Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir

The Slichot prayers rise like mist from the terrace of Beit Yisrael Synagogue in Yemin Moshe, carried skyward by the Solomon Brothers Band as Jerusalem's ancient walls stand witness. This rare recording captures repentance transformed into celebration—a spiritual vintage worth savoring.

Rabbi Yeres offers profound wisdom about tears and prayer. From the Talmud, he shares that when the Temple was destroyed, the gates of prayer were locked—but the gates of tears remained forever open. In a year marked by tremendous suffering for Israel, this teaching carries special weight. Through Maimonides' concept of complete repentance, we learn that true transformation happens when we choose righteousness at the height of temptation, not merely when it's convenient.

The musical experience elevates everything. Harmonized voices intertwine like grape clusters on the vine, reminding us that spiritual transformation rarely happens in isolation—we need community to support our growth. As the melodies echo against Jerusalem's stones, we taste something unfinished, like wine still mid-ferment, alive with possibilities. Rosh Hashanah approaches with the promise of renewal, a chance to pour a new glass and begin again with clarity and courage. Join us as we trace how wine and spirit intertwine, and discover what vintage this new year will bring.

The Solomon Brothers Band

For Bookings Contact: Worldwide Bookings

​Nachman Solomon 054 553 5191 nachmant@gmail.com

USA: +1 718 487-9054

Rabbi Chanoch Yeres +972 52 566 6230

Beit Yisrael Synagogue
2 Pele Yoetz St. Yemin Moshe Jerusalem

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+972-58-731-1567
+1212-999-4444
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Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir

Nestled in the rugged hills of Montserrat, Spain, lies a winemaking story so unlikely you might think it's fiction. Jürgen Wagner, a German-born winemaker who now leads exports for Capçanes winery, takes us through an extraordinary journey of transformation, tradition, and unexpected salvation.

This small cooperative of just 55 farming families was on the brink of collapse in the early 1990s. Having been downgraded from bulk wine producer to mere grape supplier, their future looked bleak until a Barcelona Rabbi made an unusual request: could they produce kosher wine? That decision in 1995 not only saved the cooperative but catapulted them to unexpected fame when their second vintage was rated the third-best wine in all of Spain—kosher or not.

Wagner reveals the fascinating parallels between ancient kosher winemaking laws and modern natural wine practices. The prohibition of animal-derived fining agents, commitment to minimal intervention, and reliance on indigenous yeasts creates wines of remarkable purity and expression. Working with century-old bush-trained vines yielding just 1800-3000 kg per hectare (versus a potential 15,000+), Capçanes crafts wines of extraordinary concentration and character from their mountainous terroir.

Perhaps most compelling is their innovative approach to vineyard management. Through a point system that rewards quality farming practices, organic methods, and continuous education, they've created powerful incentives for their member farmers.

Today, Capçanes exports to over 60 countries, with 15% of their 600,000-bottle production dedicated to kosher wines. As climate change presents new challenges, they remain focused not on expansion but on strengthening relationships and maintaining their commitment to quality. Subscribe to hear more remarkable stories of wineries where tradition meets innovation, and cultures connect through a shared love of exceptional wine.

For more information:

Celler De Caçanes

Carrer Llaberia, 9 – 43776 Capçanes – Tarragona (Espanya)
Phone: 977 178 319
cellercapcanes@cellercapcanes.com

Jürgen Wagner (Export Manager)
Móvil. +34 617 349 856
j.wagner@cellercapcanes.com

Support the show

www.TheKosherTerroir.com
+972-58-731-1567
+1212-999-4444
TheKosherTerroir@gmail.com
Link to Join “The Kosher Terroir” WhatsApp Chat
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EHmgm2u5lQW9VMzhnoM7C9
Thursdays 6:30pm Eastern Time on the NSN Network and the NSN App

Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir

Alessandro Cellai speaks with the gentle confidence of someone who has transformed Italian wine over three decades, yet he carries his accomplishments with remarkable humility. As we journey through his winemaking life – from early mentorship under the legendary Giacomo Tachis to his current leadership at multiple prestigious estates – a philosophy emerges that transcends technique.

"In all great wines we must recognize terroir. In top wines we must recognize the grape. And we must recognize the DNA of the winemaker." These principles, instilled by Tachis (creator of Super Tuscans like Sassicaia), have guided Cellai through an extraordinary career spanning Castellare di Castellina, Rocca di Frassinello, and now Valle Piccola. His flagship wines tell distinct stories – the elegant Isodi di San Nicolo with its proprietary Sangiovetto clone, the powerful yet refined Baffanero Merlot, and innovative Sicilian projects that blend tradition with modern vision.

What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Cellai's decade-long partnership with Dr. Ralph Madeb to create kosher versions of his acclaimed wines. Unlike many elite winemakers who resist kosher production, Cellai embraced it with genuine curiosity. "I want to thank you for giving me the privilege of making kosher wine," he told Madeb – a sentiment that reveals his character as much as his winemaking philosophy. Even more surprising is his recent successful venture into Mevushal production, finding ways to maintain quality despite the heating process required for kosher restaurant service.

Beyond technical mastery, Cellai's story is one of continuous growth and openness to new challenges. "Always we can learn, always we can be better," he reflects, a mindset that has taken him from Tuscan hills to Sicily's coastline, from traditional methods to kosher innovation. As both his children now follow him into winemaking, Cellai's greatest legacy may be this philosophy of humble excellence – creating wines that honor the land while remaining open to evolution. What glass will you pour to experience his remarkable journey?

For more Information:

Alessandro Cellai

https://www.instagram.com/cellaiale/?hl=en

Dr. Ralph Madeb
M&M Importers

Address: 1100 CONEY ISLAND AVENUE
BROOKLYN, NY 11230
Phone: +1 718-684-9826

email: rmadeb@mandmimporters.com

Website: www.MandMimporters.com

Support the show

www.TheKosherTerroir.com
+972-58-731-1567
+1212-999-4444
TheKosherTerroir@gmail.com
Link to Join “The Kosher Terroir” WhatsApp Chat
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EHmgm2u5lQW9VMzhnoM7C9
Thursdays 6:30pm Eastern Time on the NSN Network and the NSN App