As war in the Middle East expands, winemakers Israel and Lebanon persevere

The 2024 harvest at Israel’s Daltôn Winery was punctuated by nonstop rocket and drone attacks launched from just across the border in Hezbollah-controlled southern Lebanon. As tractors rolled through the vineyards at night, collecting the last of the Cabernet grapes, the sky was lit up by the glow of exploding rockets and the resulting wildfires that have scorched parts of northern Israel since Hezbollah’s campaign began on Oct. 8 of last year. Across Israel, Lebanon and the West Bank, the growing conflict ignited by Hamas’ attacks one year ago on Oct. 7, 2023, has upended winemakers’ livelihoods and lives throughout the region. Harvest is traditionally a time of hard work and celebration. But as the military campaign in Gaza continues, Israel and Hezbollah trade fire and Iran launches missile attacks, vintners on all sides are simply trying to survive and protect what they have spent a lifetime building. Grapes are being harvested, but so is sorrow. Located in Israel’s Upper ...