Fine wines that elevate and enhance holiday mitzvot
After the Days of Awe, two joyous holidays follow — Sukkot (beginning the evening of September 25) and Simchat Torah (October 3-4).
There’s no better way to elevate the celebratory meals of these yamim tovim than with great wines that enhance the festival mitzvot.
Remember: Fine wine does not need to be expensive; there are great wines that fit any budget. A superb bottle can enhance the holiday meals and enliven the atmosphere in the sukkah.
One practical note: Red wines can suffer if it’s hot in the sukkah; 30 minutes to one hour in the refrigerator before serving can make all the difference. Whites, rosés, and sparkling wines should be served cold; if a glass is too chilly, a few minutes on the table will bring it to the right temperature.
Whether you are hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet meal with immediate family, these bottles offer a range of styles and price points. Chag sameach! L’chaim!
Drappier Brut Nature: Sparkling wine is ideal for Kiddush and for setting a festive and celebratory tone. This is a pure and elegant Champagne made from 100 percent Pinot Noir with zero dosage (no added sugar). Crisp, dry, and refined, it offers bright notes of green apple, lemon zest, brioche, and a distinctive mineral edge, carried by a fine, persistent mousse.
Villebois Sancerre Rosé 2025: Rosé is not just for summer anymore; a well-made rosé remains versatile and refreshing. This stylish Loire Valley expression is made from Pinot Noir grown on the classic, flint-riddled limestone soils of Sancerre. It shows delicate aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, lifted by bright acidity, a touch of herbs, and the region’s flinty minerality. Serve it well chilled with light starters.
Lahat Syrah 2023: This standout from Israel, inspired by the wines of France’s northern Rhône Valley, is crafted by the highly regarded Israeli winemaker Itay Lahat. Expect ripe dark-berry fruit, black pepper, savory herbs, and a focused, medium-to-full body that remains fresh and pairs beautifully with herb-roasted chicken, veal, or a well-smoked brisket.
Baron Edmond de Rothschild Rimapere Pinot Noir 2025: This Pinot Noir is part of the Rothschild portfolio grown in Central Otago, New Zealand, one of the world’s most celebrated regions for this noble variety. This fruit-forward yet elegant Pinot Noir shows notes of juicy raspberry, sour cherry, earthy minerals, and sage, with bright acidity and soft tannins. It is an excellent match for baked salmon, seared ahi tuna, and chicken dishes.
Hagafen 45th Anniversary Red Blend 2023: Hagafen Cellars is the OG of quality kosher wine in America. Winemakers Ernie Weir and his Israeli-born wife, Irit, have been producing fine wine in Napa since 1979. This 45th anniversary bottling is a bold, Bordeaux-style blend that shows the depth and concentration the region is known for. Dark fruit, spice, and a structured yet approachable profile make it a natural companion to standing rib roast, lamb, or any substantial main course.
Herzog Special Edition Eminence 2023: Something truly new, this is a rich, Bordeaux-style blend from California’s Chalk Hill area. Aged for a couple of years in French oak, it offers layers of blackberry, dark chocolate, leather, and toasted spice. Full-bodied and complex, it stands up to the heartiest dishes on the table. It will continue to develop if cellared for the next 10-20 years.
— Royal Wine Corp.
Gabriel Geller, WSET III, is manager of wine education and director of public relations at Royal Wine Corp.