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