Behind the vine
Dana Beny - Nana Estate Winery - Mitzpe Ramon, Israel
When do you think you fell in love with wine, enough to make a career of it?
In Israel it is uncommon to drink wine except on Fridays, but as a daughter to two Italians, we always had wine with meals. Before I went to Italy to study Oenology and Viticulture and start my winemaking career, I studied Biomedical Engineering. After working 3 years in the field, I didn’t feel fulfilled and I was looking to change things.
While I was drinking wine at dinner, I felt that I found my calling. One of the first wines that caught my attention was a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that had such pronounced fruits and floral aroma and taste. That realization that wine could have such unique flavors made me want to explore more. Ever since I left for Italy, I haven’t stopped learning and exploring with a yearn to always discover more!
What story does your wine tell?
I think it tells the story of persistence and courage and the ‘never give up’ attitude. Nana was the first to plant a vineyard in the desert of Israel and we endured a lot of hardship on the way that could have made anyone give up.
Despite the difficulties, and with a lot of strong will, this area is one of the most interesting places to produce quality grapes and wine in Israel.
“There are extraordinary people telling you their stories, their
hardships and successes, through a bottle of wine.“
- Dana Beny
What misconceptions about wine do you think people should forget?
A common misconception is that it’s impossible to grow high quality grapes in the desert. I think our winery and wines provide a great example that there isn’t such a thing as “impossible” with wine. The desert is a wonderful environment for growing vineyards if you do it properly and wisely, and the results are amazing.
What great things about wine do you think people should remember?
That behind every wine there is a story. There are extraordinary people telling you their stories, their hardships and successes, through a bottle of wine, from the label to the glass.
What is a piece of advice you would give to a woman interested in breaking into the wine world?
Just dare and don’t be intimidated to start and eventually it will all come into place.
Where can women find your wine?
Online at https://nanawine.com/en/