Kosher Wine is Having a Moment—And It’s About Time

I recently had the chance to attend this year’s Kosher Food and Wine Experience (KFWE), and if there was ever a lingering stereotype about kosher wine being just “sweet” wine, this event shattered it. Walking into the Meadowlands Hilton, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale—two massive ballrooms buzzing with energy, tables lined with bottles from all over the world, and a crowd swirling, sipping, and debating their favorites.

The most impressive part? The variety. Deep, complex reds. Crisp, refreshing whites. Elegant rosés. Sparkling wines that could go toe-to-toe with serious Champagne. Winemakers are embracing innovation, exploring new varietals, experimenting with new techniques, and proving that kosher wine isn’t just good for kosher wine—it’s just good wine.

Several wines made their debut at this event, including a Cabernet from the highly regarded Chalk Hill vineyard, the first kosher Grand Cru Clos Vougeot in nearly two decades, and even a Morgon Grand Cru’s first-ever kosher bottling. And let’s not forget the rare finds from top Israeli producers, each one a testament to how much the industry has evolved. Needless to say, I was blown away by the diversity.

One of the best parts of the night was getting to chat with the winemakers themselves. Hearing their passion, their stories, and their commitment to quality made every sip that much more meaningful. There’s something special about tasting a wine while the person who made it walks you through the vineyard, the vintage, and the vision behind it. Their excitement was contagious—so much so that I briefly considered switching careers. Should I be looking at winery jobs? (I don’t know, but let’s just say I wouldn’t mind a workday that involves more vineyard strolls and less email.)

If this event proved anything, it’s that kosher wine is in the middle of a major renaissance. It’s not just about what to drink for the holidays or for dietary needs—these wines are just plain good, no qualifiers needed. The craftsmanship, diversity, and innovation on display were beyond exciting, and I can’t wait to bring more of these incredible bottles to our shelves.