The "Judea" wine region is located in the center of the state of Israel between the cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The region is divided into two subregions: Judean Hills – which includes the mountain ridge in the east, and Judean Foothills – which includes the strip of slopes and hills facing west towards the Mediterranean Sea.
Numerous historical and archeological evidence points to a rich past of vine growing, wine production and trade. Echoes of the region referred to as "Wine Country" from the dawn of time are also to be found in the bible. There are three known valleys in the region, each valley identified with its own unique biblical character and biblical story.
In the northwest, the Ayalon Valley, mentioned in the book of Joshua with the conquest of the land of Israel. To its south, the Sorek Valley,
mentioned in the book of Judges in the story of Samson the mighty. The southernmost valley is theElla Valley, familiar from the story of the battle between David and Goliath mentioned in the book of Samuel.
The Matte Yehuda Regional Council was founded in 1964. The council is Located on the historical site of the biblical tribe of Yehuda/Judeh.
The Matte Yehuda Tourism department features the "Wines of the Bible" Wine Route of the Judean Wineries together with Iter Vitis Cultural Route Of the Council of Europe. In addition, the region is blessed with many hotels, tourist attractions, restaurants, artist workshops, bicycle tracks and national parks.
