Ein Iron is not just about concrete and railway work, as I discovered during a recent wedding there. Located east of Pardes Hanna, it made me realize how much I've overlooked the fact that a significant part of my family resides in an area surrounded by orchards and olive groves.
Initially hesitant to attend the wedding, as they often are not my favorite events, homesickness ultimately won, and I found reason to celebrate.
The day after the perfect event, recovering with quality alcohol, we emBaraked on a local tour. That's when we stumbled upon Noam Hass's alcohol cart, also known as the "Shabbat Cocktail," famous for its surprise question: "How do you not know about us?"
For those unfamiliar, here's a brief recap: Noam Hass, a local alcohol connoisseur with an extensive kilometerage, recently established a laboratory near his home in Ein Iron. There, he personally distills alcohol—gin, brandy, whiskey, and even arak—crafting cocktails inside a "Drink Track," a converted trailer now serving as a mobile cocktail bar.
This venture has been running since last November, when Noam, rooted in Ein Iron, decided to provide a weekend refuge for those seeking affordable home-made cocktails (NIS 30 per cocktail) and tasty nibbles (when I called, he was busy making ice cream). Kids are welcome too.
Location: Hasadot 18, Ein Iron
Tasting Club
Noam also runs another project worth noting: the WhatsApp group "Tasting Club - Good Products" (currently with nearly 450 members). Once a week, group members meet for workshops or unique tasting events on various topics, offering the chance to sample rare, new, and interesting brands.
Space is limited at each workshop or tasting event.
To join, send a message to Noam at 050-5470500 and request to join the club.
Pet Nat at Barak Vineyard
Moving beyond Tel Aviv, this time to the other side of the map: Moshav Beqoa in the Judean Plain. Here lies Barak Vineyard, producing wonderful Pet Nats. Their bubbly, the orange Pet Nat for instance.
Last May, the winery released ten different types of Pet Nat from the past year.
Established by the Rosenberg family and named after their late son, Barak z"l, this boutique winery is where I visited exactly a year ago for an unforgettable bachelorette party, tasting many bottles we also took home.
Talking about weddings? The wedding season (officially) is almost here, so take a heartfelt advice, if someone here needs a bachelorette party idea. Booking in advance is mandatory for launch events. Look for "Annual Pet Nat Launch" on ontopo or the winery's website.
Price: NIS 180 per person, including a buffet and unlimited wine tastings.