Passover is a seven-day Jewish celebration of escaping from Egyptian slavery over 3,000 years ago. On the first two nights of Passover (only the first night if you live in Israel), there is a celebration of life with family and friends, called a Seder, which includes storytelling, singing, reading, food, and wine. The wine is served in four separate cups; wine is used instead of water because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.

Kosher wine has had a bad reputation for years because people thought the sweetened, sacramental style of wine (Manischewitz) was the only style of Kosher wine. The word Kosher means ‘fit’ in Hebrew, fit for consumption by practicing Jews. Kashrut dietary laws were developed to ensure that food was processed in a humane way and that cross contamination of ingredients would not compromise the Jewish (Kashrut) dietary customs developed over thousands of years.

The rules for a Kosher wine are as follows: it does not need to be blessed by a rabbi; no animal-based additives like gelatin can be used in processing the wine; the wine must be handled by practicing Jews, from vineyard through final production; it cannot ever by in contact with leavened products, like bread.

Mevushal wines are flash pasteurized, and the old process of pasteurizing reduced the fresh floral and fruit flavors. Current winemakers have greatly improved the process and wines that are Mevushal are very good quality. This style of wine is often served at large, catered events where everyone working the meal may not be a practicing Jew.

Israel has some of the oldest laws surrounding grape production in the world. Golan Heights is the main wine growing region, and the country grows internationally known varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay. However, Kosher wines are made in many winemaking countries, including the United States, France, Spain, and Chile. 

Some well known Kosher wines that are available locally are: 

Laurent-Perrier Champagne (various locations)

Hermon Red (Common Market, Assorted Table Wine Shoppe at 7th Street Public Market, Foxcroft at SouthPark, Arthur’s at Belk, SouthPark) 

Yarden Merlot and Hermon Indigo Red (Foxcroft Southpark, Assorted Table)  

Mount Hermon Moscato (Assorted Table)

Hermon White (Arthur’s, Assorted Table)

Yarden Blanc de Blanc Brut (Assorted Table)

Galil Sauvignon Blanc (Assorted Table)

Prices range from $13- $40 per bottle.  All locations have call-ahead, curbside pick up. Call soon to preorder to insure availability. Gut Mazl! —Anita Skogland

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