Kedem Concord

Kedem Concord is a sweet kosher red wine made from 100% Concord grapes, bottled at 11.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by one of America's oldest and most recognized kosher wine houses, this expression remains a staple of Jewish holiday tables and Shabbat observance, distinguished by a production method that avoids water dilution to maintain full grape character and ritual integrity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.5%  |  Origin: New York State, USA  |  Style: Sweet Red Wine  |  Producer: Kedem Winery (Royal Wine Corporation)

Production & Heritage

Kedem Winery operates under the Royal Wine Corporation, headquartered in Bayonne, New Jersey, with vineyards and production facilities in Marlboro, New York. The wine is made from 100% Concord grapes grown in New York State, fermented using natural indigenous yeast and sweetened with cane sugar or grape juice. A key distinction in Kedem's approach is the absence of water dilution in the finished wine — a practice that preserves the full intensity of the Concord grape and satisfies strict kosher blessing requirements (bracha) for sacramental use.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Unmistakable Concord grape dominates the nose immediately, followed by ripe berry and a confectionary sweetness. There is a candied, almost nostalgic quality that recalls grape preserves and fresh-picked fruit.

Taste: The entry is decidedly sweet with a generous, full mouthfeel. Ripe berry and grape jelly flavors coat the mid-palate, balanced just enough by the grape's natural tartness to keep it from cloying. The sweetness is direct and unapologetic, true to the Concord grape's essential character.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering grape sweetness and a faintly tart edge. The aftertaste is clean and fruit-forward, fading gently without bitterness.

How to Drink Kedem Concord

Kedem Concord is traditionally served slightly chilled, around 55–60°F, and most commonly poured for Kiddush, Shabbat blessings, and Passover Seders. Its pronounced sweetness also lends itself to simple mixed drinks: a Concord Spritzer with club soda and a lemon twist lightens the body for warm-weather drinking; a Sangria built with fresh seasonal fruit and a splash of brandy plays off the wine's jammy core; and a Mulled Wine with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel transforms it into a warming cold-weather preparation.

Best For

• Kiddush, Shabbat, and Passover Seder observance
• Introducing younger or newer wine drinkers to red wine through an approachable sweet style
• Holiday gatherings where a recognizable, crowd-friendly kosher wine is needed
• Home cooks seeking a sweet wine for glazes, reductions, or braised dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kedem Concord taste like? Kedem Concord delivers a distinctly sweet profile dominated by ripe Concord grape, grape jelly, and berry flavors, with a generous mouthfeel and a clean, fruit-forward finish.

How does Kedem Concord compare to Manischewitz Concord Grape? Both wines occupy the same sweet kosher Concord grape category at similar price points, with Manischewitz being Kedem's primary traditional competitor. Kedem distinguishes itself by using no water dilution in production, which tends to deliver a more concentrated, full-bodied grape flavor compared to Manischewitz's lighter profile.

Is Kedem Concord good for Kiddush and Jewish holidays? Kedem Concord is one of the most widely used wines for Kiddush, Shabbat, and Passover Seders, produced under strict kosher supervision and without water dilution to ensure it meets bracha requirements.

Where is Kedem Concord made? Kedem Concord is produced by Kedem Winery, part of the Royal Wine Corporation, at their facility in Marlboro, New York, using Concord grapes sourced from New York State vineyards.

What foods pair well with Kedem Concord? Brisket with a sweet glaze complements the wine's jammy sweetness; challah and honey during Rosh Hashanah echo its sugar-forward character; peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches lean into a classic American pairing; sharp cheddar cheese offers a salty counterpoint; and chocolate babka mirrors the wine's dessert-like qualities.

What sizes does Kedem Concord come in? Kedem Concord is available in the standard 750ml bottle as well as 1.5L magnum format, which is popular for larger holiday gatherings.

Is Kedem Concord worth the price? Kedem Concord sits firmly in the value tier of kosher wines, making it an extremely accessible option for ritual use and everyday enjoyment without requiring a significant investment.

Why Kedem Concord?

What separates Kedem Concord from other sweet kosher wines is the winery's commitment to producing without water dilution, resulting in a more authentic and concentrated Concord grape experience. Generations of families have built their holiday traditions around this label, and its endurance in the market speaks to a consistency that few competitors match. For those who value a wine made specifically for sacramental purpose — fermented with indigenous yeast, properly supervised, and true to the grape — Kedem Concord remains the benchmark in its category. It is not trying to be a dry Bordeaux; it is the definitive expression of what a sweet American Concord wine should taste like.