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

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.