Long-lost Byzantine-era vines are again cultivated on ancient Negev terraces

A project at Avdat National Park in Israel's Negev Highlands has successfully cultivated Byzantine-era vine varieties, allowing for the first tasting of wines similar to those produced 1,300 years ago. The initiative began after carbonized grape seeds, dated to the seventh century CE, were discovered during a 2017-2019 excavation. Genetic analysis identified these as ancestors of the Syriki and Ba’ar varieties, with cuttings obtained from feral plants near the Gaza border. Planted in September 2023 on restored ancient terraces, the vines thrived, yielding grapes that were given to local winemakers. Lior Schweimer, the project's archaeologist, noted, "The [vines] grew like Jack and the beanstalk, without any disease, without any spraying, and twice as fast as the Chardonnay and Sauvignon vines grown in this area." Blind tastings by experts praised the Ba’ar and Syriki wines, which are expected to be available for sale at Avdat National Park next year and commercially within three to four years. This project also offers insights for global viticulture facing climate change, demonstrating the resilience of ancient varieties in desert conditions.