Kosher wine

Kosher Wine

Kosher wine is wine that is produced according to Judaism's religious law, specifically, Kashrut. To be considered kosher, Sabbath-observant Jews must supervise and sometimes handle the entire winemaking process, from the time the grapes are crushed until the wine is bottled and any ingredients used, including finings, must be kosher.

History

The use of wine has a long history in Judaism, dating back to biblical times. Passover and the Sabbath both require the blessing over and consumption of wine. Jewish communities throughout the world have crafted wines for these purposes, leading to a rich tradition of winemaking.

Production

The production of kosher wine is a detailed process that requires strict adherence to Kashrut. The grapes themselves do not need to be kosher, but all equipment and storage facilities must be kosher. This includes the use of kosher cleaning agents and processes to ensure the equipment is free from any non-kosher substances.

Kosher Wine Laws

There are several laws that pertain specifically to the production of kosher wine. These include:

• Yayin Nesekh: Wine that has been touched by someone who is not Jewish or a Sabbath-observing Jew is considered non-kosher.
• Stam Yenam: Wine that has been poured by someone who is not Jewish or a Sabbath-observing Jew is also considered non-kosher.
• Mevushal: According to some opinions, wine that has been cooked or pasteurized is exempt from the Yayin Nesekh and Stam Yenam laws.

Varieties

There are many varieties of kosher wine available today, from traditional sweet wines to dry, full-bodied wines. Some popular kosher wine producers include Manischewitz, Kedem, and Yarden.

See Also

• Kosher foods
• Jewish cuisine
• Jewish holidays