These Highly-Rated Wines Are all Kosher

In the not-too-distant past, kosher wines were most closely associated with syrupy-sweet bottlings (Manischewitz, anyone?) scorned by most serious wine drinkers. However, to quote the greatest Jewish artist of all time (Bob Dylan, obviously), “the times they are a-changin.” There’s now an excellent array of kosher wines grown all around the globe. 

Israel is understandably a notable producer, but in recent decades, wineries in France, Argentina and California have entered the scene as well, producing high-quality bottlings that have been earning praise among Wine Enthusiast critics.

These now-diverse bottlings now span from a Riesling with a “shimmering column of acidity [that] bathes the palate from first sip to finish,” to a Cabernet Sauvignon with “opulent tannins that recede into an enduring finish,” according to former reviewer Mike DeSimone.

Keep it Kosher

In many respects, kosher wine is no different from mainstream wine production, except for a few key distinctions: It must be made under the observation of a religious authority and earn a hechsher, a rabbinical product certification, which is clearly marked on bottles by a kosher certifying agency. 

While the exact specifics are determined by the certifying agencies, some of which are stricter than others in their interpretation of kosher law, “one common reason a wine may not be kosher is the use of non-kosher fining agents during production,” says Dovid Riven, president of Kosherwine.com. “If an animal-based product, like gelatin or isinglass, is used to clarify the wine, it would not be certified kosher.”

For Passover, these guidelines are taken up a notch.

What About Kosher for Passover?

On top of the general no shellfish, pork, mixing certain ingredients and other kosher requirements, kosher for Passover laws are even stricter. This includes restrictions on leavening and grains, a hallmark of the holiday.

The five grains—wheat, spelt, barley, oats and rye—are not common in wine anyway. So, “most wines that are certified kosher are also kosher for Passover,” says Riven. “However, some wines, especially those with added flavors, may contain ingredients that are not approved for Passover. For example, we carry lychee, blueberry and peach-flavored canned wines that are certified kosher but not certified kosher for Passover.”  

Leavening agents, like yeast, also require special kosher for Passover designations. 

“What keeps any kosher wine kosher for Passover is simply this: Any additives—such as yeast or malolactic cultures—would need to be certified kosher for Passover,” says Jeff Morgan, founding winemaker of Covenant Wines in Berkeley, California. “Yeast [for wine] are inherently kosher for Passover, but if they were processed in a place where non-kosher ingredients were also processed, it could be a problem.”

Still confused? That’s understandable.

Fortunately, many websites often state the kosher designation of the wines they sell on the product detail page and the kosher certification symbol should be obvious on the bottle. 

“Kosher-for-Passover wines are clearly labeled,” Riven adds. “You’ll typically see the words ‘kosher for Passover’ spelled out on the back label, or a ‘P’ next to the kosher certification symbol.”

If you’re seeking specific suggestions, we’ve got you covered with a list of ten high-scoring kosher wines. Take a look below. 

Kosher

Domaine Bousquet 2022 Alavida Mevushal Organic Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon (Tupungato)

This is a Malbec to share with friends and pair with grilled steak. The nose has subtle aromas of berries. The palate follows the same austere character, but after a few minutes in the glass, it delivers red fruit flavors with a touch of leafy notes over a smooth texture. 90 Points — Jesica Vargas $17 Plum Market

Kosher for Passover

Twin Suns 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley)

A heady aroma of fresh-crushed blackberries leads to lively, exuberant flavors of black currants, black cherries, hints of thyme and cinnamon. Not too heavy, this well-balanced Cab is light on the tannins and appetizing on the palate. Kosher for Passover. 92 Points — Jim Gordon $40 Kosherwine.com

Dalton 2021 Estate Oak Aged Cabernet Sauvignon (Galilee)

This deep violet-colored wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, caramel and dried thyme. Luscious blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice and violet flavors are encased in a sheath of opulent tannins that recedes into an enduring finish. Best Buy. 94 Points — Mike DeSimone $24 Kosherwine.com