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Another fantastic day to end our much needed vacation.

We started off at the Ramat Golan Winery in Katzrin. The guide was very patient with children and at the wine tasting, she offered them grape juice in their own fancy wine glasses (that we all got to keep). Shame they didn't sell their branded masks. We would have bought one. Free marketing. Take note to all the tourist attractions! Sad times, but have some fun... 

From there we headed to an olive oil Oleah Essence factory in Katzrin that creates fragrances, cosmetics and lotions. The kids were intrigued by the exfoliating mud to wash their hands. We spent maybe 25 minutes there. A movie shared the history and process. I ran after the baby who enjoyed a chocolate ice cream sold by the Drusi market inside the factory. I spoke with her about her love of Israel, how so many in Syria wish to be able to be here (but can't for one reason or another) and some foods she makes. 

Tired from Katzrin (it's more inhabited than most of the places here, but think we exhausted the sites, except for a whiskey demonstration - - Kesem Hagolan and Bereishit are closed now due to Corona), we decided to loop around to Har Bental and checkout Ein Zivan, essentially getting back around to the Aloney Habashan area. This was recommended on Sunday, but so glad we kept one of the best for last and actually had a Friday of history and learning of Israel's famed vineyards (that in 72' actually wasn't popular and no one wanted to do it - - apparently it wasn't popular to drink). 

Anyhow, the drive up the mountain was insane (in a good way). It was slightly disappointing to learn that the cafe (Cafe Ba'Anan) does not have a hechsher because it is open on Shabbat. The gift shop was also closed likely because it is Friday. But lucky we went outside and discovered a real bunker after 1967 and views of the Hermon and Syria. Wow. We were also 1165m above sea level. Displayed in the center was also a sign pointing to different destinations, like Washington DC. Suppose that's the closest we will be for a while. The view also showed where the border between Israel and Syria is located. There are also 10 or so wind mills that provide power to the Golan Heights. Amazing. Not to be missed. 

From there we drove to Ein Zivan that has a very hippie vibe. The pizza Vino store was kosher mehadrin and the food was delicious. There's apparently cheese making available there and fruit picking but we ran out of time. On the drive back we saw more wind mills that one can drive up the mountain to get to. But one mountain was enough for today. 

We feel ready for shabbat, ready to go back home and fortunate for accomplishing so much.

Wikipedia has nothing actually written about Har Ben Tal but here's a great post.

Also had to cut the baby's hair today 😭 was bothering him so much. So no upsherin. Sorry kiddo. 

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