Among grapevines and olive orchards of Sde Moshe sits an ancient Byzantine winepress believed to have served the biblical city of Ptora. Shmuel Tamir moved nearby in the 1950s with the dream of establishing a farm. Three generations later, the Tamir family continues to fulfill Shmuel’s vision. His grandson, Ido Tamir, has transformed the family farm into a leader in olive oil production under the brand name Ptora. Today, the Tamir family farm spans hundreds of dunams of olive groves across the Lakhish region and the western Negev, producing high-quality, single-varietal olive oils that are at the forefront of Israel’s olive oil industry.

Tasting room, Photo: Amir Menahem

Restaurant critic Amit Aaronsohn explains: “Alongside local [olive oil] varieties like Nabali and Barnea, you’ll also find classic Mediterranean varieties such as Greek Koroneiki, French Picholine, Spanish Picual, and Italian Coratina. Ptora’s oils consistently win awards at prestigious olive oil competitions worldwide and are a staple in the kitchens of Israel’s top chef restaurants — sometimes to the extent that the farm struggles to meet demand.”

The farm features a charming tasting room for visitors. Reservations are required.