Sip and Pedal
Experiencing the Negev wine country on bicycle
The Negev highlands and the Ramon Crater are known for their scenery and their view, and offer great hiking opportunities as well. The vineyards that have been planted in the last 30 years have added agriculture and flavors to the mix. Did you know that you can also explore the region on a bicycle? A system of well-marked bicycle trails, suitable for all levels of cycling skill and difficulty preference, was marked here in the last year. You no longer need a car to reach the beautiful vineyards of Mitzpe Ramon.
- Where?
The Sfat MIdbar (Desert edge) bicycle trails, outside the town of Mitzpe Ramon
- Who?
This trail is suitable for beginner-level riders
- When?
Spring, summer and fall. Recommended in the afternoon
- How long?
3-4 hours
* It is recommended to contact the businesses before arrival in order to make a reservation
Mitpze Ramon
The Sfat Midbar bicycle trail starts and ends at the town of Mitzpe Ramon. You can rent bicycles in town, or bring your own. Mitzpe Ramon is the desert tourism capital of Israel, and offers many lodging and dining options. The beginning of the trail is on the south western edge of town, right on the Albert promenade, overlooking the amazing view of the Ramon crater. Take a moment to climb camel mountain, to start your day properly. From here, you’ll be following the SFAT MIDBAR single track bike trail.
SFAT MIDBAR bike trail
This 15km, packed gravel trail is suitable for beginners, and offers gradual slopes and climbs, and long sections of leisurely gravity-assisted cruising. It is still important to wear a helmet and other proper protective clothing, and pack plenty of water.
The first section of the trail will take you along the western exit from the town, parallel to the crater cliff. You’ll pass the Har Ha’Negev field school, and the entrance to the Alpaca Farm. You’ll pass several great viewpoints, and right before arriving at the Wise star observatory, the trail will turn north, away from the cliff, and head towards the hidden valleys and farms of SFAT MIDBAR – “desert edge”.
SFAT MIDBAR
The desert edge project was envisioned over 20 years ago. In many ways this was an experiment in alternative development. Instead of basing the growth of Mitzpe Ramon only on relatively crowded urban neighborhoods, the idea was to dedicate a portion of land for Agrotourism initiatives, tucked away between the hill, and blending in with their desert surroundings. SUCCAH BAMIDBAR, the first farm you’ll pass, is a great example. If you’re looking for a humble B&B, with a million-star rating and a chance to relax- this is the place for you. Immediately after SUCCAH BAMIDBAR, you’ll arrive at a trail intersection and turn right (Northeast).
As you ride you’ll enter the vineyards of the NANA estate Winery. This picturesque setting is the work of Eran and Shachar, who brought the expertise and experience from wineries in the Judaean hills, and planted their vineyards and built this magical place. You’ll find strong reds and refreshing whites here. A small well-designed tasting room offers all of their wines for sale, along with the cheese platter to go with it. You can rest and enjoy a sip and a bite in the shade of the small garden overlooking the neat and groomed rows of vines. The beautiful green vineyards in the heart of the brown Negev desert will just take your breath away. As of the writing of this recommendation, NANA estate Winery presses their grapes offsite, but plans are in place to build a winery in the town of Mitzpe Ramon.
Continuing northeast you’ll soon arrive at Shazaf Vineyard, named after its owner – Tzur Shezaf. Shezaf is a writer, journalist and most recently – a winemaker. He has is own unique approach to vine-growing and winemaking. You’ll find local weeds and annual plants growing around his vines. Shezaf wants his vineyard to mesh with the local flora and fauna, and is delighted to see desert insects making his vines their home. His wine is made on-site, and the tasting room is a simple stone hovel, half-dug half-built into the hillside. It is not unusual for Shezaf to unexpectedly pull out a jar of olives he pickled or salted himself, to go with a strong Merlot. His wines have strong tastes and emphasized bodies that originate, according to the winemaker himself, in the organic connections his vines have to the local environment. Connections that were not severed by herbicides or pesticides.
Mesquite Farm is probably one of the best hidden farms in the Desert Edge project. Driving along on the road, you’d never know that there is a vineyard, an olive grove, a garden, a Yurt home, campsite and a complete homestead tucked away behind the bend of the wadi.
The wines of this small vineyard are produced off-site, but maintain their desert character, with subtle reminders of the extreme conditions they grow in, mostly in the Red wines. Mesquite is a family farm, with family members filling every role- from wine maker, to campground host to mechanic and they also hold day-jobs in town. So you should always call ahead. When you visit, remember to also try the olive oil and other products produced on the farm.
Head Back to the marked trail at Shezaf, and start a gradual climb back towards Mitzpe Ramon.
Back to town
Stay on the marked trail and follow it along the scenic hillside to the northern tip of the town. You’ll pass an old Bedouin cemetery and reclaimed quarries and arrive at the spice quarter. This is where many of Mitzpe Ramon’s restaurants and cafes are located. You can also find some boutique hotels and B&Bs here. Thursday evenings in the summer and Friday afternoons in the winter are probably the best time to arrive if you want to catch the “local” atmosphere.
