Armenian Quarter

Turn right inside the Jaffa Gate and you enter the Armenian Quarter, the most secluded and smallest Quarter in the Old City.  Taking up only one-sixth of the Old City, the Armenian Quarter has existed since the 4th century CE.  The Armenians  were the first country to accept Christianity and their lives are tied very closely to their church. The Armenian community is very closed and the only places tourists can visit on their own are the church and small museum.  I went with the Jerusalem Expatriate Network and we hired a tour guide who could take us to parts not open to tourists without a guide.

Judean Hills Winery

Sommelier

 

Yesterday a group of us took advantage of the Veterans' Day  holiday and went on a trip to the Clos de Gat Winery at the foothills of the Judean Hills in the Ayalon Valley, south east of Jerusalem near Beit Shemesh.  We had a great time, the weather was cool and wet, but the sun still shined most of the time.  The wine was great. 

The vineyards are becoming dormant for the winter.  In the next few weeks they will be trimmed back severely to sleep for the winter.  The Judean Hills can be seen in the background.

 

Corks from the winery. 

The barrel room.  These barrels are all full !

This is a newly planted section.  It will be four years before it produces grapes that can be used for wine.

Views from the porch where we did our tasting.

Salud!


Peace