Dov Behr Manischewitz know, over a century ago, that his name would become associated with one of the world's largest kosher wine companies. Despite their popularity, labels like Cream Strawberry Coconetta, Loganberry and the venerable Concord Grape haven't convinced wine drinkers that kosher wines can compare with the finest that France, Italy or California have to offer. The Concord grape, the only available variety for Jewish immigrants arriving in the New York area, is an acidic grape which must be balanced with sugar to be enjoyed. Hence, sweet wine.
Time passes, and compromise becomes tradition.
I was impressed with the Web sites of the family-run wineries. The company is now based in New York and is known for its Kedem and Baron Herzog lines. In addition to describing the wines that he produces and bottles, Winchel has also written an essay about rediscovering Judaism and living a kosher lifestyle in Sebastopol. The Martini Wine Co. was one of the few wineries in the United States to remain in operation during Prohibition. He suggests that although the land has a tradition of winemaking that stretches back millennia, those ancient wines were nothing to write home about.