Ella Valley Winery is situated in the valley of Ella in the Judean Hills, a viticulturally important area for over 2000 years. The winery's first vines were planted in 1997, though discovery of an ancient wine press on the property confirms that the region had been used for viticulture and winemaking for centuries. From inception, Ella Valley Winery has had one goal — to be the very best winery in Israel, crafting unique, high-quality wines. The winery itself was constructed in 2001 and they produced their first vintage in 2002. Their Hai series is a range of wines specifically created for export — sourced from different vineyards throughout the country — with the aim of producing food-friendly kosher wines.

Hai Vineyards' Merlot is 100% Merlot grown in the Judean Hills. The wine displays flavors of leather, earth and blackberries with a full, rich body and long, satisfying finish.