Kosher Wine Podcast

In today's fun podcast, Dr. Kenneth Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath discuss common wine myths. They discuss misconceptions about wine in general, and kosher wine specifically.

Some topics include the use of screw caps on wine, aging all wines, the idea that cost equates to quality, adding ice to a glass of wine, the belief that mevushal wine is inferior, and many others. 

We really enjoyed this topic and hope you send us your own myths for us to discuss on a future podcast.

Send your myths, questions, or comments to [email protected]

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What happens when French wine culture, the hills of Tuscany, Jewish tradition, and a little bit of chutzpah all meet in one bottle?

Rabbi Yisroel Bernath sits down with Eli Gauthier, winemaker and the driving force behind Cantina Giuliano, the unique kosher winery, restaurant, and hospitality experience in the heart of Tuscany. Eli shares the remarkable journey that led him into winemaking and the dream of creating something deeply Italian, authentically Jewish, and unmistakably his own. Cantina Giuliano grew from a small family project into a destination where kosher is not simply a certification, it is part of the soul of the experience.

The conversation moves far beyond wine. Rabbi Bernath and Eli talk about passion, faith, Jewish identity, food, hospitality, building something from nothing, and what it means to bring holiness into the physical pleasures of life. Because Judaism has never really asked us to escape the world. Sometimes it asks us to make a blessing, raise a glass, and elevate it.

There is also a poignant backdrop to this episode.

This conversation was recorded at Noam Restaurant in Montreal, shortly before the restaurant was firebombed. Listening to it now gives the conversation an added meaning. Sitting in a Jewish restaurant, talking openly and joyfully about wine, food, faith, tradition, and creating Jewish life.

Perhaps that itself is the answer to darkness.

We build. We gather. We make Kiddush. We raise a glass. And we keep choosing life.

L’chaim.

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In this episode 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. Geller now holds the incredible distinction of being the first two-time guest on Kosher Wine Podcast, having joined us a year ago for our pre-Pesach edition.

Gabriel, Kenny, and the Rabbi discuss our plans for Pesach wines and specifically for the Sedarim, as well as new wines on the market this year.

Pour yourself a glass and get ready for a journey through the world of kosher wine today!

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After hosting an unforgettable evening in Montreal, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath sits down with legendary winemaker Yaacov Oryah and world-class private chef Yossel Backman for a behind-the-scenes conversation.

What started as a perfectly curated night of wine and food quickly turned into something deeper, a dialogue about creativity, risk, and what happens when wine and cuisine are allowed to truly speak to each other. From bold orange wines to precision-driven pairings, this episode captures the magic of a one-of-a-kind experience.

Together, they unpack the evening: the philosophy behind Yaacov’s boundary-pushing wines, the art of pairing food that elevates rather than competes, and the courage it takes to create something not everyone immediately understands.

This isn’t just about wine. It’s about vision, collaboration, and what happens when you stop playing it safe and start creating something real.

Pour a glass. You’ll want to listen to this one slowly.

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With Purim approaching next week, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath delve into the idea of drinking wine on Purim.

Halakhic Perspectives
Purim Night vs. Purim Day
Types of Wine we Drink on Purim
Purim vs. Pesach Wines

We rely on Rabbi Bernath's rabbinic knowledge and discuss some beautiful ideas of what makes Purim special and how we consider "ad delo yada" and drinking wine until one cannot distinguish between "Arur Haman" (cursed is Haman) and "Baruch Mordechai" (blessed is Mordechai).

But first we discuss our mutual visits and dinners with Ya'acov Oryah of Pinto Winery and Ya'acov Oryah wines.

We are always thrilled to hear from our listeners. Our listener poll this week:

Do you drink more at the:

Pesach Seder?
Purim Seudah?

A Freilichin Purim!

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Email your questions and comments to [email protected]

In The Kosher Wine Podcast Superbowl Halftime Show, Season 2 Episode 8, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Bernath discuss their observations of the recent KFWE held on February 3, 2026 in the Meadowlands, NJ.

They each have critiques on what could be improved and chat on the following topics:

Length of the event
New Wines
Trade vs. Public
Location of Show
Crowd
Food
Personalities

Dr. Kenny and Rabbi Bernath cover all this ground in just 15 minutes so you can have a tznius halftime and get back to the game!

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In Season 2 Episode 7, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Bernath discuss the annual wine holiday "Four Gates Day," which just occurred. They discussed what makes Four Gates special and what qualifies any wine as a cult wine.

Dr. Kenny and Rabbi Bernath chat about a host of other new wines on the market and some that they have recently tried. They talk about upcoming wine events they are hosting in various cities and those they will attend as guests, such as KFWE and KWD Wine Night in early February.

In this wide-ranging episode, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath get back to what they do best: shooting the breeze between two great friends while discussing kosher wine.

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Email your questions and comments to [email protected]

In Season 2 Episode 6, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath review many of the wines they had over the last couple months, covering many of the new wines and regions available in the kosher marketplace.

They discuss such wines as Chablis Grand Cru, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a Premier Crus Beaune, and many others.

Rabbi Bernath talks about his special house guest, Dr. Moises Cohen of Elvi Winery. Kenny immediately gets jealous.

In this wide-ranging episode, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath get back to what they do best: shooting the breeze between two great friends and chatting kosher wine.

Support the show

Email your questions and comments to [email protected]

In a laid-back and wide-ranging interview, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath shmooze with Chaim Hillel, Rabbi at Chabad of SLO (serving Cal Poly), and hands-on cellarmaster and Levi Chitrik, NY native, who now lives in Atlanta. Chitrik started making wine as a teen, and went pro at Brooklyn Winery in 2010.

In 2012, Chitrik partnered with Chaim (his cousin’s husband) and moved production to California. For years they made small-batch wines, and sold by word of mouth only. Since 2021, they have been fully licensed, producing in San Luis Obispo.

Narrow Bridge maintains a focus on Pinot Noir—mainly Santa Maria Valley clones, and while they also make Cab and Merlot, Pinot remains the passion.

Wine, for Narrow Bridge, is both currency and connection. "Though growth means we can’t know every customer, we value the relationships and the way wine opens doors—especially for Chaim in his rabbinic work, it opens doors to yidden who wouldn’t otherwise engage with a Rabbi."

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To learn more or purchase wines at narrowbridgewinery.com 

You can pick up Narrow Bridge wines at some of your favorite shops across the country, including:

• Vineyard – Lakewood, NJ
• Cork & Barrel – Passaic, NJ
• Filler Up – Englewood, NJ
• La Vino – Long Island, NY
• The Cask – Los Angeles, CA
• Barrel Wine & Cheese – South Florida
• Wine on 59 – Monsey, NY
• Liquor & Wine Warehouse – Five Towns, NY

Support the show

Email your questions and comments to [email protected]

In the (too) long awaited Episode 4, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath cover a lot of ground and discuss many of the hot topics of the day in the kosher wine world.

Among them:

• The impossibility of getting kosher wines in Quebec
• The effect of tariffs on international wine and the kosher market
• The price increase on the Royal portfolio
• The difficulty in finding quality kosher wines under $35 or $40 and the detrimental effect on the casual wine drinker
• Wine bottle sizing - should more smaller bottles be available?
• The lack of canned or boxed kosher wines
• The fallout of tariffs on French wine imports and the possible silver lining

Kenny and Rabbi Bernath discuss the wine they had over Shabbos Chazon (limited menu, of course:

• Kenny: Landsman, Syrah, Sta. Rita Hills, 2023
• Rabbi Bernath: Landman, Syrah, 2014

Support the show

Email your questions and comments to [email protected]