Kedem Champagne

Kedem Champagne is a sweet kosher sparkling wine made from New York State Concord grapes, available in a standard 750ml bottle. Produced at the Herzog family's Kedem Winery in Marlboro, New York — one of America's most recognized kosher wine producers since 1958 — this sparkling wine has been a fixture at Jewish holiday tables and celebrations for decades.

Quick Facts: Style: Sweet Sparkling Wine  |  Origin: New York State, USA  |  Grape: Concord  |  Winery: Kedem (Est. 1958, Herzog Family)

Production & Heritage

Kedem Winery was established in 1958 by the Herzog family in the Hudson Valley town of Marlboro, New York. The facility operates as a gravity-flow winery: trucks deliver grapes at the upper level, where they are sorted and crushed; the juice then flows downward through heated pipes into fermentation tanks. Grapes are sourced primarily from New York's Finger Lakes region, with Concord being the dominant variety for this sparkling wine. All production follows strict kosher law, meaning only Sabbath-observant workers are permitted to be physically involved at every stage. Natural indigenous yeast is used during fermentation, and when sweetening is required, cane sugar is employed rather than artificial additives. The result is a straightforward, fruit-forward sparkling wine that prioritizes accessibility and tradition over complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens immediately with the unmistakable perfume of Concord grape — ripe, almost jammy, with a candied sweetness. Underneath, faint floral hints and a light yeastiness from carbonation round out the bouquet.

Taste: The palate is decidedly sweet, with bold grape-jelly flavors taking center stage from the first sip. Light effervescence provides some lift, while a soft, rounded mouthfeel keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying. There is minimal acidity or tannin, making this an easy-drinking, fruit-driven sparkling wine.

Finish: The finish is short to medium, trailing off with lingering Concord grape sweetness and a clean, lightly fizzy fade. No bitterness or dryness intrudes.

How to Drink Kedem Champagne

Serve well chilled, ideally between 38–42°F, in a standard wine glass or flute. The pronounced sweetness and gentle bubbles make it approachable on its own, though it also lends itself to mixed drinks. In a Concord Grape Spritzer, combine it with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime to lighten the sweetness. For a Berry Bellini, blend with a small pour of raspberry or blackberry purée, which complements the grape character naturally. A Sparkling Sangria built with sliced stone fruits and a splash of brandy turns it into a crowd-friendly punch for large gatherings.

Best For

• Rosh Hashanah, Passover Seder, and other Jewish holiday celebrations
• Toasting at a kosher event or Shabbat dinner
• Introducing younger-palate drinkers to sparkling wine
• Large family gatherings where an approachable, sweet bubbly is preferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kedem Champagne taste like? Kedem Champagne is a noticeably sweet sparkling wine dominated by bold Concord grape flavors reminiscent of grape jelly and fresh dark fruit. Light carbonation gives it a soft fizz, and there is little to no dryness on the palate.

How does Kedem Champagne compare to Manischewitz sparkling wines? Both occupy the same sweet kosher sparkling wine category and use Concord grapes, making them direct competitors on holiday tables. Kedem's gravity-flow production and use of natural indigenous yeast represent a slightly different winemaking approach, though the flavor profiles are broadly similar in their grape-forward sweetness.

Is Kedem Champagne good for beginners? Yes — its pronounced sweetness, low tannin, and gentle bubbles make it one of the most approachable sparkling wines available, especially for those who prefer fruit-driven, dessert-style flavors over dry or brut styles.

Where is Kedem Champagne made? Kedem Champagne is produced at Kedem Winery in Marlboro, New York, located in the Hudson Valley. The Concord grapes used in production are sourced primarily from New York's Finger Lakes growing region.

What foods pair well with Kedem Champagne? Traditional challah bread complements its sweetness at holiday meals. Apple slices dipped in honey echo the fruity character during Rosh Hashanah. Mild cheeses such as cream cheese or brie balance its sugar. Fresh berry desserts — particularly strawberry shortcake — align with the grape-forward profile. Rugelach and other lightly spiced pastries make a natural dessert pairing.

What sizes does Kedem Champagne come in? Kedem Champagne is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle, though availability of additional sizes may vary by market.

Is Kedem Champagne worth the price? Kedem Champagne positions firmly as a value-tier kosher sparkling wine, priced to be accessible for everyday celebrations and large holiday gatherings where multiple bottles are often needed.

Why Kedem Champagne?

Kedem Champagne has earned its place not through critical acclaim or complexity, but through consistency and cultural significance. For more than six decades, the Herzog family's commitment to strict kosher production — from Sabbath-observant labor to natural indigenous yeast fermentation — has made this one of the most trusted names in kosher wine. The gravity-flow winery in Marlboro and the reliance on New York Concord grapes give the wine a distinctly American identity within the kosher sparkling category. For those seeking a reliably sweet, familiar sparkling wine tied to tradition, Kedem Champagne remains a benchmark.