The Kosher Terroir

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Journey to the edge of the Judean Desert, where breathtaking vistas meet ancient biblical lands at Gilad Winery. Perched dramatically above steep drops into the Jordan Valley, this boutique gem has become a beacon for kosher Mediterranean-style wines under the passionate stewardship of Chaim Sackton. As we sit surrounded by barrels in his intimate winery,...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir The world of kosher wine has embraced transformative approaches to viticulture that honor both ancient traditions and forward-thinking environmentalism. Sustainability isn't just a marketing term—it's a comprehensive philosophy that encompasses water conservation, solar energy, and holistic management, returning waste to the soil as nourishment....

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir In a groundbreaking conversation that challenges conventional thinking about kosher certification, Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein reveals how Tzohar is transforming Israel's wine industry through a revolutionary yet deeply halachic approach to kashrut.  After years serving Jewish communities around the world, Rabbi Grunstein discusses how Tzohar recognized...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir The vineyard of tomorrow is materializing before our eyes, and kosher wine isn't just keeping pace—it's positioned to lead this technological revolution.  Imagine walking through a Galilee vineyard where robots delicately prune vines while AI algorithms track each grape variety's development. Picture winemakers wearing augmented reality glas...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Prepare for an extraordinary Passover experience as we journey through the perfect wine pairings for your Seder table. Broadcasting from Rav Shlomo Katz's beautiful synagogue in Efrat, this special collaboration between The Kosher Terroir and JM in the AM delivers both practical wisdom and spiritual depth for the holiday. Simon Jacob guides us through...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Imagine tasting wine as it was meant to be—pure, alive, and untamed by modern chemistry. This is the radical vision behind Petachya Winery, where brothers-in-law Petachya Wittenstein and Yaakov Singer are crafting kosher wines that challenge everything we thought we knew about winemaking in Israel. Nestled in the ancient Ella Valley, their boutique operati...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Step into the sun-drenched hills of Israel's historic wine country as we continue our exploration of La Forêt Blanche Winery with CEO Yaakov Bris. This intimate conversation reveals how ancient tradition and modern innovation converge in every bottle, creating kosher wines that speak eloquently of their unique terroir. Yaakov guides us through a compr...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir In the sun-drenched highlands of Israel's ancient wine country, a remarkable story of passion, persistence, and purpose is unfolding. This episode takes you inside La Forêt Blanche Winery, where CEO Yaacov Bris has harnessed his unlikely background in e-commerce to revitalize and reimagine what Israeli kosher wine can be. Yaacov's journey from se...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir A rare convergence marks this year's Purim celebration as Jerusalem and the rest of the Jewish world unite on the same day—an event that won't occur again for at least two decades. This timing feels divinely orchestrated, arriving precisely when we need Jewish unity most, following more than a year of hardship since October 7th 2023. The stories...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Dive into the world of kosher wine like never before! In this episode, we chat with Joshua E.  London, a seasoned wine and spirits writer, who takes us through the captivating evolution of kosher wines. From its early roots to the emerging trends and flavors of today, Joshua shares his unique insights into what makes kosher wine special, how it reflects cu...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Discover the fascinating journey of Grenache in this captivating episode of The Kosher Terroir! From its rich origins in Spain and its rise in iconic French winemaking to its blossoming presence in Israel's modern wine scene, Grenache is a grape steeped in history and adaptability. Join me, Simon Jacob, as we explore the details of this charming grape...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir In this episode of Kosher Terroir, we trace Colombard’s journey from its French roots to its surprising renaissance in places like California, Australia, and Israel. Learn why Colombard, with its natural high acidity and robustness, is stepping into the spotlight, challenging its status as merely a blending grape, and earning accolades for its ability to p...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Explore the intriguing evolution of Israel's kosher wine industry bringing you insights from Alex Haruni and Guy Eshel of Dalton Winery. Discover how Guy's journey from UC Davis through the Rhone Valley to Australia has influenced his innovative winemaking approach, which has shaped Dalton's offerings. Learn how the Upper Galilee's uniq...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Join me, Simon Jacob, as we uncork the rich and vibrant tale of rosé wine, from its ancient origins to its sophisticated status in Greek and Roman times, and onward to its revival as a symbol of laid-back luxury. We journey through the vineyards of Provence where monastic winemakers crafted wines close to today's rosés, and explore how regions like Is...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Discover the captivating world of Israeli winemaking with Or Nidbach, Tabor Winery's head winemaker, as he takes us through his unconventional journey from bartender to winemaking visionary. In this episode, learn how his passion for crafting elegant and drinkable wines emerged, alongside his educational experiences at UC Davis. Or's unique persp...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Welcome to The Kosher Terroir , your passport to the stories, traditions, and tastes of kosher wine from around the globe. I’m Simon Jacob, and whether you’re a seasoned sommelier, a passionate wine enthusiast, or simply someone looking to add a little sparkle to their day, you’ve arrived at the perfect place. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the effer...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Welcome to another episode of “The Kosher Terroir.” Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Yael E. Geller, a distinguished figure in the kosher wine community. Yael is a seasoned wine writer, contributing insightful articles to publications such as The Jewish Press and The Jewish Link, where she explores the rich narratives behind wineries and the people w...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Welcome back to The Kosher Terroir – the podcast where we uncork the stories behind the finest wines, the most passionate winemakers, and the rich culture that intertwines with Israel’s flourishing wine scene. I’m Simon Jacob, and today we have an extraordinary guest – a true pioneer of Israeli winemaking, Avi Feldstein . Avi’s name is synonymous with inno...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir What happens when you combine resilience, passion, and a love for winemaking? You get the incredible journey of Yaakov Ben Moshe, the heart and soul of Gat Basela Winery in Eish Kodesh. Raised in Massachusetts and now thriving in Israel, Yaakov has faced numerous challenges, from living in caves as part of the Hilltop Youth to losing all his possessions in...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Discover the joy of pairing wines with Hanukkah themes in our special crossover episode with The Kosher Terroir and the Parsha Wine Club podcasts . Led from Jerusalem by Simon Jacob, the vibrant Yechiel Chovav, insightful Itzik Stern, and Torah scholar Rabbi Levi Morrow. Embark on a flavorful journey with us, exploring selections like Vitkin Winery's...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Ever wondered how a deep-rooted family tradition from Yemen could inspire a modern winemaking journey in Ma'ale Efrayim? Meet Yaacov Ben-Ami, a passionate winemaker who crafts approximately 3,000 bottles of kosher wine annually in his home winery. Join us as we uncover Yaacov's story, woven through tales of his grandfather Saba Moshe’s influence...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Discover the sacred secrets of kosher wine with esteemed Rabbi Yaakov Shepherd. We'll uncover how wine has become a cornerstone in Jewish rituals, steeped in history and spirituality. Rabbi Shepherd brings a wealth of Kabbalistic wisdom to our discussion, illuminating the profound connection between wine and spiritual elevation. Together, we explore h...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Join us for an enchanting excursion into the heart of Israel's wine country with our esteemed guest, Dr. Sam Soffer, a passionate wine enthusiast and doctor. Together, we navigate the stunning landscapes of the Shomron region, uncovering the unique charm and educational allure of Israeli wineries. With Sam's rich experiences and insights, you&apo...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Join us as we welcome the esteemed Philippe Lichtenstein from Hayotzer Winery in Jerusalem, an innovator reshaping the Israeli wine scene. Hear firsthand how Philippe's journey through Burgundy and Corsica has influenced his approach to winemaking in Israel's Mediterranean terroir. Discover the challenges and triumphs he encountered as he transit...

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir Join us for an enlightening episode featuring the visionary winemaker AY, as he takes us on a remarkable journey through the vineyards of Judea and Samaria. AY shares his deep connection to biblical prophecy and ancient wine traditions, revealing how these influences have shaped his innovative approach to winemaking. Discover the inspiration behind the gro...