Walking into the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane on February 18, 2025, for the Kedem Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) London, I had two thoughts: First, this was going to be an absolute feast for the senses. Second, did I really know what kosher wine was, or was I just pretending? Spoiler alert—I knew about as much as a fish knows about bicycles.
But that’s the beauty of an event like KFWE. It’s an eye-opener, a palate-expander, and a deep dive into a wine world that many of us haven’t explored. And let’s be clear: kosher wine is not “blessed by a rabbi”, nor does it taste like overly sweet nostalgia in a bottle. We’re talking world-class winemaking, strict production methods, and bottles that would make even the most refined sommeliers do a double take.
So, What Makes Wine Kosher?
For a wine to be kosher, Sabbath-observant Jews must oversee the entire winemaking process—from grape crushing to bottling. It also means no sneaky animal-derived fining agents like gelatin or casein. Some kosher wines are mevushal(flash-pasteurized), making them more flexible in terms of handling at events. But the quality? Top-notch. If you still think kosher wine is all syrupy Manischewitz, you’ve got some catching up to do.
The Grand Tasting: Over 500 Wines, One Happy Taster
KFWE London wasn’t just about learning; it was about tasting—and plenty of it. With over 500 wines from 60+ producers spanning France, Italy, Spain, Israel, the USA, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa, this was a playground for wine lovers. Here were some standouts:
Château Clarke (4.2/5) – A Bordeaux That Stands Tall
A bold, polished wine with deep cassis and plum notes, refined tannins, and a long, elegant finish. Proof that kosher Bordeaux can stand with the best of them.
Château Giscours (4.1/5) – Classic Margaux Elegance
This Grand Cru Classé from Margaux delivered textbook blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco, with a velvety mouthfeel that softened beautifully in the glass. A wine with pedigree and longevity.
Carmel Black Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (4.0/5) – Israel’s Rising Star
A powerful Galilee Cabernet boasting dark fruit, cassis, and spice. Smooth yet structured, and built to age like a fine Bordeaux.
Morgon, Château Bellevue 2023 (3.8/5) – A Charming Beaujolais
Bright, red-fruit-driven Gamay with floral notes and soft tannins. A pleasure to drink now but with enough backbone to intrigue.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Usseglio (3.9/5) – A Southern Rhône Powerhouse
This Grenache-led blend was bold, spicy, and packed with dark cherry and leather notes. A serious wine with a long, warming finish.
Beyond Wine: Spirits and Gastronomy
KFWE London wasn’t just about the grape. The expanded spirits section included aged Scotch, premium bourbon, artisan tequila, and specialty liqueurs—each one worthy of a deep nosing and slow sip.
And then there was the food. Oh, the food! Arieh Wagner’s gourmet buffet was a masterclass in pairing fine wine with exquisite cuisine. Every sip had the perfect bite to match, making it one of the most immersive tasting experiences of the year.
The Expanding Market for Kosher Wine
Kosher wine is no longer just for religious observance—its market is booming, and the reasons are as varied as the wines themselves. Traditionally, Jewish consumers sought kosher wines for Shabbat, Passover, and other celebrations. But today, a significant portion of buyers are non-Jewish consumers drawn to kosher wine for its strict production standards, purity, and perceived quality.
Health-conscious drinkers appreciate the transparency in kosher winemaking, where no undisclosed animal-based fining agents are used. Additionally, kosher certification provides reassurance for those with dietary restrictions, allergies, or a preference for ethically produced beverages. The trend is especially notable in growing markets like Asia, where kosher certification is associated with premium quality and purity.
Kosher wine consumption has been growing at nearly twice the rate of the general wine market, with more boutique wineries entering the space and elevating quality to compete with mainstream luxury brands. From Israel’s cutting-edge wineries to California’s artisanal producers, kosher wine is proving itself as more than just a niche offering—it’s a serious player on the global stage.
Final Thoughts – Kosher Wine Deserves Your Attention
KFWE London 2025 proved that kosher wine is no longer a niche curiosity—it’s a global contender. From Bordeaux to Beaujolais, from Israel to the Andes, the wines at this event showcased serious craftsmanship, elegance, and diversity.
As I left the Sheraton Grand, full of exceptional wine, food, and knowledge, I had a newfound appreciation for the kosher wine world. If you’ve never explored it, it’s time to change that. And with KFWE London 2026 already on the horizon, I know exactly where I’ll be next year.
A huge thank you to the organisers for the invitation—it was an experience to remember. Until next time, l’chaim!
