Kosher Food Wine Event (KFWE) Turns 20 In Style

Feb 7, 2026 by Chef David

By Chef David

February 3rd marked the 20th Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) featuring a wide array of wines and spirits from around the world, hosted by Royal Wine Corporation, the largest producer, importer, and exporter of kosher wines and spirits. The highlight of our evening was meeting NBA Hall of Famer Isaih Thomas as he launched a line of kosher French Champagne in partnership with the historic Cheurlin Champagne House.

Royal Wine Corporation President, Nathan Herzog, commented that “Royal Wine Corp. is honored to partner with NBA legend and entrepreneur Isiah Thomas to bring his prestigious Cheurlin Champagne house into the kosher market. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to offer unparalleled luxury and quality. By combining centuries of French winemaking tradition with the modern excellence of the Cheurlin brand, we are redefining what is possible in the luxury champagne category for our consumers worldwide.”

We knew we were in the right location, by the welcoming Manischewitz truck (serving up soups providing warmth on a cold night, which was a great way to end the evening). Inside, there was a vast array of delicious foods to sample, ranging from meat and kugel to sushi and fruits. The wine was flowing, with hundreds of selections from the US, Israel, and France, occupying two rooms, one entirely devoted to Israeli wines (and included a delicious spread of falafel and shawarma, with all the fixings).

The Toast of the Night

The press were invited to speak with Isaih Thomas as he introduced Cheurlin Champagnes, a kosher champagne produced in France’s Aube region. After 10 years in the non-kosher market, Royal Wines asked them to produce kosher champagne. Thomas explained that Cheurlin introduces Americans to a healthier champagne, a different taste profile, without added sugar or sulfates, and should not give them a morning-after headache.

Cheurlin Champagne uses only the first press of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc grapes. Thomas encourages consumers to request first press, although this is not listed on the label.

His interest in champagne began in post-game celebrations, says Thomas, “My earliest experience with champagne was having it poured over my head. It wasn’t until after I retired from playing ball that I discovered I love drinking it.”

Cheurlin dates back to 1788, when a Catholic priest named Cheurlin from Landreville, France, began making the champagne. In 2015, Thomas became the owner-operator of Cheurlin Champagne, and today it is the largest Black-owned Champagne company in the world. In partnership with Royal Wine Corporation, the brand is working to expand access to premium kosher Champagne without compromising quality or heritage.

Thomas noted, “My partnership with the Cheurlin family—nine generations of luxury Champagne producers— adds heritage and credibility, allowing my kosher wines to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.”

Cheurlin produces two kosher champagnes, both kosher for Passover.

• Cheurlin Brut Spéciale A refined blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, offering notes of crisp apple, bright citrus.
• Cheurlin Thomas Célébrité A Zero Dosage Blanc de Blancs, 100% white grapes, Chardonnay/Pinot Blanc, with aromas of green apple, pear, and citrus blossom

When asked which one is your favorite? Thomas replied, “Depends on what night and what you’re celebrating.” He selects the brute for watching football or basketball games, because it pairs well with salty food snacks like popcorn. Célébrité is for when he feels really good, saying, “I actually will have some tonight.”  

We appreciate Thomas and Royal Wines for bringing first-press, champagne without added sugar or sulfates to the kosher consumer.

Some of the wines available for sampling at the KFWE included:

Israel: Kamisa Winery, Domaine du Castel Judaean Hills, RAZI’EL Judaean Hills, 1848 Winery, Zion Winery, Jezreel Valley Winery, Feldstein Winery, Barkan, Segal, Lahat Winery, Pinto Winery, Gush Etzion Winery, Binyamina Winery, Ephod, Tzuba, Tabor Winery, Matar Winery, Odem Mountain Winery, Wines & Spirits of Israel, Thinkers Distillery, Morad, Alexander Winery, Vitkin Winery, Tulip Winery, Teperberg 1870 Winery, Netofa Winery, Psagot Winery, Ben Porat Winery, Ella Valley Winery, Tura Winery, Chateau Golan, Gros Winery, Shiloh Winery, Carmel Winery, Flam Winery, Yatir Winery, and Or Haganuz Winery.

France: Chateau des Arnauds, Les Riganes, Arnaud Baillot, Domaines Les Marronniers & Ternynck, Koenig, Chateau Lamothe Bergeron, Maison Riviere, Chateau Guyon, Vignobles Parent, Maison Cherulin, Domaine Raymond Usseglio, Maison Drappier, Maison Cuvelier & Fils, Chateau Roubine, Chateu Dauzac, Champagne Barons de Rothschild, Edmonds De Rothchild Heritage, Bokobsa, and Louis Royer.

United States: Herzog Wine Cellars, Sonoma Loeb, Capio, Marciano Estates, Jeunesse, Weinstock, Padis Vineyards, Stoudemire, Hagafen Cellars, Covenant Winery, Hajdu Wines, Shirah Winery, Myx, Laufer, Pacifica, and Joseph Zakon Wines.

Other Countries – Spain: Elvi/Clos Mesorah, Ramon Cardova, and Celler de Capcanes. Portugal: Porto Cordovero. Argentina: S’Forno, Australia: Teal Lake. New Zealand: Goose Bay. South Africa: Essa Wine Co. and J. Folk. Italy: Masseria Frattassi and Bartenura.

So Many Choices

The KWFE displayed so many selections, it would have taken days to try them all, which is amazing and a sign of the growth and maturity of the kosher wine market. Kosher wines have evolved from sweet to well-balanced and complex high-quality offerings. We were impressed by the numbers and varieties of kosher wines and spirits available, including celebrity brands from Vera Wang (who added two more kosher wines to her collection) to Mariah Carey, who makes Black Irish (which is dairy).

Thank you, Royal Wine, for an amazing evening, sharing some extraordinary kosher wines and spirits.