Planners have given the go-ahead for over 250 new hotel rooms to be part of a Zichron Yaakov tourist complex that the northern city hopes will ensconce its place as Israel’s winemaking capital.

Authorities from the Israel Lands Authority approved plans for some 265 rooms in two separate parts of the planned 606-dunam (150-acre) project. Developers will also have the option of taking on an extra 64 rooms, according to the Tourism Ministry.

The rooms will be part of the city’s Wine Park, which is slated to also include some 200 homes, restaurants, cafes, parkland, galleries, shops, a performance space, and craft shops and industrial operations related to winemaking, including vineyards.

Leaders hope the complex will help cement the region’s image as Israel’s Napa Valley or Tuscany, drawing wine producers, olive oil manufacturers, artists and others involved in boutique food production.

Tourism Minister Haim Katz said demand for ecotourism was on the rise. “Israeli wine has rightly made a name for itself worldwide”, Katz said in a statement after the tourist accommodations were okayed on January 18. “Winemaking activities put about a billion shekels into state coffers annually and contribute to local job creation in outlying areas. Improving the wine tourist’s experience will bolster Israel’s position as a leading culinary destination”.