What Are the Requirements for Wine to Be Kosher? Little Known Facts about Kosher Wine
Wine has long been an integral part of Jewish life and practice. It’s a traditional part of most Jewish high holy days as Passover and Purim. Though grape juice is occasionally substituted, wine is the tradition, and, by Jewish law, it must be kosher. What must be done to ensure that the wine meets Jewish dietary laws? Are there different types of kosher wines? What role does wine play within Jewish culture?
What Requirements Must Be Met for Wine to Qualify as Kosher?
The Jewish dietary laws with respect to wine are strict. Specific requirements include:
- Supervision of the entire winemaking process by a rabbi or other Jewish authority figure
- The use of only kosher ingredients and the absence of any preservatives or artificial colors
- The handling by only sabbath-observant Jews from the time the grapes arrive until the wine is bottled. If the wine is to be used for Passover, it may not contain or have been in contact with any leavening agents or legumes.
As a general rule, wine that has been identified as kosher will have a certification mark (hechsher) issued by a kosher certification committee, a rabbi, or by the Kashruth committee. The most common mark is a letter “U” inside a circle (with a “P” near the certification if it’s approved for Passover).
How Prevalent is Wine within the Jewish Faith and Tradition?
Wine has been integral to Jewish custom for millennia, and is often considered a holy beverage. In addition to Passover and Purim, wine is traditionally a part of other Jewish holidays and holy days, including:
- Shavuot, where roses and white wines are served to signify the harvest or the rebirth of spring
- Tu B’Shevat, or the “New Year of the Trees,” which commonly includes four cups of wine
Wine is also commonplace at Jewish weddings, both as a symbol of joy and an indication of the sanctification of the covenant of marriage.
Are There Different Types of Kosher Wines?
Though the common perception is that kosher wine is akin to a dessert wine, such as a port, that’s no longer the case. In fact, virtually any type of wine can be designated as kosher, provided it meets the Jewish dietary requirements. You can find classic reds, such as cabernets, merlots and riojas, that are kosher, as well as chardonnays and sauvignon blancs.
How Kosher Wine Survived Prohibition
The Volstead Act, the federal law that put Prohibition into legal effect, made an exception to the law for any wine that was used for “sacramental purposes.” Accordingly, people of Jewish and Catholic traditions were allow to buy and sell wine, provided it was used for sacramental purposes. During the 13 years that Prohibition was the law of the land, sacramental wine shops became a mainstay in many Jewish neighborhoods.
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Serving the Jewish Community for More than 125 Years
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, we serve the Jewish community from funeral chapels in New York and Florida, providing comprehensive services related to all aspects of funerals and burials. We understand the distinct customs within each Jewish tradition and can offer assistance and guidance on any matter, from the order of the memorial service to the selection of a casket or monument, from the arrangements for sitting Shiva or the development of a Yahrzeit calendar. We also work directly with the Chevra Kadisha, so that you know that the body has been ritually prepared according to Jewish law prior to interment.
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