Archaeology by storm

DISCOVERY: Ancient winery discovered in central Israel region during storm. Large 1,500-year-old winepress unearthed in area once known for wine production (DANIEL K. EISENBUD, Jerusalem Post).

The northern part of the Sharon Plain is considered the most historical wine region in Israel, and is where the first roots of Israeli wine were planted in modern times.

When water was pumped from the site, [IAA archeologist Alla] Nagorski said the well-preserved winery was found. She described it as impressive and rare.

“It is evident that great thought was invested in the engineering and construction,” she said. “The wine press is huge – 3 meters in diameter and 2 meters deep, and could accommodate 20 cubic meters of wine.”

HT Joseph I. Lauer.