Manischewitz Elderberry

Manischewitz Elderberry is a sweet, kosher red wine made from Concord grapes with elderberry flavoring, bottled at 11% ABV in a 750ml format. As one of the most recognized names in American kosher wine, this expression stands out for its mevushal certification under the strict rabbinical supervision of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Canandaigua, New York, USA  |  Style: Sweet Kosher Red Wine  |  Producer: Manischewitz (E & J Gallo)

Production & Heritage

Manischewitz has been synonymous with American kosher wine for generations. The elderberry expression is currently produced in Canandaigua, New York, under E & J Gallo ownership. It begins with Concord grapes, fermented at 65 degrees Fahrenheit in stainless steel tanks to preserve bright, clean fruit character. What distinguishes all Manischewitz wines is the mevushal process — the juice is cooked immediately after the grapes are crushed, a step required under Jewish dietary law that allows the wine to be handled and served by anyone regardless of religious observance. The elderberry designation comes from added elderberry flavoring layered over the Concord grape base, giving the wine its signature aromatic profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Freshly harvested elderberries dominate the nose, followed by sweet berry pie and a backdrop of ripe Concord grape. The fruit aromas are immediate and generous.

Taste: The palate opens with pronounced sweetness and concentrated fruit flavor reminiscent of elderberry pie. Mid-palate, crisp acidity emerges to keep the sweetness in check, lending a surprising sense of balance to what is unmistakably a dessert-style wine. The body is light, making it easy-drinking despite its sugar content.

Finish: The finish is smooth and refreshing, with lingering elderberry and grape notes. It wraps up cleanly without becoming cloying, thanks to the acidity that carries through to the end.

How to Drink Manischewitz Elderberry

Serve well-chilled, between 40–45°F, to keep the sweetness refreshing and the fruit flavors focused. This wine also works as a foundation in simple wine-based mixed drinks. A Wine Spritzer made with chilled seltzer tames the sweetness and adds effervescence for warm-weather sipping. A Sangria built with fresh berries, citrus slices, and a splash of brandy takes advantage of the elderberry's natural fruity intensity. A Mulled Wine with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel makes excellent use of the sweet base during colder months.

Best For

• Passover Seder and Jewish holiday celebrations requiring certified kosher wine
• Newcomers to wine who prefer sweet, fruit-forward flavors over dry styles
• Building berry-forward sangria or warm mulled wine for gatherings
• Pairing with rich desserts or cheese plates at the end of a meal

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Manischewitz Elderberry taste like? It is a decidedly sweet, light-bodied red wine dominated by elderberry and Concord grape flavors, balanced by crisp acidity that keeps the finish refreshing rather than heavy.

How does Manischewitz Elderberry compare to Manischewitz Blackberry? Both are sweet, fruit-flavored kosher wines built on a Concord grape base at 11% ABV. The Elderberry leans toward a deeper, pie-like berry sweetness, while the Blackberry offers a slightly more tart, bramble-fruit character.

Is Manischewitz Elderberry good for beginners? Its approachable sweetness and low alcohol make it one of the most beginner-friendly wines available, particularly for those who find dry wines off-putting.

Where is Manischewitz Elderberry made? It is produced in Canandaigua, New York, at facilities operated under E & J Gallo ownership, with kosher certification supervised by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.

What foods pair well with Manischewitz Elderberry? Chocolate cake and brownies match its sweet berry notes. Brie or cream cheese provides a rich, creamy contrast to the fruit. Matzo ball soup is a classic pairing during Passover. Fresh berry tarts echo the elderberry flavor. Spiced holiday cookies complement the wine's aromatic fruitiness.

What sizes does Manischewitz Elderberry come in? The standard size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Manischewitz Elderberry worth the price? Manischewitz Elderberry positions squarely as a value-tier kosher wine, delivering reliable sweetness and certified mevushal status at one of the most accessible price points in the kosher wine category.

Why Manischewitz Elderberry?

This wine's defining distinction is its mevushal kosher certification, which makes it suitable for any table regardless of who is serving — a requirement that matters deeply for observant households. The Concord grape base fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks delivers a clean canvas for the elderberry character, and the crisp acidity prevents the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional. For Jewish holidays, casual entertaining, or anyone drawn to unabashedly sweet fruit wines, Manischewitz Elderberry remains a fixture precisely because it delivers exactly what it promises without pretension.