What do you look for to determine if a wine is kosher?

There are a few key things to look for to determine if a wine is kosher:

1. Certification:

* Kosher symbol: This is the most common and reliable indicator. Look for a symbol on the label, often a circle with a Hebrew letter "K" or "U" inside.

* Certification agency: Reputable agencies that certify kosher wines include:

* OK Kosher: One of the largest and most recognized.

* Star-K: Another major agency with a strict set of standards.

* OU Kosher: A well-respected agency with a focus on traditional practices.

* Badatz: An agency that follows the strictest interpretations of Jewish law.

* Mehadrin: A strict kosher certification that often includes additional requirements.

2. Production Process:

* Grape harvesting and pressing: In kosher winemaking, all stages of production must be supervised by a Rabbi or a trained individual authorized to oversee kosher processes. This includes the harvesting of grapes, the pressing of the juice, and the fermentation process.

* Winemaking equipment: All equipment used in the production of kosher wine must be kosher-certified. This means it must have been cleaned and sanitized to a high standard and not used to process non-kosher products.

3. Other factors:

* Ingredient list: While less common, some kosher wines may indicate "kosher-for-Passover" on the label. This means the wine is made with ingredients that are allowed for consumption during the Passover holiday.

* Country of origin: While not a guarantee, wines from Israel and other countries with large Jewish populations are more likely to be kosher.

Important Note: It's always best to double-check with a reputable kosher certification agency or a knowledgeable Rabbi to verify the kosher status of a particular wine.

If a wine label doesn't display a kosher symbol or if you have any doubts, it's best to err on the side of caution and assume the wine is not kosher.