The Judean Hills is a mountain range in Israel, running parallel to Israel's central coastline. It is part of a larger mountainous region that also includes the Samarian hills. The range is mostly composed of Cenomanian and Turonian limestone that comes from the Late Cretaceous period.
This region is significant in both historical and religious contexts. It is believed to be the place of several key biblical events. For instance, Jerusalem, the capital of Israel and one of the oldest cities in the world, is located in the Judean Hills. The hills also house several religious and historical sites including the Tomb of Samuel, Ein Kerem, and the Monastery of the Cross.
The climate in the Judean hills is temperate, with an average rainfall of about 600mm annually. The region is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a number of unique species not found elsewhere in Israel. This includes a variety of orchids, rock hyraxes, and the Judean viper.
The Judean Hills are also renowned for a burgeoning wine industry. The limestone rich soil and the cool climate combine to make it an ideal location for the cultivation of various grape varieties, particularly cabernet sauvignon and merlot. There are dozens of wineries in the region, ranging from large commercial operations to smaller boutique wineries.
