"From destruction and ruin we shall grow a strong and healthy vine, with deep roots and quality grapes for the glory of our home, for the lives of our father-grandfather's partners, and in memory of those who are no longer with us."
In 2006, Gideon Pauker, one of the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz, dreamed of producing wine from grapes he would grow himself, for his own enjoyment and that of his relatives and friends. Encouraged by his friends and partners Gadi Moses and Haim Peri, and in partnership with additional members from the kibbutz, the dream took shape: the group planted a small vineyard on the western side of the kibbutz and established the winery in Nir Oz's first shelter. Gideon served as the winemaker and vintner of the small winery, joined by his project partners in carrying out various tasks to transform grapes into wine. Over approximately 17 harvests, Gideon fulfilled his dream.
On Saturday morning, in early October, when the wine was ready but had not yet begun aging, the kibbutz fence was breached, and a bloodthirsty Gazan mob flooded the area. For eight hours, hell reigned in our small piece of paradise. By day's end, the dimensions of the disaster became clear: Gideon was murdered in his home, and three of his partners – Haim Peri, Yoram Metzger, and Gadi Moses – were kidnapped to Gaza. Many other partners also lost family, friends, and homes.
During those difficult days, the final wine remained orphaned in the shelter. With help from people in the Israeli wine industry, we, Gideon's family, managed to rehabilitate the vineyard, rescue the wine, and bring it to bottling, as a legacy for the wine group from Nir Oz. In spring 2024, we planted a new vineyard in memory of our father-grandfather, and alongside the friends' winery, we established "Pauker Winery" – a boutique family winery that invites everyone to taste quality wine overlooking the fields of the western Negev, and to continue Gideon's legacy and dream.
With us, you will receive rural hospitality, seating facing the vineyard with an open view of the fields, and a quality boutique wine experience with a family story of growth and hope.
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