#187: Wine in the Modern Era: feat. Nathan Herzog (President of Kedem Wines) & Rabbi Akiva Padwa (International Kashrus expert)

In the 19th century, the Herzog family supplied wine to the Emperor, while the 20th ushered in the era and risks of Prohibition in America and the profound transformation of the humble grape juice.

Contemporary technology has enabled the wine industry to flourish, yet the intricate halachos makes kosher wine production, a uniquely complex product

  Meanwhile in the mid-1500s, Moravia was fertile ground for both the Maharal's views and the Rama's rulings of yayin stam, which resonate to this day.     

Timestamps:

00:00 — Opening anecdote  

00:00:36 — Intro & episode overview  

00:01:12 — Listener feedback (medieval England)  

00:02:02 — History: Bohemia & Moravia (1500s)  

00:04:54 — Maharal: philosophy of wine  

00:08:43 — Nicholsburg controversy (1600s)  

00:15:00 — Prohibition & bootlegging (Bronfmans)  

00:16:25 — Sacramental wine loophole & abuses  

00:25:00 — 1926 regulations & grape juice debate  

00:29:30 — Interview: Nathan (Yogi) Herzog  

00:35:00 — Herzog: kosher production practices  

00:40:00 — Kedem grape juice & market evolution  

00:50:00 — Harvest logistics & mashgichim  

00:51:54 — Production issues & quality control  

00:52:02 — Interview: Rabbi Padva (kashrus expert)  

00:53:15 — Halacha: non-Jew involvement, mevushal, transport  

01:04:24 — Practical challenges (pumping/maceration)  

01:06:06 — Closing & sign-off