Life used to be so simple. Shopping for wine for the Passover seder was no more complicated than picking up a few bottles of Mogen David, Manischewitz, or some other cloyingly sweet elixir based on concord grapes.
But times have changed. As Gabriel Geller, director of public relations at Royal Wine Corporation notes, three trends — the rise of “foodie” culture, the mainstreaming of kosher food, and the increased production of premium kosher wines from all corners of the globe — have contributed immensely to the way American Jews shop for wine.
Indeed, in many homes today, wine is the star of the Passover show. And with a wide selection of award-winning kosher wines available from the best wine-producing regions of the world, there’s a perfect Passover wine for every palate and budget.
If price is no object, consider the Herzog Generation VIII Cabernet Sauvignon Double Creek Vineyard Chalk Hill 2021 (SRP $200), a rich, full-bodied Cab that perfectly balances power and elegance. Or opt for one of the great new 2022 vintage Burgundies from Domaine du Château Philippe Le Hardi — a range of exceptional pours that include the rare kosher Grand Cru Clos Vougeot, highlighting the region’s renowned terroir and winemaking expertise (SRP $65 to $500).
Italy’s Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico is another worthy contender for your Passover wine dollar. Emanating from the Rocca delle Macie estate, this full-bodied wine is a balanced blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and other local grape varieties (SRPs $25 to $100).
For something at a gentler price point, don’t overlook the Psagot wines from Israel. The label’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep, ruby-red wine with bold aromas of dark forest fruits, subtly accented by oak. This structured, elegant wine captures the intensity of the Jerusalem vineyards (SRP about $40). The Psagot Peak, a recent 97-point Double Gold Medal winner at the 2025 WSWA Tasting Competition, is a Mediterranean-style red blend that showcases Southern French varietals adapted to Israel’s climate. It offers complex layers of black fruit, pepper, dark chocolate, and dried flowers, wrapped in a velvety texture with a fresh, structured acidity (SRP about $40).
What to Look for When Buying Kosher Wines for Passover
Buying kosher wines can be an expensive proposition. Here are some pointers worth keeping in mind to protect your investment:
- Check the label to confirm if the wine is mevushal, meaning “heated.” If the wine is to be handled by non-Jews while still retaining its kosher status, it should be mevushal.
- Check that all ingredients, including yeasts and fining agents, are kosher.
- Make sure no preservatives or artificial ingredients are used.
See also…
Why Is This Wine Different From All Other Wines? 10 Things to Know About Kosher Wine
