Kosher wines to complement the fall holidays

What is it about autumn when it comes to wine? For many, it means, “Let’s stop drinking white wines and drink only red.” As for me, I drink white wine year-round.

In the wine world, fall is the harvest season, a critical time when grapes are picked at their peak ripeness. This is followed by crushing and fermentation, marking the start of wine production for the year. Fall is also when wine enthusiasts begin to enjoy heartier, full-bodied wines like cabernet sauvignon, syrah and oaked chardonnay, which pair well with richer, seasonal foods like roasts and stews. It’s a time of celebrations, wine festivals and vineyard visits, as well as the release of special wines for the upcoming holiday season.

Kosher wines for the fall typically align with seasonal preferences for richer, fuller-bodied wines that pair well with hearty fall foods and Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Here’s a breakdown of what makes kosher wines suitable for fall and why to choose each type.

Characteristics of fall kosher wines

Full-bodied reds
Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, shiraz: These are popular during the cooler months because they offer bold flavors, tannins and a higher alcohol content, which pair well with autumn’s richer dishes like brisket, roast meats and stews.

Why? Fall cuisine often includes roasted meats, root vegetables and dishes with spices and gravies. Full-bodied red wines complement these robust flavors.

Rich whites
Chardonnay, viognier, chenin blanc: Heavier white wines that are often oaked or have a creamier texture are a great choice for those who prefer white wine but still want something substantial for the cooler weather.

Why? These wines work well with fall dishes that incorporate flavors like squash, cream-based sauces, or baked goods, as well as lighter poultry dishes.

Sweet wines and dessert wines
Late-harvest wines, Moscato, ice wines and port-style wines: For Rosh Hashanah, when it is traditional to eat sweet foods to symbolize a sweet new year, sweeter wines like Moscato or dessert wines can easily be chosen.

Why? Sweet wines are commonly served during Rosh Hashanah meals alongside apples dipped in honey, honey cakes and other sweet desserts, making them a perfect seasonal match.

Sparkling wines
Prosecco, cava and Champagne-style sparkling wines: Sparkling kosher wines are often served during festive occasions, making them a popular choice for holiday celebrations in the fall.

Why? The bubbles and lightness offer a celebratory feel, and sparkling wines pair well with appetizers, salads and lighter courses.

Kosher wines for fall holidays

Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year emphasizes sweet foods, and sweet wines (Moscato) or fruit-forward reds (merlot) help enhance the symbolic foods like apples and honey, pomegranates and honey cakes.

Sukkot: During this harvest festival, meals are eaten outdoors in a sukkah, and dishes feature seasonal produce. Kosher wines that reflect the richness of fall harvest, like earthy reds (Bordeaux blends) or robust whites (chardonnay), are perfect companions.

Simchat Torah: This holiday is marked by celebration and joy, and festive, easy-drinking wines like sparkling varieties (Champagne) and lighter-style reds (syrah) can be an easy decision.

Kosher wine producers to consider for fall

Covenant Wines: Known for its high-quality reds, especially cabernet sauvignon, which is great for fall.

Hagafen Cellars: Offers both full-bodied reds and rich whites that work well for fall cuisine.

Baron Herzog: Produces a variety of wines at different price points, including bold reds and dessert wines perfect for the holidays.

Recanati Winery: Based in Israel, it produces award-winning kosher wines, including robust reds like cabernet and merlot blends.

Choosing kosher wines for the fall offers a unique opportunity to savor wines that perfectly complement the rich flavors of seasonal cuisine and the deeply-rooted traditions of the Jewish holidays. As the cooler weather sets in, these wines bring a sense of warmth and comfort, enhancing festive meals with their depth and complexity.

Whether you’re celebrating Rosh Hashanah with sweet wines to symbolize a prosperous new year, or enjoying full-bodied reds during Sukkot feasts under the stars, kosher wines in the fall emphasize richness and boldness. They elevate each occasion, making every gathering more vibrant and meaningful.

With flavors that evoke the harvest and pair beautifully with traditional dishes, fall kosher wines add an extra layer of joy and celebration to these important moments. PJC

Uriel Marcovitz is a former restaurateur in Pittsburgh. He studies wine with the Court of Master Sommelier and holds advanced-level sommelier status.