Meet the woman pioneering Israel’s natural wine movement

Not sure where to begin? Shafrir recommends starting with a Georgian bottle – a nod to the time she spent living in a local winery and immersing herself in the country’s wine traditions after her studies in Italy. That period, she says, cemented her fascination with natural wine. Back then, Israel barely had it on its radar.

Craving a taste? Swing by the Asis Wild Wines studio in the city’s Florentin neighborhood to pick up a bottle, or order for same-day delivery in Tel Aviv (and within the week elsewhere in Israel). Prices start at NIS 89. You’ll also spot a standout English natural cider (Oliver’s Fine Cider) for NIS 119.

Want to dive deeper into the natural wine world? Sign up for Asis’s monthly subscription and get three or six bottles delivered straight to your door, starting at NIS 385 a month. Subscribers can also enjoy perks like seasonal events and exclusive bottles.

Once rare in Israel, natural wines from Austria, Greece, Spain, and Italy now flow freely at Tel Aviv’s top spots – including Bosser and Bar 51’s Bob – thanks in great part to Asis.

Since opening its doors right before COVID, Bosser has cemented itself as a south Tel Aviv institution. I myself am there at least once a week. Owners Gal Jacoby and Tor Vardimon Gudnason have built a space that sets the tone for the city’s wine scene – natural wine included. You’ll often see restauranters and their staff drinking there midweek.

Bosser and Asis started around the same time, with Bosser being a longtime client and buyer of Asis wines. Pop in to try Bosser’s natural selection – my favorite being Traminer, an Austrian orange with notes of rose, clementine and thyme (provided to the bar by Asis). And make sure to follow it on Instagram for specialty food pop-ups that take place typically on Wednesdays – whether that’s meatball subs or hot dogs and oysters.

Bar 51 pulled a clever move by opening Bob just down the street – the perfect spot to send hopeful diners when their flagship is fully booked (which is most nights). Named for a fictional chef who spends his days sipping wine and tossing together simple yet irresistible dishes, Bob is the fresh face of the neighborhood and already buzzing.

The wine list straddles both natural and conventional, paired with a short, crave-worthy menu designed for drinking. It’s the kind of place you swing by after work or claim as your go-to local. Just get there early – otherwise you’ve got no chance of nabbing a table.

A few standouts to chow down on at the suggestion of manager Mor Ben Shimon: the focaccia sandwich with mortadella, stracciatella, and pistachio pesto (NIS 56); the nostalgic “Childhood” pizza squares with dipping sauce (NIS 38); and for something lighter, zucchini with salsa verde and yogurt (NIS 34). Pair it all with a bottle of Amber Stars, a bold and refined orange wine from Georgia.

From Bosser to Bob to others in town like FLOR – Cave à Manger, Asis – and Shafrir herself – is shaping Israel’s glass. Natural wine is no longer a rare find here; it’s right around the corner.