YES, that’s me with a new winemaker friend drinking his wine and YES he’s wearing a rather large weapon on his belt. In addition, he’s about to complete a PhD in agriculture - Shivi is the winemaker at Gvaot winery and a genius in winemaking, agriculture, geography. He lives in a town called Shiloh. Shiloh was the religious capital of ancient Israel for a period a long long time ago.

(yes, even before the Founding of the United States - ever notice how Americans think anything more than 100 years old is like REALLY REALLY old? we don’t get out enough, do we?)

Over time I will be sharing more news and photos and our plans with you here and via Twitter.

We met outside on top of the Melody Hotel - a hip boutique I stayed across from the beach in Tel Aviv. I recommend people stay there. Here is a photo from the rooftop where I enjoyed sitting with friends, like Ahuvah Berger, who acts as a sort of matchmaker between hi-tech startups in Israel and venture capitalists in the US.Cool job, heh?

My friend Avi Hein noticed an article they released announcing our meeting and informing everyone we in effect were there new importer to the US! Welcome to Israel! I like the wine. I took a sample to a team of wine lovers here in Chicago and threw it into a blind tasting mix with more than 2 dozen others…and the wine from Gvaot was in everyone’s Top 3. Cool..so stay tuned. It also happens to be kosher for those who care!