Kosher Wine Podcast

Dr. Kenneth Friedman & Rabbi Yisroel Bernath
  • 5.0 (4)
  • JUDAISM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Kosher Wine Podcast welcomes you to a delightful blend of heritage and flavor, where the ancient meets the avant-garde. Hosted by Dr. Kenneth Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath, the Kosher Wine Podcast will focus on approachable topics of interest to the modern kosher consumer. Kenny and Yisroel's relaxed and affable approach will be a way for listeners to keep up on the ever-expanding world of kosher wine. 

  1. NOV 9

    Episode 34: Season 2, Episode 6: Rounding Up All the Great Wines We Enjoyed Through the Yom Tov Season

    In Season 2 Episode 6, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath review many of the wines they had over the last couple months, covering many of the new wines and regions available in the kosher marketplace. They discuss such wines as Chablis Grand Cru, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a Premier Crus Beaune, and many others. Rabbi Bernath talks about his special house guest, Dr. Moises Cohen of Elvi Winery. Kenny immediately gets jealous. In this wide-ranging episode, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath get back to what they do best: shooting the breeze between two great friends and chatting kosher wine. Support the show Email your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

    1h 17m

  2. AUG 22

    Episode 33: Season 2, Episode 5: Levi Chitrik and Rabbi Chaim Hillel of Narrow Bridge Winery

    In a laid-back and wide-ranging interview, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath shmooze with Chaim Hillel, Rabbi at Chabad of SLO (serving Cal Poly), and hands-on cellarmaster and Levi Chitrik, NY native, who now lives in Atlanta. Chitrik started making wine as a teen, and went pro at Brooklyn Winery in 2010. In 2012, Chitrik partnered with Chaim (his cousin’s husband) and moved production to California. For years they made small-batch wines, and sold by word of mouth only. Since 2021, they have been fully licensed, producing in San Luis Obispo. Narrow Bridge maintains a focus on Pinot Noir—mainly Santa Maria Valley clones, and while they also make Cab and Merlot, Pinot remains the passion. Wine, for Narrow Bridge, is both currency and connection. "Though growth means we can’t know every customer, we value the relationships and the way wine opens doors—especially for Chaim in his rabbinic work, it opens doors to yidden who wouldn’t otherwise engage with a Rabbi." --- To learn more or purchase wines at narrowbridgewinery.com  You can pick up Narrow Bridge wines at some of your favorite shops across the country, including: Vineyard – Lakewood, NJCork & Barrel – Passaic, NJFiller Up – Englewood, NJLa Vino – Long Island, NYThe Cask – Los Angeles, CABarrel Wine & Cheese – South FloridaWine on 59 – Monsey, NYLiquor & Wine Warehouse – Five Towns, NYSupport the show Email your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

    1h 10m

  3. AUG 4

    Episode 32: Season 2, Episode 4: We're Back!

    In the (too) long awaited Episode 4, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath cover a lot of ground and discuss many of the hot topics of the day in the kosher wine world. Among them: The impossibility of getting kosher wines in QuebecThe effect of tariffs on international wine and the kosher marketThe price increase on the Royal portfolioThe difficulty in finding quality kosher wines under $35 or $40 and the detrimental effect on the casual wine drinkerWine bottle sizing - should more smaller bottles be available?The lack of canned or boxed kosher winesThe fallout of tariffs on French wine imports and the possible silver liningKenny and Rabbi Bernath discuss the wine they had over Shabbos Chazon (limited menu, of course: Kenny: Landsman, Syrah, Sta. Rita Hills, 2023Rabbi Bernath: Landman, Syrah, 2014Support the show Email your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

    50 min

  4. JUN 5

    Episode 31: Season 2, Episode 3: Kosher Wine on the Road | Dan Levin, Kosher Winemaker One Hope Winery, Marciano Estate, Mayacamas, The Reserve, Napa Valley CA. (California Series, Episode 2)

    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 Support the show Email your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

    37 min

  5. MAY 13

    Episode 30: Season 2, Episode 2: Back to Basics

    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, 2023Chateau Les Graves de Lavaud, 2020Dalton, Galilee, Sauvignon Blanc, Fumé, 2024Clos 15, Brut Nature, Cava, NVDalton, Galilee, Alma, Deep Red, 2020R' Yisroel's Wines: J. de Villebois, Pouilly-Fumé, “Les Silex Blancs,” 2023El Orador, Rioja Alta, 2023Dalton, Pinot Gris, 2023Hajdu, Mendocino County, Pinot Blanc, 2024Recanati, Reserve, Marselan, 2019Kenny 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. Support the show Email your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

    58 min

  6. APR 18

    Episode 29: Season 2, Episode 1: Live Recording, Chol Hamoed Pesach, Special Guests and Great Discussion.

    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. Support the show Email your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

    47 min

  7. APR 9

    Episode 28: Our Wine Picks - Passover 2025

    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 Support the show Email your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

    42 min

  8. MAR 19

    Episode 27: Gabriel Geller, Director of PR and Manager of Wine Education for Royal Wine, Inc.

    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! Support the show Email your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Kosher Wine Podcast welcomes you to a delightful blend of heritage and flavor, where the ancient meets the avant-garde. Hosted by Dr. Kenneth Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath, the Kosher Wine Podcast will focus on approachable topics of interest to the modern kosher consumer. Kenny and Yisroel's relaxed and affable approach will be a way for listeners to keep up on the ever-expanding world of kosher wine. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Kenneth Friedman & Rabbi Yisroel Bernath
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kosher Wine Podcast
  • Show Website
    Kosher Wine Podcast