)
Sunday - Friday 8am - 4pm
Phone: +972 (0)54-724-0935
The Beit El Winery
Nestled in the ancient hills where Jacob once dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven, Hillel & Nina Manne have created something extraordinary. This boutique winery transforms biblical terroir into world-class kosher wines. This episode takes you to Beit El Winery, where tradition meets innovation in every bottle.
With disarming candor and refreshing pragmatism, Hillel shares his journey from studying agriculture at UC Davis to establishing vineyards in the historically rich Judean Hills. "I make wine that I like, my family and I drink as much as we can, and what's left over we sell," he tells us with characteristic straightforwardness. This philosophy-focusing on personal enjoyment rather than market trends-has paradoxically led to remarkable success.
The Manne family's approach to winemaking challenges conventional wisdom at every turn. In comparison, many winemakers tout minimal intervention, but Hillel advocates for active management in the vineyard, resulting in higher phenolics and more developed flavors. His Carignan, initially planted as a "simple wine" for neighbors, has become their signature offering, beloved for its approachability and complexity. Meanwhile, their Merlot defies the varietal's often maligned reputation to become another standout in their portfolio.
What makes this story particularly compelling is how the family maintains complete control from vineyard to bottle. Now joined by sons Meir and Shalom David, they produce approximately 40,000 bottles annually, with plans for modest growth while maintaining their boutique identity. Their wines span multiple tiers, from the popular Sulam Yaakov (Jacob's Ladder) line to limited special releases like the 5757.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a student of agricultural innovation, or fascinated by how ancient land can yield modern excellence, this conversation offers remarkable insights into a family that has turned its passion into liquid poetry. Open a bottle of something special and join us for this unforgettable journey through the kosher terroir of Beit El.
Hillel Manne Owner, Winemaker / Nina Manne, COO
Visiting the Winery (by Appointment)
Sunday - Friday 8am - 4pm
Phone: +972 (0)54-724-0935