Kedem Tokay

Kedem Tokay is a sweet, full-bodied kosher wine made from Concord grapes, bottled at 11.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by the Herzog family — now in their eighth generation of winemaking — this amber-hued wine carries the legacy of one of America's most recognized kosher wine producers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.5%  |  Origin: New York, United States  |  Style: Sweet Concord Grape Wine  |  Producer: Kedem Winery (Herzog Family)

Production & Heritage

Kedem Winery traces its roots through the Herzog family dynasty, whose winemaking tradition spans eight generations. Vineyards in Marlboro, New York supply the Concord grapes, while the production facility operates out of Bayonne, New Jersey. Fermentation relies on natural indigenous yeast, and any sweetening is achieved with cane sugar or grape juice — never artificial additives. All aspects of production are handled exclusively by Sabbath-observant individuals, maintaining Kedem's ironclad commitment to strict kosher supervision at every stage.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced apricot and honey, followed by a wave of ripe, jammy grape. There is a gentle floral sweetness underneath that reinforces the Concord grape character.

Taste: The entry is immediately sweet and fruit-forward, with rich grape flavor dominating the mid-palate. The wine is full-bodied for its category, carrying a density that coats the tongue with candied fruit and a subtle warmth from the modest alcohol.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish trails off with lingering grape sweetness and a faint honeyed note. The texture remains smooth throughout, with no harsh tannins or bitterness.

How to Drink Kedem Tokay

Serve chilled, ideally between 45–50°F, to balance the sweetness and allow the fruit aromas to open gradually. It also works well over ice on warm days. For a simple spritzer, combine with chilled club soda and a squeeze of lemon to lighten the body. In a wine punch, the grape-forward sweetness pairs naturally with fresh citrus and seasonal fruit. A Concord Sangria — built with sliced apples, oranges, and a splash of brandy — takes advantage of the wine's jammy depth.

Best For

• Shabbat and Jewish holiday observances requiring kosher wine
• Kiddush ceremonies and Passover Seder
• Pairing with traditional holiday desserts and sweet dishes
• Introducing newcomers to the sweet kosher wine tradition

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kedem Tokay taste like? Kedem Tokay is a noticeably sweet, full-bodied wine dominated by ripe Concord grape flavor with supporting notes of apricot and honey. The texture is smooth and the sweetness is forward but not cloying when served well chilled.

How does Kedem Tokay compare to Manischewitz? Both Kedem Tokay and Manischewitz are sweet kosher wines made from Concord grapes and are widely considered the two leading brands in this category. Kedem Tokay leans toward an amber-hued, apricot-and-honey profile, while Manischewitz is typically recognized for its deep red color and more straightforward grape sweetness.

Is Kedem Tokay good for Kiddush and Passover? Yes — Kedem Tokay is produced under strict kosher supervision, making it fully appropriate for Kiddush, Passover Seder, and all Jewish ceremonial uses that require kosher wine.

Where is Kedem Tokay made? Kedem Tokay is produced by the Herzog family's Kedem Winery, with Concord grape vineyards located in Marlboro, New York and the production facility based in Bayonne, New Jersey.

What foods pair well with Kedem Tokay? Honey cake complements the wine's apricot-honey character. Brisket with a sweet glaze echoes the wine's sugar balance. Apple strudel amplifies the fruit notes. Blue cheese provides a savory counterpoint to the sweetness. Rugelach and other traditional Jewish pastries are a natural match during holiday meals.

What sizes does Kedem Tokay come in? Kedem Tokay is available in a standard 750ml bottle and is also commonly found in a 1.5-liter format, which is popular for holiday gatherings and larger celebrations.

Is Kedem Tokay worth the price? Kedem Tokay positions as an affordable, everyday kosher wine, making it one of the most accessible options in the sweet Concord grape category and a reliable value for both ceremonial and casual use.

Why Kedem Tokay?

Few kosher wines carry the generational authority of Kedem, backed by eight generations of the Herzog family's unbroken winemaking lineage. The use of natural indigenous yeast and cane sugar or grape juice for sweetening — rather than artificial methods — gives the Tokay a cleaner, more authentic grape character than many mass-market sweet wines. Its strict production protocol, where only Sabbath-observant individuals handle every stage from crush to bottle, provides an assurance of kosher integrity that is difficult to match. For anyone seeking a dependable sweet kosher wine rooted in tradition and produced with genuine care for the process, this remains a category standard.