Israeli wine targets "Christian consumers" ...

[Robin Garr]

Without getting into either religion or politics, I'm not quite sure what to make of this news release ...

<b>New wine to target Christian consumers debuts in United States</b>

It was at a wedding in Galilee where, 2,000 years ago, Jesus turned water into wine. Today, this region is home to The Grapes of GalileeTM, wines of exceptional quality crafted with the modern Christian in mind.

The Grapes of Galilee are grown by the Sea of Galilee and watered by the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized. They are ideal for celebrations such as wedding receptions and communions, or any festive occasions when Christians seek a physical connection to their spiritual homeland.

“The history of this wine is something that we can all share together,” says UC San Diego student Adam Haroz, who founded import company Haroz Vintners with his father, Pini, after being inspired by a trip to Israel. “I hope to provide a way to strengthen the bond between Israel and many other people through bringing wine from Galilee to the houses of the Christian community.”

I'm also a little puzzled as well.

I really wonder if serious market research was done here, Robin. many fundamental Christians are prohibitionists. In fact, I've heard sermons in which the preacher argued that Jesus did not turn water into alcoholic wine. As a kid, our sacramental "wine" was Welsch's Grape juice.

I'll be fascinated to see if this brand has any legs.

Great catch!

I'll be fascinated to see if this brand has any legs.

Or if the wine does.

What's next, Cheeses of Nazareth? Olive oil from the Mount?

-Paul W.

Although it's true that many fundamentalists are indeed prohibitionists, I would argue that they are disconnected with the fact that wine was a part of life in the time that Jesus walked the earth. Prohibitionism really came about much later, and I at least tend to view it as a human "add on" that has had questionable effectiveness.

But, that digression aside, it's a valid point in that there will be entire segments of Christianity that won't be inclined to partake of this wine, no matter its provenance.