Viticulture israeli viticulture tends to be an ongoing battle with the elements. There is a chronic lack of water and the coastal area can be hot and humid. The wine industry has gradually moved northwards to Galilee and eastwards towards Jerusalem in search of higher elevations. Most vines are cordon spur pruned in a vsp. mechanical harvesting is usually preferred although older vines are planted as bush vines and are hand picked. canopy management is crucial to reduce vigour and protect the grapes from sunburn. drip irrigation, pioneered by the Israelis in the 1960s and developed worldwide, is the norm. Harvesting starts mid July and may last until the first week of November, but most grapes are picked from August to mid October.
