Learn More, Enjoy More

Wine library. (Courtesy of Jules Polonetsky)

Like many readers, I grew up with little exposure to wine beyond a sip of sweet wine for Kiddush. My June column describes how studying wine transformed my appreciation of it.

I explain how terroir shows up in the glass, from the plush, fruit forward Cabernets of Napa's warm days and cool nights to the foggier, cooler conditions of Sonoma. You do not need to know every French appellation or Israeli soil type to enjoy a glass, but a little knowledge adds a great deal of depth.

Read the full column in Washington Jewish Week: Learn More, Enjoy More

Deep interview with Napa's Hagafen winemaker and founder

 Josh London does what he does so well- extensive thorough discussion with Ernie Weir of Hagafen - Jewish Link Wine Guide cover story.

"For over 50 years, Ernie Weir has been a quiet force in Napa Valley winemaking. Now, as he approaches his 52nd vintage in the Napa Valley, his influence remains as strong as ever. As the founder and winemaker of the award-winning Hagafen Cellars, he helped redefine kosher wine, proving that it can be world-class. But beyond the labels and accolades, Weir is a man with a deep love for viticulture, a connection to Israel, and a perspective shaped by decades in the industry." Read more:

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Exciting Maryland Kosher wine news!

First Maryland kosher certified winery! 

Family permeates everything at Loew Vineyards near Libertytown.

Rachel Loew Lipman is a fifth-generation winemaker and meadmaker who oversees the operation.

She said she hopes to pay tribute to the vineyard that bears her grandparents’ name by becoming the first certified kosher — in line with Jewish law — winery in the state of Maryland

read more:

https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/economy_and_business/agriculture/first-certified-kosher-winery-in-maryland-looks-to-keep-memories-alive/article_9977be27-1f72-50d0-abcf-f86a177c88b5.html?

New Kosher Wine Certification in Israel Seeks to Bridge Religious Divide

Tzohar Rabbinical Organization logo. (Courtesy of Jules Polonetsky)

The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization has launched a kosher supervision program for Israeli wineries that breaks a long held convention: it allows Jews who are not Sabbath observant to handle wine during production, under strict rabbinic oversight. My June column looks at the debate it has stirred.

Tzohar argues that excluding nonobservant Jews is a stringency rather than an absolute requirement of halacha, citing the Shulchan Aruch. I explain the traditional rules, why supporters see the program as a bridge across Israel's religious divide, and why others remain skeptical.

Read the full column in Washington Jewish Week: New Kosher Wine Certification in Israel Seeks to Bridge Religious Divide