Hanukkah (or Chanukah, if you like) is the Jewish holiday known as the āfestival of lights.ā It brings friends and family together for eight consecutive nights, which means there are plenty opportunities to pop a cork or two.
Thereās plenty to celebrate: Hanukkah marks the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was ransacked by Greek forces seeking to subjugate the cityās Jewish people. Not only did Jewish residents prevail and recapture the destroyed Temple, a miracle occurred: Though only a single flask of oil remained in the holy buildingā enough to last just one nightāit burned for eight nights, which was enough time for new oil to be prepared. To commemorate and celebrate this event, the festival of Hanukkah was born.
Today, the holiday is celebrated with loved ones by lighting the menorahāa lamp with nine candles, which include one for each night plus the āhelperā candle that lights them all. Hanukkah gatherings also often involve plenty of foods fried in oil (a nod to the oil-burning miracle), like latkes (fried potato pancakes) andāÆsufganiyotāÆ(jelly-filled doughnuts).
With all of the candle lighting, singing, playing and eating, of course youāll want to add some special wines to pair with your festivities. Why not pour a different bottle every night?āÆ
Our list includes a mix of kosher and non-kosher options, but if you want eight nights worth of kosher wines, peep the options on our list of the 11 kosher wines we love.
Night 1.
Recanati 2019 Syrah (Galilee)
For the first night of this special holiday, turn to the land where it all began. A selection from Israel not only offers an appropriate nod to the Holy Templeās locale, but this kosher one is full of dark plums and violets, sure to impress any Syrah lover. But if Syrah isnāt your thing, check out other recent Israeli wine reviews from our Buying Guide for more delicious options.
Night 2.
Dalton 2020 Canaan Red (Galilee)
For the second night of Hanukkah, go with a definite crowd pleaser. According to the wineryās website, this kosher red blend, made with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Syrah, was produced with Israeli cuisine in mind. But if this āeasyā drinker isnāt for you, check out our other recently reviewed red blends.
Night 3.
Golan Heights Winery 2021 Mount Hermon White (Galilee)
After two nights of big bold reds, take a break with this kosher white wine. This bottle offers refreshing aromas of lemon and baked apple. Another pick from Israel, this selection hails from Galilee, which is considered the countryās best growing region.
Night 4.
Galil Mountain 2019 Galil Ela Red (Galilee)
Now that youāve had a break from red wines, jump back in on night four with this bottle that offers flavors of āblack cherry and Valencia orange that are joined by note of dark chocolate and thyme.ā And as itās now halfway through Hanukkah make sure to check out Galilās other selections to ensure you have plenty of wine for the remaining nights.
Night 5.
Covenant 2021 Red C RosƩ (California)
For night five, Israelās several thousand-year-old winemaking traditions meet California in this kosher rosĆ©. With its āmouthwatering palate-cleansing acidity and fruit that is well concentrated,ā this bottle is a no brainer when it comes to food pairings.
Night 6.
Taub Family Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder)
With only three more nights of feasting, itās time to take out the selection everyone knows and loves: The Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. With its āripe black plums and currants on a smooth but massively structured texture,ā this wine can stand with meats as well as latkes and other fried foods. Not a Napa Cab fan? No worries, check out our other reviews from the region.
Night 7.
Paltrinieri 2020 La Riserva (Lambrusco di Sorbara)
Whatās a celebration without some bubbles? If you havenāt broken out some sparklers, make sure you do so by (at least) night seven. With its ābeautiful pink-rose hue of the wine and its white-strawberry and red-currant aromasā and bracing yet refreshing acidity, this is a bubbly meant to be enjoyed with loved ones. If Champagne is more your jam, be sure to check out our most recent reviews.
Night 8.
Saracina 2021 Lolonis Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Mendocino County)
After eight nights of feasting and drinking, you will probably feel like ending the holiday on a lighter note. This Sauvignon Blanc offers āfresh, vibrant fruits of green apple and pear, and refreshing sea-salt-like salinity.ā Another benefit to Sauvignon? Itās very food-friendly and pairs well with everything from fish to meat to vegetables. So, if youāve been hosting all eight nights you can (finally) kick back, relax and enjoy.
This article was updated on December 7, 2022.
