Light on an Ancient Wine Press in a Future Garden Event Near the Spa at Hamei Yo’av

April 2013 - Remains of a Byzantine settlement with an impressive wine press were recently excavated on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority near Hamei Yo’av. Thursday, April 4, 2013. Light on an Ancient Wine Press in a Future Garden Event. Remains of a Byzantine settlement with an impressive wine press were recently excavated on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority near Hamei Yo’av. The salvage excavation was conducted prior to the construction of a garden event by Shevet Ahim group, led by the Yifrah Brothers. The archaeological site will be incorporated in the projected garden. According to Dr. Rina Avner, the excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “The wine press exceeded 100 square meters in area. It consisted of a large treading floor surrounded by six compartments situated north and east of the treading floor. These compartments were used for fermenting grapes upon their arrival from the vineyards, allowing the production of high-quality wine. The juice flows from the treading floor westward through a lead pipe to a settling vat, where the wastes and dirt sank.