1882 Winery & Vineyard
Free(Free entry to the tasting room; retail wine and food boards are priced separately)
Wine TastingDate SpotOutdoorWinery
Overview
Carmel Winery (Hebrew: יקבי כרמל) is a vineyard and winery in Israel. Founded in 1882 by Edmond James de Rothschild, its products are exported to over 40 countries. It is the largest winery in Israel, with a local market share of almost 50%.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeLate August through September during the grapevine harvest season is the premier window to visit. Heading to the estate during the late afternoon golden hour between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM is exceptional; the low sun highlights the rows of hardy northern grapes beautifully, offering a serene vineyard sunset over the open plains.
Getting ThereNestled in the rural countryside near Ray, west of Minot; a personal vehicle is required as no public transit serves the area. Travel west via US Highway 2 W to the town of Ray, turn right north onto 107th Avenue NW following the vineyard guideposts, and proceed 2 miles down the gravel road to the free gravel parking field.
Travel Tips
- Located deep in remote rural farmlands, the estate maintains strictly limited seasonal weekend hours or private call-ahead booking; verifying operational status online before driving is mandatory.
- The unpaved rural gravel access corridors turn into heavy, treacherous clay mud after intense rainfall; low-clearance sports cars risk getting stuck, making 4WD vehicles highly recommended.
- The outdoor tasting patio borders active vineyard rows subject to severe dusk mosquito and wasp activity; applying insect repellent is essential, and foraging raw crops is forbidden.
Reviews
Positive
- A stunning family-owned boutique winery in northern ND! Set in peaceful rural flats, rows of grapevines under the blue sky look picturesque.
- They specialize in crafting wines from cold-hardy prairie grapes; the strawberry rhubarb and sweet ice wines taste excellent at a solid price.
- The tasting room is kept immaculate; the owners deliver warm, genuine hospitality, walking you through fermentation tanks like old friends.
- The outdoor setup features a shaded wooden patio lounge hosting local acoustic musicians on weekends, making the social vibe serene.
Heads up
- Located deep in rural Ray, the last few miles of driving involve rough gravel roads that kick up blinding clouds of dust on your car.
- Being a micro-winery, the tasting room is tiny; during busy weekend afternoon runs, the small counter gets blocked with lagging order.
- Beyond simple charcuterie boards, they lack a hot food kitchen or restaurant layout, requiring road trippers to bring their own meals.
- Operating hours are highly restrictive, opening only on selective weekend hours seasonally; they lock down completely during freezing winters.