An Israeli wine-maker has triumphed over 3,720 competitors to take first place in a contest dubbed the "Wine World Cup".

The Golan Heights Winery, which produces bottles under the labels Yarden, Gamla and Golan, became the first Israeli company to win the top spot at Italy's annual international wine trade fair.

The company had won other medals on two previous occasions at the Verona-based Vinitaly event, which ends today.

Founded just 28 years ago in Katzrin, the company beat producers from wine hotspots including France, Chile and Australia.