The modern era of wine production was kick-started through the investment of Baron Edmond de Rothschild of Lafite, establishing two of the countries largest wineries. With the aid of drip irrigation, necessary because of the distinct lack of rainfall between April and October, the Mediterranean climate provides a hospitable environment for cultivating grapes. The majority of the vineyards are located in the Shomron, Samson and Galilee regions, although vineyards are continuing to pop up in the Upper Galilee and Judean foothills. Although there are 35 commercial wineries and over 200 boutique operations such as Domaine du Castel and Margalit, over 75% of production is controlled by the five largest producers including Carmel, Barkan, and Golan Heights.