#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