St. Julian Sholom Kosher

St. Julian Sholom Kosher is a sweet kosher wine made from 100% Concord grapes at 10% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced under full rabbinical supervision at Michigan's oldest continuously operating winery, Sholom stands apart through its dedicated single-tank production process overseen by Rabbi Miller from harvest through fermentation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 10%  |  Origin: Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Southwestern Michigan  |  Style: Sweet Kosher Concord Wine  |  Winery: St. Julian Winery, Paw Paw, Michigan

Production & Heritage

St. Julian Winery was founded in 1921 and is based in Paw Paw, Michigan, within the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. Sholom is crafted entirely from Concord grapes through traditional wine fermentation methods conducted under strict kosher certification standards. What distinguishes this bottling is that the winery has designated a single, dedicated tank exclusively for Sholom production. Rabbi Miller personally oversees every stage — from the September harvest through crushing and fermentation — ensuring complete kosher integrity throughout the process.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Brilliant bluish-purple in the glass, Sholom opens with vibrant aromas of fresh-picked Concord grapes and a showy fruitiness reminiscent of classic grape juice. There is a nostalgic charm to the nose, with snappy, grapey scents that are immediately inviting.

Taste: On the palate, juicy Concord grape flavor takes the lead. The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with generous sweetness balanced by subtle undertones of cherry and mixed berries. The mid-palate remains dense and layered, allowing the grape character to build in intensity without becoming cloying.

Finish: The finish is soft and satisfying, with faint hints of cherry peeking through a complex, lingering grapiness. It closes cleanly, leaving a pleasant sweetness that fades gently.

How to Drink Sholom Kosher

Sholom is best served chilled to around 45–50°F, which tempers the sweetness and brings the fruit into sharper focus. It drinks well on its own as a dessert wine or alongside a meal.

• Wine Spritzer: Mix with chilled sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon to lighten the sweetness for warm-weather sipping.
• Concord Sangria: The bold grape character provides an ideal base for a red sangria with sliced apples, oranges, and a splash of brandy.
• Kiddush Cup: Sholom's kosher certification and rich sweetness make it a traditional choice for Shabbat and holiday blessings.

Best For

• Shabbat, Passover, and other Jewish holiday observances requiring kosher wine
• Fans of sweet, fruit-forward wines looking for an American-made Concord
• Pairing with rich desserts or cheese courses at the end of a meal
• Introducing someone to Michigan winemaking through an approachable, familiar style

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sholom Kosher taste like? Sholom delivers bold, juicy Concord grape flavor with a smooth sweetness, complemented by subtle cherry and mixed berry undertones. It is an intensely fruity, easy-drinking wine with a soft finish.

How does Sholom Kosher compare to St. Julian Sweet Revenge? Both wines come from St. Julian Winery and lean into sweet, fruit-driven profiles, but Sholom is made exclusively from Concord grapes under full kosher supervision with a dedicated production tank. Sweet Revenge is a broader sweet red blend without kosher certification, making Sholom the distinct choice for those who require or prefer kosher wine.

Is Sholom Kosher good for Shabbat and holiday use? Yes — Sholom is produced under rabbinical oversight from harvest through fermentation, meeting kosher certification requirements for religious observance. Its sweetness and Concord grape character make it a traditional pairing for Kiddush blessings.

Where is Sholom Kosher made? Sholom is produced at St. Julian Winery in Paw Paw, Michigan, within the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the southwestern corner of the state. St. Julian is Michigan's oldest continuously operating winery, established in 1921.

What foods pair well with Sholom Kosher? Challah bread and honey complement the wine's natural grape sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gouda provides a savory contrast to the fruit-forward profile. Dark chocolate desserts echo the wine's berry undertones. Brisket, a staple of Jewish holiday meals, benefits from the wine's sweetness cutting through rich, savory fat. Fresh fruit platters with grapes and berries mirror the wine's primary flavors.

What sizes does Sholom Kosher come in? Sholom Kosher is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Sholom Kosher worth the price? Sholom positions as an affordable, entry-level kosher wine that delivers genuine Concord grape character backed by a dedicated kosher production process. For those seeking a certified kosher option from an established American winery with nearly a century of history, it represents solid value in its category.

Why Sholom Kosher?

What separates Sholom from the broader kosher wine market is the seriousness of its production protocol — a dedicated tank and direct rabbinical supervision at every stage, not simply a certification stamp applied after the fact. St. Julian's century-plus winemaking heritage in Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore AVA gives the Concord grapes a regional identity often absent from mass-produced kosher wines. The result is a wine that fulfills religious requirements without sacrificing the vibrant, fruit-forward character that Concord grape enthusiasts expect. For observant households and anyone who appreciates honest, well-made sweet wine, Sholom earns its place on the table.