Ancient winery discovered in central Israel

A large, well-preserved 1,500-year-old winery has been exposed during a violent storm in the Sharon Plain region, located between the Mediterranean Sea and Samarian Hills, the Antiquities Authority announced Monday.

The well-preserved 1,500-year-old winepress exposed during a violent storm
 in the Sharon Plain region [Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority]

According to IAA archaeologist Alla Nagorski, the discovery was made off the Eyal Interchange several weeks ago when flooding and hail disrupted an excavation at the site, where natural gas lines are scheduled to be embedded.

The northern part of the Sharon Plain is considered the most historical wine region in Israel, and is where the first roots of Israeli wine were planted in modern times.

When water was pumped from the site, Nagorski said the well-preserved winery was found. She described it as impressive and rare.

“It is evident that great thought was invested in the engineering and construction,” she said. “The wine press is huge – 3 metres in diameter and 2 metres deep, and could accommodate 20 cubic meters of wine.”

Nagorski said numerous other wine presses have been exposed in Sharon, where the wine industry once thrived. In addition a warehouse was discovered housing jars.

Author: Daniel K. Eisenbud | Source: The Jerusalem Post [October 26, 2015]