Rosh Hashanah Wine Guide: What to Pour for the Yamim Noraim

by Kosher Wine Direct August 02, 2026

Pouring red wine into a glass at a set table

Rosh Hashanah is four Yom Tov meals in two days, and if you're hosting, the wine plan deserves as much thought as the menu. Here's how to build the order, course by course, from Kosher Wine Direct.

Start Sweet, It's Tradition

Many families open the new year with sweet wine, a siman for a sweet year. A chilled Moscato alongside the apple and honey is the crowd-pleaser move; it's low in alcohol, so nobody's fading before the soup. Traditionalists pour Concord kiddush wine for the first cup and switch after.

The Main Course Reds

Brisket, roast chicken, tzimmes: Rosh Hashanah food is rich, and it wants structured reds. This is the season for Israeli reds: Cabernet Sauvignon and blends from the Galilee, Golan and Judean Hills feel right for the day and stand up to the food. A Cabernet or Bordeaux-style blend covers the table; add a softer Merlot for guests who like their reds gentle.

Something New for Shehecheyanu

The second night calls for a new fruit, and plenty of hosts pour a new wine to match. Try a grape or region you haven't had this year: a Gewürztraminer with lychee and spice, or a serious kosher Bordeaux if this is the year to upgrade.

Day Meals and Dessert

Lunch runs lighter: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay with the fish course, and sparkling wine if there's a simcha feel to the table. For the honey cake: Brachetto or a dessert wine closes it out.

How Much to Buy

Figure half a bottle per wine-drinking adult per meal. A table of eight across four meals runs 12–16 bottles, which is exactly why our free shipping starts at any 12 bottles or $150. One case covers Yom Tov, and shipping is on us.

Order Early

Wine can't ship on Yom Tov, and carriers get slammed before the chagim. Order at least a week ahead. Browse the Rosh Hashanah collection at KosherWineDirect.com or call (347) 533-8586 and we'll build the case with you.