Mogen David Concord

Mogen David Concord is a sweet, kosher Concord grape wine bottled at 11% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sweetened entirely by its own natural grape sugars rather than added corn syrup, it holds certified Kosher for Passover status under Triangle K supervision — a distinction that has made it a fixture on holiday tables for decades.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Westfield, New York / California  |  Style: Sweet Concord Grape  |  Producer: Mogen David Wine Co.

Production & Heritage

Mogen David Wine Co. has been producing Concord grape wine from its base in Westfield, New York — the heart of American Concord grape country along Lake Erie. The wine is made from a minimum of 51% Concord grapes, and its defining production technique involves arresting fermentation early by chilling the must, which halts yeast activity before all natural sugars convert to alcohol. The result is a genuinely sweet wine that retains the pure flavor of ripe Concord grapes without relying on external sweetening agents.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose bursts with ripe Concord grape, immediately evoking freshly opened grape preserves. A layer of bright berry fruit and a subtle candy-like sweetness follows, setting up a thoroughly aromatic first impression.

Taste: On the palate, a wave of bold, sugary grape flavor arrives immediately. The wine is light-bodied and velvety, with virtually no tannic dryness and low acidity. Mid-palate, juicy berry sweetness takes center stage, reinforcing the unmistakable Concord grape character throughout.

Finish: The finish is smooth and fruity, fading gently without bitterness or astringency. Lingering grape and berry notes leave a clean, nostalgic sweetness that doesn't overstay its welcome.

How to Drink Mogen David Concord

Serve well chilled — around 45°F — to balance the sweetness and bring out the grape aromatics. A short stint in the refrigerator before pouring makes a significant difference in how refreshing this wine drinks.

Red Sangria: The bold grape sweetness provides a ready-made fruity base, reducing the need for added sugar. Kalimotxo (Red Wine & Cola): The cola's carbonation and bitterness play off the wine's sweetness for a simple, crowd-friendly serve. Mulled Wine: Warm gently with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel — the Concord grape's jam-like profile stands up beautifully to holiday spices.

Best For

• Passover Seder and Jewish holiday celebrations requiring certified kosher wine
• Introducing new wine drinkers who prefer sweeter, fruit-forward styles
• Nostalgic gatherings where familiar, traditional flavors set the tone
• Dessert pairings at casual dinner parties

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mogen David Concord taste like? It delivers a bold, sweet Concord grape flavor with bright berry sweetness, a velvety light body, and virtually no tannic dryness. The profile is intensely fruity, candy-like, and immediately recognizable as classic Concord grape.

How does Mogen David Concord compare to Manischewitz? Both are flagship kosher Concord grape wines, but Mogen David relies on pure grape sugars for its sweetness, while Manischewitz has historically used added corn syrup. Many drinkers find Mogen David tastes more like natural grape, whereas Manischewitz can come across as extra-sweet or slightly artificial.

Is Mogen David Concord good for beginners? Yes — its low 11% ABV, absence of tannins, and straightforward sweet grape flavor make it one of the most approachable red wines available. Anyone who enjoys grape juice will find this an easy transition into wine.

Where is Mogen David Concord made? Mogen David Wine Co. is based in Westfield, New York, situated in the Lake Erie grape belt, one of the largest Concord grape-growing regions in the United States. The wine is produced using grapes sourced from New York and California.

What foods pair well with Mogen David Concord? Challah bread complements the wine's sweetness with its soft, eggy richness. Dark chocolate or chocolate mousse echoes the berry depth. Cheese blintzes with fruit compote create a harmonious sweet-on-sweet pairing. Peanut butter desserts play well against the grape jam character. Fresh berries or fruit salad keep things light and seasonal.

What sizes does Mogen David Concord come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, and it is also commonly available in a 1.5L magnum format for larger gatherings.

Is Mogen David Concord worth the price? Mogen David Concord positions squarely as a value-tier sweet wine, making it one of the most affordable certified kosher options in the category. For holiday use, casual entertaining, or everyday sweet wine drinking, it delivers reliable quality at a very accessible price point.

Why Mogen David Concord?

What separates this wine from the broader field of sweet Concord options is the arrested-fermentation technique that preserves the grapes' own sugars — no corn syrup, no artificial sweeteners. That production choice results in a cleaner, more authentically grape-flavored wine that many drinkers prefer over competitors in blind comparisons. Certified Kosher for Passover under Triangle K supervision, it remains a staple at Seder tables and Jewish celebrations year after year. For anyone seeking a sweet, fruit-driven wine rooted in American winemaking tradition, Mogen David Concord has earned its staying power through straightforward quality and an honest ingredient list.