Tzofar can be explored through two distinct places named Moa: Moa Winery is in the village, while the Moa archaeological site is nearby, outside Tzofar. One is all about wine, the other about the Nabataean Incense Route. Since both destinations share the same name, it is worth distinguishing between the tasting and the archaeological site when planning your stay.
Wine at Moa Winery
Moa Winery offers guided tastings of four wine varieties. Wine is served with cheese platters featuring cheese from the Negev, local dips, and bread. The visitor center welcomes guests by reservation or when space is available. Check current availability before your visit.
The Moa archaeological site
The nearby Moa archaeological site is a key stop on the Nabataean Incense Route. It includes a square fortress, a caravanserai for camel caravans, and extensive desert farming systems. Together, these features make the site more than just a point along the route: its structures, caravan traffic, and large-scale desert agriculture are all connected here.
There are two distinct themes to choose from: a guided tasting with food at the winery, and an archaeological site connected to the Incense Route.
The wider setting: Southern District
In the wider travel destination of the Southern District, Avdat adds a historical perspective. Both Moa and Avdat are connected to the Incense Route: Moa is a key stop on the Nabataean route; Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the route of the ancient Incense Route in the Negev Highlands. Masada offers a different historical focus. The site is considered a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the last stand of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE. It also preserves the remains of Herod’s palaces, as well as intact Roman siege works that are among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world.
The Southern District’s landscape offers themes of its own, too. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve encompasses Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, and flowing streams, as well as ibex and hyraxes. A hiking trail along Nahal Arugot, which flows year-round, leads to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. Ein Gedi thus combines an oasis landscape with a specific hiking destination. Trail conditions may change after floods; check them before your hike.
The visitor center at the Ramon Crater in the Southern District combines the life story of Israel’s first astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world’s largest crater and its unique natural phenomena. Register in advance through the visit coordination system to secure a place for your chosen visit date. Check the latest information before planning, as operational details may change.
Discover more destinations: Ramot Naftali, Eli Ad, Shomria, Shoresh, Kfar Adumim, Elifelet, Hoshaya, Metulla
For the broader travel overview: Israel.
