3 Best Sights in Upper Galilee and the Golan, Israel

An Australian-trained winemaker named Tal Pelter aspired to bring his modern oenology training and methodology to the Israeli market. Starting with a yearly release of 4,000 bottles and rapidly increasing production to more than 100,000 bottles, Pelter is now one of Israel's most beloved wineries. In addition Pelter makes cognac, arak, and brandy, which he offers as part of the intimate winery tours; both wine and cognac pair nicely with his wife's homemade goat cheese—also available for purchase.

This winery sells 5,000 bottles of its kosher wine, made using traditional methods, each year. The grapes—mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay—are grown in basalt soil 3,280 feet above sea level. The wines' distinctive flavor comes from being aged in French oak barrels. Owner Ofer Bahat is happy to divulge information and tastings can be arranged in advance.

From the top of this volcanic cone, at an open-air lookout that was once a military outpost, you can see Mount Hermon rising majestically to the north and the Syrian side of the Golan stretching eastward. Opposite is the ruined town of Kuneitra, captured by Israel in 1967, lost and regained in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and returned to Syria in the subsequent disengagement agreement—it is now a demilitarized zone. Modern Kuneitra is in the distance. The cluster of white buildings south of old Kuneitra houses the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. A pine-cabin shop serving coffees, herbal teas, and a nice selection of snacks is the perfect place to get out of the wind that often sweeps this peak. The lookout is near Kibbutz Merom Golan; signs along the rural roads point the way. It's open all the time.