Batsel Habrosh

I admit - I have a bit of a hard time with the word 'romance'. Don't get me wrong, I love my wife, but for women that's usually not enough. They need you to be romantic. So I have news for you: men are not romantic.

Anyone who thinks now that her husband does, should think twice: We don't even really understand what that means, but we understand perfectly well that we should do things that you consider romantic. This is where red roses, hearts, restaurants and B&Bs in Tuscany come into the picture. So I haven't flown to Tuscany yet, but I've come as close as possible in Israel: under the cypress shade at the Ben-Zimra vineyard.

Because what could be more Tuscan than an ancient stone building overlooking a magnificent view, an adjacent vineyard, and small boutique wineries within spitting distance (for a wine tasting of course). Truth be told - I was surprised to discover such a building in this quiet moshav - I've passed by here a lot and have always seen only red-roofed farmhouses. The suite is located on the ground floor of the building. The owners live on the floor above.

The combination of vaulted stone ceilings, niches, and arched windows takes me straight to Siena and San Gimignano. Add to that the right lighting, a floor that combines wood and painted tiles, and you suddenly have 'Bongiorno' instead of 'Good morning.'

Going outside won't bring you back to Israel. A private, private courtyard with a large "deck" and a heated private pool overlook a landscape that changes colors from green to yellow to white, depending on the season. Mount Hermon, Hula, the Golan and Lebanon fight for a place in my eye with the only thing separating me from them being Francesca's vineyard... sorry - a bee. There is also a kitchenette, a beautiful jacuzzi, a large LCD screen and a relatively large bed.

For wine lovers: Within walking distance of the B&B you can find a number of boutique wineries and many vineyards.

The cypress that gave this beautiful place its name has already collapsed in the heavy snow of the winter of 2013, but the special atmosphere is certainly only intensified here, with an excellent reputation for service that stems from the hostess's love of the place. As I say goodbye to Deborah and take one last look back, it seems to me that for one rare moment I too finally understand what romance is.