Kosher Wine Podcast

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 behind-the-scenes stories filled with heart, humor, and hashgacha pratis.

Rabbi Bernath and Dan explore what makes kosher winemaking not just rigorous but deeply meaningful, from spiritual discipline to the surprising truth that sometimes the kosher wine tastes better. Whether you’re a wine lover, a spiritual seeker, or just someone who appreciates a great story, this episode is as rich and rewarding as a well-aged Cabernet.

See Rabbi Bernath’s Full Article on his experience with Dan Levin HERE https://medium.com/@loverabbi/a-taste-of-kosher-napa-77bc19e87b51?sk=ddb4e271a3566be0cf50957236f9ff94

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In 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, 2023
• Chateau Les Graves de Lavaud, 2020
• Dalton, Galilee, Sauvignon Blanc, Fumé, 2024
• Clos 15, Brut Nature, Cava, NV
• Dalton, Galilee, Alma, Deep Red, 2020

R' Yisroel's Wines:

• J. de Villebois, Pouilly-Fumé, “Les Silex Blancs,” 2023
• El Orador, Rioja Alta, 2023
• Dalton, Pinot Gris, 2023
• Hajdu, Mendocino County, Pinot Blanc, 2024
• Recanati, Reserve, Marselan, 2019

Kenny and R' Yisroel discuss genetic mutations creating white variants of red grapes, screw top wines, the impression labels make on customers, and the greater topic of "ambience" as it applies to restaurants and food, among many other topics.

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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, 2021
Shirah, Coalition, 2019
Four Gates, Santa Clara Valley, Syrah, 2016

Listen in and have a seat at the table.

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In 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 focusing on the remaining Israeli hostages during the Seder, may they be brought home safely, speedily, and in good health now, as well as all of our soldiers, may Hashem watch over them. Next Year in Jerusalem!

Kenny's Picks:

Seder 1 (Israeli Only):

Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Rose, Brut, 2017

Vitkin, Israeli Journey, Red, 2023

Dalton, Asufa, Grounded, Zuriman, 2023

Gva'ot, Gofna, Reserve, Bittuni, 2023

(Alternate option: Domaine du Castel, La Vie, Rouge, 2023)

Shulchan Orech: Recanati, Reserve, Wild Carignan, 2014

Seder 2 (International):

Hagafen, Brut Rose, 2015

Kleinlerer, Dancin' Sophie, Cinsault, 2024

Binah, Pinot Noir, 2022

Shirah, Riverbench, Pinot Meunier, 2021

Shulchan Orech: Carmel, Single Vineyard, Sha'al, Merlot, 2010

Yisroel’s Picks:

Seder 1 and 2 (Both Israel)

Bravdo Neta Red, 2023 

Tulip Merlot, 2021

Recanati Young Vines Carignan ,2019

Yarden Cabernet, 2009

Odem Forest Red Blend, 2023

Dalton Scarlett,  2020

Yaacov Oryah Up We Go,  2020

Netofa DOR Syrah, 2017

Bat Shlomo Regavim, 2021

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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.

With the upcoming major wine buying season of Passover/Pesach, Kenny, Yisroel and Gabriel talk about what wines they will be purchasing, and how they approach wine for the Seder.

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

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The Soul of Four Gates: A Deep Dive with Benyomin Cantz

In 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, why he refuses to make mevushal wine, and how every bottle is a testament to craftsmanship and spiritual elevation. This conversation is more than just about wine—it’s about life, growth, and the beauty of things that take time.

Episode Highlights:

A Walk Through the Vineyards – Benyo’s hands-on approach to tending his vines and the magic of dry farming.
Inside the Barrel Room – A rare tasting of Four Gates wines, including a 35-year-old mystery vintage.
The Philosophy of Kosher Wine – How wine connects us to spirituality and why Four Gates wines are made with intentionality.
The Art of Patience – Why great wine—and life itself—is all about timing and growth.
Exclusive Insights – Benyo explains why he produces such limited quantities, why terroir matters, and how each bottle is a conversation waiting to happen.

#KosherWIne #FourGates #Kosher #KosherWinemaking #SantaCruzMountains #FourGatesWinery

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In 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 deep-rooted connection to kosher wine.

Pour yourself a glass and get ready for a journey through history, culture, and the bold flavors of kosher Georgian wines! 

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In 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, NVKoenig, Cremant D'Alsace, NVShirah, Bro.Deux (Bro.Max), Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022Rabbi Bernath discusses his recent trip to California, visiting Four Gates Winery, Marciano Estates, and OneHope Winery.

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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 Winery

Dalton Winery

Netofa Winery

Jezreel Winery

They discuss upcoming kosher wine events around the globe. 

Rabbi Bernath reviews the four wines he had over the past week: 

Clos 15 Cava

Kamisa, Omega, 2020

Oryah, Playground, Chardonnay, 2021

Goblet, Pinot Noir, 2017

Kenny sipped on the Golan Heights Winery, Yarden, Late Harvest, Muscat, 1998

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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, he moved to Israel to study agricultural engineering at the Technion in Haifa and later ended up in Catalonia, Spain, working in agriculture and water management. “This new vineyard is the labratory I always wanted, it really brings together both of my passions,” Cohen mused.

What struck me most about our nearly seven-hour visit was the passion and warmth of the Cohen family. Moises, whose expertise lies in viticulture and biodynamics, is as captivating as the vineyards he tends. But the true revelation of the day was Anna Cohen, originally from Toulouse, France, an artist and qualified sommelier. Soft-spoken yet fiercely knowledgeable, Anna’s winemaking is the soul of Elvi. Her mastery shines through in every glass, her meticulous approach translating into wines that are as complex as they are elegant. While she doesn’t speak English, her passion and artistry transcend language barriers.

Moises & Anna’s curated tasting lineup was nothing short of extraordinary, offering a glimpse into the evolution and potential of Elvi Wines. Here are the highlights:

2018 Clos Mesorah Sublim

This wine is a bold evolution for the brand. The heavy oak on the nose lends itself to layers of ripe black and red fruit, sweet vanilla, and warming spices. The oak is very apparent, both in the nose and taste. The palate is rich and velvety, with acidity tempering the opulence, making it a wine that has a long way to go. As it opened up over several hours, the integration of flavors became a revelation. Sublim is aptly named — a wine that promises greatness with time. I’m excited to see where it goes.

2021 Clos Mesorah

This latest vintage of the flagship Clos Mesorah is a tour de force. The blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah offers an exquisite balance of ripe fruit, earthiness, and a touch of umami. Clos Menorah has unique nose, with overripe blackberry forward. Assertive tannins and bright acidity make this wine both approachable and age-worthy. Still young, can’t wait to taste it as it ages in the bottle.

2014 Clos Mesorah (Vertical Tasting)

The vertical tasting of the 2014 and 2022 vintages highlighted the evolution of Clos Mesorah. The 2014 has softened with time, revealing a mosaic of dried fruit, smoke, and earth. It’s a wine that whispers its story rather than shouts it, showcasing the rewards of patience.

2022 Siblings by Mesorah

This wine is extremely approachable, even now. Designed and created by Cohen siblings David and Leah, this mevushal wine blends accessibility with sophistication. I would call it a young Clos Menorah, still boasting a lot of that same dark black fruit and a tinge of umami. Crafted from Grenache and Carignan, it offers bright fruit flavors and a fresh finish, making it a versatile choice for both casual dining and celebrations, think of it as a sophisticated simcha wine.

As the rain poured outside, the warmth of the Cohens’ hospitality enveloped us. The tasting extended late into the evening, followed by a cozy dinner filled with laughter and conversation.

If you're in Montreal David Cohen will be coming for a special event on February 6th. Reach out for more info.

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