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Kosher Wine PodcastEpisode 31: Season 2, Episode 3: Kosher Wine on the Road | Dan Levin, Kosher Winemaker One Hope Winery, Marciano Estate, Mayacamas, The Reserve, Napa Valley CA. (California Series, Episode 2)What do Lucasfilm, Pixar, and kosher Cabernet have in common? One man: Dan Levin. In this special edition of the Kosher Wine Podcast, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath sits down with Dan Levin, affectionately known in the Valley as “Kosher Dan”—for an unforgettable conversation that flows like a fine barrel sample.Recorded under the starlit skies of OneHope Winery, this episode uncorks Dan’s incredible journey from the world of audio engineering to becoming one of Napa’s most trusted kosher winemakers. From hand-destemming berries one-by-one at Mayacamas to salvaging vintages with divine timing at Marciano Estate, Dan shares beh...2025-06-0536 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 30: Season 2, Episode 2: Back to BasicsIn Episode 2 of Season 2, Dr. Kenny Friedman & Rabbi Yisroel Bernath get back to basics, reviewing wines they have been drinking recently and discussing what makes them interesting.Kenny's Wines:Bodegas Vizar, Roble, 2023Chateau Les Graves de Lavaud, 2020Dalton, Galilee, Sauvignon Blanc, Fumé, 2024Clos 15, Brut Nature, Cava, NVDalton, Galilee, Alma, Deep Red, 2020R' Yisroel's Wines:J. de Villebois, Pouilly-Fumé, “Les Silex Blancs,” 2023El Orador, Rioja Alta, 2023Dalton, Pinot Gris, 2023Hajdu, Mendocino County, Pinot Blanc, 2024Recanati, Reserve, Marselan, 2019Kenny and R' Yisroel discuss genetic mutations creating white variants of red grapes, screw top wines, the impres...2025-05-1357 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 29: Season 2, Episode 1: Live Recording, Chol Hamoed Pesach, Special Guests and Great Discussion.In this first episode of the second season of The Kosher Wine Podcast, join Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath as they sit together for the first time live on the podcast.They welcome their wives, special guests, family and friends, drink wonderful wines, and celebrate the holiday of Pesach (Passover) with happiness and special friendship. Kenny and Rabbi Bernath enjoy the:Nana Estate, Mitzpe Ramon, Tethys, 2021Shirah, Coalition, 2019Four Gates, Santa Clara Valley, Syrah, 2016Listen in and have a seat at the table.Support the s...2025-04-1846 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 28: Our Wine Picks - Passover 2025In the highly anticipated 2025/5785 Second Annual Pesach episode, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath make their Seder Wine Picks. They choose exclusively red, non-mevushal, and easy to drink wines for the Four Cups. They emphasize the importance of choosing Israeli wines for the Seder and supporting the Israeli wine industry.In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Kenny Friedman discuss their top wine picks for Passover. The conversation highlights the diversity and quality of Israeli wines and the importance of supporting Israeli winemakers, more so now than ever. They also discuss the significance of remembering and...2025-04-0942 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 27: Gabriel Geller, Director of PR and Manager of Wine Education for Royal Wine, Inc.In Episode 27 of the Kosher Wine Podcast, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath sit down for a wide-ranging discussion with Gabriel Geller, WSETIII, Director of PR and Manager of Wine Education for Royal Wine, Inc.Gabriel recounts how he got into the wine industry and his current position at Royal.Kenny & Yisroel discuss a wide variety of topics, including current wine trends in the kosher industry, wine pricing and its effect on buying, kosher wine sales in the non-kosher world, the burgeoning sales of white and sparkling wine, among many other topics.Wi...2025-03-191h 04Kosher Wine PodcastEpisode 26: Kosher Wine on the Road | Benyamin Cantz, Four Gates Winery (California Series, Episode 1)The Soul of Four Gates: A Deep Dive with Benyomin CantzIn this unforgettable episode of the Kosher Wine Podcast, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath journeyed to the breathtaking Santa Cruz Mountains to meet the legendary winemaker Benyomin Cantz of Four Gates Winery. We walk the vineyards, explore his hands-on winemaking process, and step into the sacred stillness of his barrel room, where patience and devotion transform grapes into some of the rarest and most sought-after kosher wines in the world. Benyo shares the philosophy behind his dry-farmed vines...2025-03-0950 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 25: Rabbi Michoel Gershzon, Kosher Georgian Wines: An Ancient Tradition Meets a New EraIn this captivating episode of the Kosher Wine Podcast, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath sit down with Rabbi Michoel Gershzon for a deep dive into the world of Georgian wine.Rabbi Gershzon shares his firsthand expertise on Georgia’s rich winemaking heritage and his work with Bam Wine and Spirits. Together, they explore what makes Georgian wine so distinctive, the history behind its ancient winemaking traditions, and the exciting new wave of kosher Georgian wines arriving in America.Beyond the vineyard, Rabbi Michoel unveils the fascinating story of Georgia’s Jewish community and its...2025-03-0243 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 24: KFWE NY 2025: New Wines, Indigenous Grapes & California AdventuresIn Episode #24, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath discuss their visit to the Kosher Food & Wine Experience NY, Royal Wine's major trade show and annual tasting events, held at the Park Hotel Meadowlands on February 10, 2025. They discussed their thoughts on the big event, talking about timing of the show, the new wines they tasted, and all of the people they met.Kenny & Rabbi Bernath read listener mail and chat about the topic of indigenous grapes.Kenny and Rabbi Yisroel talk about wines they have had over the last week, including:Elvi, Cava...2025-02-261h 05Kosher Wine PodcastEpisode 23: Kenny's Visit to Israel, Upcoming Kosher Wine Events and Reviewing Some Great Wines.In Episode #23, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath chat about Kenny's recent visit to Israel, and his visits to wineries in the north of Israel, among them:Recanati WineryDalton WineryNetofa WineryJezreel WineryThey discuss upcoming kosher wine events around the globe. Rabbi Bernath reviews the four wines he had over the past week: Clos 15 CavaKamisa, Omega, 2020Oryah, Playground, Chardonnay, 2021Goblet, Pinot Noir, 2017Kenny sipped on the Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Late Harvest, Mu...2025-02-0554 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 22: Kosher Wine on the Road – Anna & Moises Cohen, Elvi Winery (Spain Series, Episode 2)Few wine experiences linger in memory as vividly as a day spent at Elvi Wines and Clos Mesorah in Montsant and Priorat Spain. My wife Sara and I had the privilege of an extraordinary visit — a masterclass in hospitality and winemaking — hosted by Moises and Anna Cohen. The rain, relentless throughout the day, provided a dramatic backdrop to what turned out to be one of the most enriching vineyard experiences I’ve ever encountered.Nestled in the Montsant hills, Clos Mesorah is a gem of a winery. Moises Cohen, a scientist from Casablanca, Morocco. At the age of 17...2025-01-221h 22Kosher Wine PodcastEpisode 21: KFWE Miami Recap, Four Gates' Yearly Sale, and Recent Wines We've HadIn Episode #21, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath discuss their visit to the Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) in Miami, one of Royal Wine's annual tasting events, run by WIZO in Miami. They talk about their favorite aspects of the event and the wines and food.Kenny & Rabbi Bernath put the podcast on pause to check out Four Gates Winery's annual sale, the prices, the limited availability, and the greatness of Benyo.Kenny and Rabbi Yisroel talk about wines they have had over the last week, including:Shimon & Co., Tsolikouri, 2021Dalton, Vermouth...2025-01-1249 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 20: Kosher Wine on the Road – Jürgen Wagner, Capçanes Winery (Spain Series, Episode 1)In this inaugural episode of the Spain Series, Sara and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reflect on their fascinating journey to Celler de Capçanes, a historic winery nestled in the heart of the Montsant region of Spain. The episode begins with an exploration of the region's breathtaking landscape and the history of the Capçanes winery, which dates back over 500 years. The focus shifts to their kosher wines, crafted with meticulous care despite being a tiny fraction of the winery's overall production. Rabbi Bernath and Sara reflect on their tour with Jürgen Wagner, the winery's visionary winemaker, who...2025-01-0438 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 19: We Shoot from the Hip: A Wide-Ranging Conversation between Wine FriendsIn Episode #19, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath have a wide-ranging conversation about wines they have recently enjoyed, lots of current events in the wine world, and drink two wines and discuss: the Dalton, Asufa, Grounded, Zuriman, 2023 and the Einat, Lonely Cat, Petit Verdot, 2020.Rabbi Bernath talks about two other wines he has had recently: Eola Hills, Pinot Noir, 2021 and Le Grand Secret, Sancerre, 2023. Kenny talks about the Camuna Winery in Philadephia, orange wines including the GRW, Rkatsiteli, Qvevri Collection, Orange Wine, 2022, and the Shirah, Albarino, Orange, 2023.They discuss Feldstein Winery and ne...2024-12-101h 12Kosher Wine PodcastEpisode 18: Amichai Lourie, Winemaker of Israel's Shiloh WineryIn Episode #18, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome Amichai Lourie, winemaker of Israel's Shiloh Winery since its founding in 2005. Just having opened the new winery and visitor center a month ago, now is the time to visit and support Shiloh Winery and all of the incredible wines of Israel.Listen in as this wide-ranging discussion goes from the intricacies of Amichai's winemaking to the deep difficulties and emotion of making wine in Israel during the war of the past year plus, as Israel defends its land and people from murderous enemies.Amichai pours...2024-11-211h 19Kosher Wine PodcastEpisode 17: What we're drinking now...In Episode #17, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath have a wide-ranging conversation about wines they have recently enjoyed over the Jewish holidays, as well as some recent international wine trends.Kenny brings up the topic of a recent study showing internationally, still red wine sales have fallen dramatically, while sales of white, Rosé, sparkling, and interestingly, low-alcohol and non-alcoholic wines have risen. They discuss how this might affect the kosher world.Kenny discusses the following four wines:Château de Parsac, Montagne Saint-Émilion, 2022Château Jaumard, Bordeaux, 2022Gehring, Roter Hang, Trocken...2024-11-0546 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 16: Our Wine Picks for Rosh Hashana 2024/5785In Episode #16, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reveal their Rosh Hashanah 5785 picks.Featuring all Israeli wines for the New Year, in support of the wineries, winemakers, and workers of our homeland, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath discuss the importance of this idea.Rabbi Bernath chose wines from the categories of whites, Rosé, reds, and one dessert wine, explaining the reasons for their picks.Tura, Mountain Vista Snow, White Wine, 2023Gush Etzion, Rosé, 2023Maia, Mare Nostrum, 2019Odem Mountain, Alfasi, Special Edition, 2018Kenny's picks were:Agur, La'yam, Bl...2024-09-2445 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 15: Josh Rynderman, owner and winemaker of ESSA Winery, Cape Town, South Africa.In Episode #15, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome Josh Rynderman, owner and winemaker of South Africa’s ESSA Winery.Joshua Rynderman is a man brimming with audacious energy evident in his easy smile but even more so in his craft. Joshua has built the young ESSA winery of South Africa following training under master boutique winemaker, Benyamin Cantz, of the fabled Four Gates Winery of Santa Cruz, CA. In this episode, we taste through four Essa Wines: Essa, Liv & Luv, Western Cape, Rose, 2024Essa, Altira, Cape South Coast, 2023Essa, Franschook, Cabe...2024-09-0244 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 14: Vered Ben Saadon of Tura Estate Winery, Shomron, Israel.On Episode 14, Dr. Kenneth Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome a very special guest, Vered Ben Saadon of Tura Estate Winery. Tura Represents the resurgence of the ancient vineyards of Samaria, the Shomron, Planted by our ancestors thousands of years ago. Vered and Erez Ben Saadon embody the spirit of modern Israel and a return to our homeland. They discuss how Tura began out of necessity over two decades ago, and how Tura Estate has grown to a winery producing a quarter of a million bottles a year.Vered tells the fascinating history of her f...2024-08-2641 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 13: Kevin Danna of Binah Winery, Allentown, Pennsylvania.In Episode #13, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome Kevin Danna, owner and winemaker of Binah Winery, Allentown, Pennsylvania.First, they delve into what is in their respective glasses, with Kevin drinking the new Cabernet Franc Reserve and Kenny drinking the Merlot, 2022.They discuss Kevin's winemaking origin story and his fateful journey from landscape engineer to winemaker, beginning in Pinnacle Ridge Winery before starting his own winery. Danna discusses his background in sparkling wine, always Kenny's favorite, in this case, the 2021 Blanc de Blancs. Kevin takes the listener through each step of the process.2024-07-0257 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 12: Wines We've Been Enjoying Recently, Plus Other Current Topicsn this episode, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath have a wide-ranging conversation about wines they have recently enjoyed, a wine-tasting comparing similar wines from different regions, and many other topics.In the first episode since Shavuos, Kenny highlights three different bubblies, each at different price points, and from different regions. The Bonnet-Ponson, the Koenig Cremant, and the Matar Blanc de Noirs. Rabbi Bernath talks about a special wine tasting held with Jay Buchsbaum of Royal Wine in Montreal. One example of wines they paired up was the Chateau Pontet-Canet 2021 vs. the Alfasi Odem Mountain 2018. Kenny...2024-06-2041 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 11: Shavuos White Wine PicksIn the highly anticipated Shavuos (or is it Shavuot?) White Wine Pick episode, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman choose wines five price categories: Under $15, $15 to $25, $25-$35, $35-$45, and over $45. Rabbi Yisroel Bernath & Dr. Kenny Friedman in turn surprise and delight each other with their picks. They discuss the lack of appreciation for white wines, oak's influence on white wines, the proper serving temperature for whites, as well as when a white wine can age.Kenny's Picks:Recanati, Yasmin, White, 2023Goose Bay, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023Hagafen, Dry Riesling, 2023Binah...2024-06-0636 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 10: Interview with Jonathan Hajdu from Covenant & Hajdu WinesIn Episode #10, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman welcome Jon Hajdu, winemaker for Covenant Wines of Berkeley, California, and his own eponymous label, Hajdu Wines. They discuss Jon’s winemaking origin story and his fateful journey from NY to California and Australia in between, and from being an archaeology and pre-med major at SUNY Albany to making his own first wine in 2005 to being named a Wine Enthusiast magazine “40 Under 40” winemaker in 2018. Hajdu speaks about his philosophy in winemaking and the different style he brings to both Covenant and Hajdu wines.Known for his...2024-05-3050 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 9: Everything You Need to Know About Wine Corks (and Other Enclosures!)In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman talk about an oft-overlooked aspect of every wine bottle: the enclosure. First, they introduce a new segment as Rabbi Bernath reads a wine label and Kenny is left to guess which bottle it is.They then introduce the main topic, first discussing some of the history of cork and its geographical implications. They discuss each of the enclosures used for wine, including natural cork, synthetic cork, agglomerated cork such as Diam, Vinolok, crowns, and screw caps. They discuss the pros and cons of ea...2024-05-1645 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 8: Interview with Gabriel & Shimon Weiss from Shirah WinesIn this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman invite their first guests, and chat with rockstar winemaker brothers Gabriel and Shimon Weiss of Shirah Wine, of course all while enjoying a glass of Shirah wine.They discuss the origins of Shirah Wine and their journey in winemaking. The conversation covers topics such as the production, growth of the winery, the decision-making process for blends, the market for white wines, the importance of labels and packaging, and the ageability of their wines.Gabriel and Shimon discuss the readiness of wines to drink and the...2024-05-0856 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 7: Post-Passover Musings and the Dalton Pet Nat WineIn the first post-Passover chat, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss their experiences during the Passover holiday and their mutual enjoyment of the Dalton Pet Nat wine. They explore the interesting process of Pét-Nat, or Pétillant Naturel, a sparkling wine made through a single fermentation process right in the bottle. They discuss the history and origins of Pét-Nat and its refreshing and fun characteristics. They also touch on the unique quality of Israeli Pét-Nat and the potential for Israeli winemakers to excel in this style. They answer a fan question on the bracha over...2024-05-0226 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 6: Our Wine Picks for Passover 2024In the highly anticipated Pesach Seder Wine Pick episode, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman announce their picks. They choose wines only from Israel in four price categories: Under $20, $20 to $40, $40 to $80, and over $80. Additionally, they choose one Moshiach wine from the depths of their cellars. They choose exclusively red wines as these are preferred for the Four Cups. They emphasize the importance of choosing Israeli wines for the Seder and supporting the Israeli wine industry. In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Kenny Friedman discuss their top wine...2024-04-1738 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 5: Choosing the Perfect Wines for Passover SederIn this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss their recent experiences and preparations for the upcoming Passover holiday, the peak buying season for kosher wine. They discuss the question they receive most often, namely, what wines to drink at the Pesach Seder. They provide recommendations for wines to drink and discuss the tradition of using red wine, the need to drink a certain amount quickly, and the ideal wines to fit the bill. The touch on the importance of including others in the Seder and making them feel welcome. Kenny a...2024-04-1551 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 4: Matar CB, 2016 & Chateau Marquisat de Binet, Cuvée Abel, Montagne Saint-Émilion, 2015In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss the concept of Moshiach wines, the significance of wine in Jewish traditions and the importance of choosing the right wine for special occasions. Rabbi Bernath shares his choice for the wine he would serve if Moshiach came right now, the Matar CB, 2016. They briefly discuss the kosher food scene in Montreal. Kenny discusses a wine he had this weekend, the Chateau Marquisat de Binet, Cuvée Abel, Montagne Saint-Émilion, 2015, and the significance of distinguishing between aromas, in this case, the presence of Brettanomyces (Brett) vs. tertiary aromas. Th...2024-04-0536 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 3: Petit Castel 2020 & Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2009In this episode, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss the most recent news out of Israel in the terrible damage to Avivim Winery due to Hezbollah and the continued importance of supporting Israeli wineries. They also share their experiences drinking Israeli wines on Purim, focusing on one of Rabbi Bernath's Purim wines, the Petit Castel, 2020 from Israel's Domaine du Castel Winery. The conversation touches on the Bordeaux-style blends produced by Castel and the significance of unfiltered wines. The hosts then discuss Kenny's tasting of the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, 2009 and the expensive hobby of wine drinking. The...2024-03-2635 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 2: Corkscrews, Italian Dacci Barbara D'Asti 2020 & Israeli Shiloh Secret Reserve Petit Verdot 2020In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Kenny Friedman discuss corkscrews and wine openers. They compare different types of corkscrews and share their recommendations. They also discuss the concept of regifting rabbit corkscrews. The conversation then shifts to open bottles of wine, with Rabbi Bernath sharing his experience with a Dacci Barbara D'Asti wine. They discuss the acidity of Italian wines and how to balance it. They also touch on the government control of Italian wines and the different regulations in various countries. The conversation covers various topics related to Israeli wine and the challenges faced by Israeli winemakers...2024-03-2133 minKosher Wine PodcastEpisode 1: California Herzog Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020In this episode of the Kosher Wine Podcast, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss their backgrounds and passion for kosher wine. They explore the significance of wine in Jewish culture and how it is used to celebrate various occasions. The hosts also highlight the influence of kosher wine in the market and the growth of the industry. They introduce the concept of the Kosher Wine Podcast and their plan to feature different wines in each episode. The episode concludes with a focus on Herzog Wine and a tasting of the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, discussing its characteristics...2024-03-2042 min