about

The people of Bat Shlomo Vineyards

"If you want to truly understand the origins of modern Israel, you can do so at the roots of Bat Shlomo and its wine culture. It's a snapshot of that era. It's the beginning."
Elie Wurtman, Vintner

Elie Wurtman, Vintner

Elie Wurtman is a serial entrepreneur, venture investor and technology-company executive who has spent the last 20 years advancing technology in Israel. In addition to business entrepreneurship, Elie is active in several social and ideological initiatives, including PICO Jerusalem, a co-working space, that aims to revitalize the creative start-up scene in Israel's capital, and Regavim, an innovative high school program, integrating agricultural work with academic studies. Elie's pioneering spirit and passion for fine Israeli wine, led him to pursue Baron Edmond de Rothschild's dream and replant the vineyards of Old Bat Shlomo. Elie is a fellow of the Middle East Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Ari Erle, Winemaker

Ari Erle, Winemaker

Ari Erle, born in Travis Air Force Base by Napa Valley, made Aliyah in 1994, and joined the IDF during his freshman year in college at the University of Washington. He later completed his degree at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in Political Science. After working at the Jewish National Fund and the the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee for several years, Ari went back to school to study Viticulture and Oenology at the Napa Valley College and UC Davis. Before returning to Israel, he worked in Napa Valley for Colgin Cellars, Clos Du Val, Elizabeth Spencer and O Shaughnessy. Ari's love for agriculture, science, technology and Israel has been the driving force behind his passion for winemaking. He joined Elie's vision and helped create Bat Shlomo Vineyards. In addition to his work with Bat Shlomo, Ari teaches practical winemaking at the Ohalo College in Katzrin, Israel.
Jodi Marder, Marketing & Events

Jodi Marder, Marketing & Events

Jodi Marder, a Long Island native, made Aliyah in 1985 with her husband and daughters. She graduated from the Hebrew University School of Agriculture with a BSc in Nutrition and Health Sciences. After seven years of studying traditional Chinese medicine, she founded the Chinese Medical Clinic, practicing medicine for the next 20 years. Always having an interest in food, health and well-being, and after a chance meeting with Bat Shlomo's Ari and Elie, Jodi decided to turn her love and passion for fine wine to a new career. In 2011 she joined Bat Shlomo's Vineyard and became its Director of Marketing, Sales and Events.