The value of Israeli wine exports rose 45% last year, according to figures from the country's wine association.

The Israeli Wine Institute said total export revenue for 2005 would reach US$9.1m, up from US$6.3m last year.

Israel produces around 35m bottles of wine a year, with output rising between 5% and 10% over the last five years.

The biggest export markets for Israeli wine remain the US, France, the UK and Canada.