The Kosher Terroir

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Join us as we sit down with Natanel Neli Sagiv, an assistant winemaker at Covenant Winery, who shares his unexpected journey from a high-tech career to the art of winemaking in Berkeley. Learn how a chance meeting with Jeff Morgan changed his career path forever. Together, we savor Covenant's Chardonnay 23, Levan, and discuss its fresh, crisp, and well-balanced notes, providing a sensor...

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Ever wondered how the unique climatic and geographical conditions of the Western Upper Galilee shape some of Israel's most intriguing wines? Join us as we sit down with Itay Lahat, an acclaimed Israeli winemaker whose journey from local vineyards to international accolades is truly inspiring. From his hands-on education in Australia at the University of Adelaide and the Petaluma Winery,...

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Is it possible to merge tradition with innovation? Join us as we explore the Herzog family's illustrious wine legacy through the eyes of Joseph Herzog, an eighth-generation family member and Vice President of the Herzog Cellars California operations. Joseph shares his incredible journey from modest real estate ambitions to managing a cutting-edge winery in Oxnard, California. Learn abou...

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What does transforming a small winery into a major mover in the Israeli wine industry take? This episode of The Kosher Terroir holds the answers as we chat with Eran Pick, the winemaker and general manager at Tzora Vineyards. Eran's journey into the world of winemaking began with an unexpected spark during his time in the Israeli Air Force, leading him to a passionate career marked by g...

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Part 2:
What if we told you that Israel's wine industry is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with, blending centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge technology? In this episode of Kosher Terroir, we take you on an exhilarating journey through the Israeli wine landscape with the incredibly talented winemakers Efi Kotz and Shachar Mamor of Recanati Winery. Discover Shachar&apos...

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Part 1:
Embark on a transformative journey to the Recanati Winery in the northern Galil, where we uncover the intricate art of winemaking amidst a backdrop of regional strife. Join me, Simon Jacob, as I sit down with sommelier Efi Kotz and winemaker Shahar Mamor to explore the resilience of a community dedicated to excellence in viticulture. Despite the proximity to the Lebanese border a...

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How are Europe's finest non-kosher wineries transformed into kosher wine producers? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Rabbi Raphael Wolff of the Top K Hashgacha, as he unravels the meticulous process behind kosher wine production. From koshering vats and barrels to handling every precious drop of wine, Rabbi Wolf sheds light on the detailed procedures and strict criteria that d...

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Embark on an oenophilic odyssey with me, Simon Jacob, as I engage with the astute David Riven of kosherwine.com. Together, we unravel the rich tapestry of kosher wines, meandering from the terroir of Oregon to the vineyards of Israel. Our opening salvo is a taste test of a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, followed by an expedition into the heart of wine ordering dynamics and the flourishing exp...

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As the sun sets on Yom HaZikaron, our hearts heavy with remembrance, we soon find them lifted by the triumphs of Yom Ha'atzmaut. I invite you to a powerful exchange with Professor Uriel Bachrach and Zohara Yaniv Bachrach, as they walk us through the stark contrasts of sorrow and festivity that reside in the Israeli consciousness. Uriel's recollections of fleeing pre-war Germany and...

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Dive into the vibrant life of Alicia Wilbur, the awesome Production Winemaker at Herzog Cellars, as she weaves the art of kosher winemaking with her down-to-earth family life, vegetable gardens, chickens and all! Our chat with Alicia offers a rare peek into how she juggles crafting exquisite wines and enjoying Shabbat dinners, all while nurturing a community spirit on the hills above the Mal...

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Embark on a flavorful odyssey with Simon Jacob as he welcomes Ephraim Greenblatt of Hatch Brewery to the microphone. Together, we trade the vinous vines of Pesach for the brewing barrels of chametz, delving into the intricate dance of flavors that define the world's most beloved beers. From the malty caress of a Helles-style lager to the bold esters of Abbey Ales, we tackle the complexi...

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Ever wonder how a seasoned winemaker navigates the plethora of choices for Pesach wines? 17 Global Wine Celebrities join us to share their vast knowledge and offer a blend of wisdom on pairing the perfect wines with your Seder meal. From the first cup of robust red to the sweet sips that bid us goodnight, we traverse the globe, uncorking personal customs and rich traditions that promise to m...

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Embark on a voyage with Michael Kaye of Invei Winery, as he recounts his extraordinary transformation from a book editor to a pioneer in the kosher winemaking scene of Berkeley, California. His story is a tapestry of heavenly direction, from an amusing mix-up in kosher oversight to the forging of his craft through the guidance of vintner maestros in the fertile valleys of California and the ...

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Embark on a Wine Concierges adventure with me, Simon Jacob, as we traverse the landscape of Israeli wines and the personal journey of Eli Freedman from Cork Cellar. From Boston to Montreal and finally planting roots in Israel, Eli discusses the tale of his passion for wine that blossomed into a flourishing wine services company. Our conversation traverses the robust world of kosher wines, ce...

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Unlock the secrets of wine preservation with me, your host Simon Jacob, as we navigate the delicate art of keeping your bottles at their best. From the bustling energy of Tel Aviv to the serenity of your own home, this dialogue is a deep dive into the factors that protect the essence of each varietal. We tackle the conventional wisdom on temperature, challenging you to consider the underappr...

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As the streets of Jerusalem whisper with the history of Purim, I find myself wrestling with a dichotomy of celebration and sorrow—a reality for many in the Jewish community. This episode of The Kosher Terroir isn't just another recount of Purim's festivities; it's a candid reflection on the turbulence shaking our world, from the rise in antisemitism to the echoes of violence s...

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Embark on a heartwarming journey with Moises and David Cohen from Elvi Wines as they weave a tale of reviving Spain's Jewish winemaking tradition, a craft unpracticed since the 15th century. Join us from the Cohens' visitor center in Priorat as we uncork the story behind Spain's only completely kosher winery. The family's dedication to sustainable and biodynamic winemakin...

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Witness the resilience of the human spirit through the eyes of Yisca and Neta, brave women who bear the weight of their family winery while their husbands are called to the front lines. Today, we bring you their compelling stories from HaSela Winery, where the vines are nourished not just by nature, but by the unyielding determination of those who tend them. As we reconnect with these famili...

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Wine is more than just a drink; it's a journey bottled within each glass. Today, we uncork the story of Ernie Weir, the founder of Hagafen Cellars, who has masterfully blended the art of winemaking with the nuances of Kosher tradition. His experiences stretch from the ritual Kiddush to pioneering an inclusive Napa Valley winery that invites connoisseurs and novices alike to savor the co...