Sweden's state-owned alcohol retail monopoly, Systembolaget, has labeled Israeli Golan and Yarden wines as "made in Israel-occupied Syrian territories."
According to the company's spokesman, Bjorn Rydberg, the decision was made after clients complained about the previous label, which stated the wine was made in Israel. The change was made after the company consulted with the Swedish Foreign Ministry.
"It's the ministry's recommendation that we are following," Rydberg said. However, "because of the criticism, we will consider changing the label again," he said.
The Golan Heights Winery, producer of increasingly fine wines under both the "Gamla" and "Yarden" labels (as well as the decent everyday quaffing stuff labeled "Golan") should be a preferred stop on any tour of Israel. For a preview, visit their website.
