Discover Tzofar: Wine and Traces of the Incense Route

In Tzofar, two very different interests meet: Moa Winery, with its tastings, and the nearby archaeological site of Moa, which tells the story of the Nabataean Incense Route. One focus is wine and the foods served with it; the other is a caravanserai, a fortress and traces of desert agriculture. If you are looking for a vacation rental, these themes may shape your choice: would you like to make your stay primarily about a wine experience, or are you especially interested in the history of ancient trade routes?

Wine and regional food at Moa Winery

The visitor center at Moa Winery welcomes guests by reservation or when space is available. It offers guided tastings of four wines. The winery serves cheese platters featuring cheeses from the Negev, local dips and bread alongside the wine. A visit is therefore about more than just the wines—it is also about pairing them with the food on offer. If you plan to include this part of Tzofar in your stay, you can check whether a tasting is available before visiting; do not assume a set time or price.

The nearby archaeological site of Moa

The archaeological site of Moa is located near Tzofar. It includes a square fortress, a caravanserai for camel caravans and extensive desert farming systems. Moa was a key station on the Nabataean Incense Route. The various remains give the site its distinctive character: the fortress, caravan stop and agricultural installations together represent different aspects of a desert route. Those interested in the history of the Incense Route will find this a different way to explore the area than a wine tasting offers.

These differences can also help you choose where to stay. If you mainly want to experience the winery and its guided tastings, you can consider Tzofar with that in mind. If historic sites and archaeological remains matter more to you, the nearby site of Moa offers a focus of its own. You can choose a vacation rental in Tzofar based on the themes that interest you most during your stay, without turning the two experiences into a set excursion route.

Other highlights in the Southern District

The wider Southern District destination offers other, quite different themes. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve encompasses Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls and flowing streams; its wildlife includes ibex and rock hyraxes. A hiking trail runs along the perennial Nahal Arugot to a hidden waterfall and pools upstream. Conditions on the trail can change after floods, so it is worth checking the latest situation before setting out.

Masada adds a historical dimension to the Southern District. The site is a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 AD. It preserves the remains of Herod’s palaces as well as intact Roman siege works, among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. Registering in advance through the visitor coordination system secures a place in Masada National Park for your chosen visit date. Check the latest information for the day you plan to visit.

The visitor center at Makhtesh Ramon also brings together different interests: it links the life story of Israel’s first astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world’s largest crater and its distinctive natural phenomena. The Southern District thus offers everything from wine and archaeology around Tzofar to oasis landscapes and history, as well as natural phenomena and the history of space exploration. When choosing your vacation rental, consider which of these themes you want your stay to focus on; this way, your planning starts with the experiences that really interest you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Abirim, Kibbutz Ginnosar, Eshtaol, Beit Alfa, Kfar Adumim, Vered Hagalil, Moshav Ramot, Lehavot Habashan

Back to the main travel overview: Israel.