NY Winer Shows His Place of Work

By COLlive reporter

A group of prominent Jewish businessman and community leaders from across Russia were given an exclusive tour of the Royal Wine Co. winery in Marlboro, New York.

The group is part of the annual trip of Russian Jews to New York organized by Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar in preparation for the High Holidays.

Welcoming them on Wednesday at the winery was veteran winemaker and Lubavitcher chossid Yossi Zakon known for the Kesser and Farbrengen labels. They also met Michoel Herzog, owner of Herzog Wines.

Zakon told his story of entering the wine industry at the age of 21, the youngest person to own and operate his own winery at the time.

He explained the significance of the grapes as it relates to the different wines. He also spoke about the laws of Kosher and the unique challenges and complications with Kosher winemaking.

“So much has changed in the Kosher wine consumer demographic,” Zakon said, giving visitors the opportunity to taste some of the leading Kosher wines, from the most expensive Napa Valley Herzog wines, to the user-friendly Zakon Winery Unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon.

“This was an authentic Jewish experience,” one participant commented. “Everyone left with an appreciation, and better understanding of kosher wine. We learned that Kosher wine is on par with the best wines in the world.”