Mogen David Concord – America’s Original Sweet Red Wine

Updated → September 2025

Mogen David Concord is a classic sweet red wine made from Concord grapes. Bursting with grape flavor and a rich heritage as a kosher wine, it offers a nostalgic, approachable taste. This guide explores its history, flavor profile, serving tips, and why this affordable American favorite remains beloved by many.

• What Is Mogen David Concord?
• Origins of Mogen David Concord
• Rise to Popularity
• The Concord Grape Heritage
• Kosher Tradition and Popularity
• Tasting Notes
• Serving Suggestions
• Dessert and Cheese Pairings
• Savory Pairings
• Mogen David vs. Manischewitz
• Buying and Availability
• Storage and Shelf Life
• Why Choose Mogen David Concord?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Mogen David Concord?

Mogen David Concord is a sweet red wine crafted primarily from Concord grapes. It’s known for its deep purple color and intense grape aroma. Produced by the Mogen David Wine Co., it is a kosher wine with very low tannins and a fruity sweetness that appeals to those who prefer sweeter beverages. With an alcohol content of around 11% ABV, it delivers rich grape flavor in each sip without being as strong as fortified wines.

This wine has long been a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The name “Mogen David” itself means “Star of David,” reflecting its Jewish roots, but its appeal goes far beyond religious purposes. This accessible sweet red has found a place in the hearts of wine drinkers from everywhere. Prized for its affordable price and sold in various bottle sizes, Mogen David Concord invites everyone to enjoy its timeless, grape-forward taste.

Origins of Mogen David Concord

The story of Mogen David Concord begins in 1933 in Chicago, just as Prohibition ended. Mogen David Wine Corporation was founded that year, initially focusing on sacramental wines for religious use. By the 1940s, the winery started using plentiful Concord grape juice sourced from East Coast vineyards to craft a sweet red wine that could be enjoyed not only during ceremonies but by the general public as well.

Rise to Popularity

After World War II, this Concord wine’s popularity exploded nationwide. By the 1950s it had turned from a Passover-only treat into a year-round favorite for many Americans. Mogen David became a household name as sweet wine lovers—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—embraced its flavor. Through the years, even as the company passed through different owners, the recipe stayed consistent. By the early 2000s, Mogen David was second only to Manischewitz in the kosher wine market, solidifying its place as an enduring American wine tradition.

The Concord Grape Heritage

Central to the identity of Mogen David Concord is the Concord grape itself. This North American grape variety is famous for its bold purple skin and sweet, “grapey” flavor—think of the taste of grape jelly or juice. Mogen David Concord red wine is made from at least 51% Concord grapes (by law and tradition), which gives it that unmistakable burst of grape flavor. Concord grapes are typically used for juices and jams, so using them in wine results in a beverage that blurs the line between grape juice and wine in the most delightful way.

The use of Concord grapes is what makes Mogen David Concord stand out from dry, European varietal wines. These grapes produce a deep red, aromatic, naturally sweet wine with very little tannin. The result is pure, unabashed fruitiness. Sipping this wine is like enjoying liquid Concord grapes—simple, sweet, and utterly nostalgic, without any oaky or spicy complexity getting in the way of the fruit.

Kosher Tradition and Popularity

One defining feature of Mogen David Concord is that it’s kosher. In fact, many bottles carry the “Kosher for Passover” certification, meaning the wine is produced under strict supervision so it can be consumed during the Jewish Passover holiday. No leavening or non-kosher additives are used, and rabbis oversee the production process. This heritage made it a natural choice for religious observances – it’s been the wine at countless Sabbath dinners and Passover seders over the decades.

At the same time, most people who drink Mogen David Concord today do so simply because they enjoy its sweet taste. Its appeal long ago broke out of the strictly religious niche. For many, it’s a nostalgic flavor from childhood (after all, it tastes like grape juice), and for others it’s an easy-drinking wine that doesn’t require an acquired taste. You might find a bottle at a barbecue or picnic just as easily as at a holiday meal. Whether or not one keeps kosher, this wine’s popularity endures because it’s delicious and approachable to almost anyone.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, Mogen David Concord bursts with the aroma of ripe Concord grapes – it’s like smelling a freshly opened jar of grape jam or a glass of grape juice. There’s a candy-like sweetness in the scent that immediately lets you know this will be a sweet wine.

Take a sip and the wine delivers exactly what the aroma promises: a wave of sugary, grapey flavor. It is light-bodied and velvety on the palate, with virtually no tannic dryness. The sweetness is front and center, comparable to that of a dessert wine, yet the alcohol remains moderate (around 11% ABV), so it doesn’t burn or feel heavy. The finish is smooth and lingering with a pure grape aftertaste. In essence, drinking this wine is like enjoying a grown-up version of grape juice – indulgently sweet, smooth, and very easy to drink.

Serving Suggestions

For best enjoyment, serve Mogen David Concord well-chilled. The sweetness is most refreshing when the wine is cold, so pop the bottle in the refrigerator before serving. Some people even like to pour it over ice on a hot day. Chilling tones down the sugar a touch and makes the flavors crisp.

You can also get creative and mix this wine into simple cocktails. For example, add a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda to a glass of Mogen David Concord to create a quick spritzer – you’ll get a fizzy, sweet grape cocktail. It also pairs surprisingly well with ginger ale for an easy punch. Since this wine is so approachable, you don’t need any special steps to serve it: no decanting or aerating required. Just twist open the cap and enjoy it chilled or over ice.

Dessert and Cheese Pairings

Mogen David Concord is most famously paired with desserts and celebration foods. Because it’s as sweet as many desserts, it complements treats like chocolate cake, brownies, or berry pies. Think of it like pouring a rich grape sauce on your dessert – the flavors mesh wonderfully.

Savory Pairings

For a contrasting experience, try this sweet wine with something salty or savory. A classic example is enjoying a small glass alongside a platter of sharp cheddar or blue cheese – the sweet-and-salty contrast is delightful. In some families, this wine is served with holiday meals, such as beef brisket during festive dinners. The savory, seasoned meat and the sweet, grapey wine play off each other in a surprisingly pleasing way. And if you’re snacking on cured meats or salty crackers, a little Mogen David Concord can provide a fun sweet note between bites.

Mogen David vs. Manischewitz

Mogen David and Manischewitz are the two titans of kosher Concord wine, and they invite many comparisons. Both are sweet, red, and made from Concord grapes, and both have been around for generations. However, many fans swear there’s a difference. Mogen David Concord tends to taste a bit more like natural grape, whereas Manischewitz can come across as extra-sweet or slightly artificial to some palates. (One reason often cited is that Manischewitz has historically added corn syrup as a sweetener, while Mogen David relies on pure grape sugars.)

In practical terms, both wines have a similar low alcohol content and price point, so choosing between them is mostly about flavor preference or tradition. If your family always served Manischewitz, that taste might be the one you’re used to. But plenty of people have switched to Mogen David after tasting the difference. In informal blind tastings, Mogen David frequently wins favor for its more authentic grape-jelly flavor. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice – both deliver the sweet Concord experience. But if you find one a bit too cloying, give the other a try and see if it suits you better.

Buying and Availability

Mogen David Concord is widely available year-round. You can find it in most liquor and grocery stores (often in the kosher or dessert wine section). It’s also very affordable – a 750 mL bottle usually costs well under $10 (often around $5–$7).

If you’re in the Western New York area, you can purchase Mogen David Concord at our store – Union Wine and Liquor in Cheektowaga. We have it on the shelves for just $6.99 per bottle. It’s available for pickup (and local delivery, where applicable). Because it’s such a popular item, you’ll likely find plenty in stock here at our shop whenever you need it.

Storage and Shelf Life

Storing an unopened bottle of Mogen David Concord is straightforward. Keep it in a cool, dark place – a wine rack, cabinet, or basement will do. This isn’t the type of wine you age for years; in fact, it’s best enjoyed relatively fresh. Buying it and drinking it within a year or two is a good rule of thumb (not that it will spoil quickly, but the vibrant grape flavors are best when the wine hasn’t been sitting around for too long).

After opening a bottle, remember to refrigerate it. The cold will preserve the flavor and sweetness. An open bottle can last about a week or two in the fridge without much loss of quality. Make sure the cap or cork is sealed tightly to prevent oxidation and to keep any little fruit flies away (they love sweet wines!). Over time, you might notice the wine’s flavor dulling or becoming slightly oxidized, so it’s wise to finish the opened bottle within 7–10 days. Given how easy Mogen David Concord goes down, that shouldn’t be too much of a challenge!

Why Choose Mogen David Concord?

Mogen David Concord offers a purely sweet grape experience unlike any other. It’s the perfect wine for anyone with a sweet tooth or those who find dry wines unappealing. In many ways, it’s “wine without intimidation” – just pour and enjoy without overthinking. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a nostalgic, unfussy wine treat.

Tradition and nostalgia are big reasons people return to Mogen David Concord. Maybe it’s the wine their grandparents served, and now it brings back warm memories. Its wide availability and low price also make it easy to share at any gathering. Most of all, it’s a wine that puts smiles on faces – a simple joy in a bottle, which is exactly what a sweet red wine should be.

Conclusion

All in all, Mogen David Concord is a one-of-a-kind classic. It proves that there’s room in the wine world for pure, sweet grape goodness. If you haven’t tried it yet, grab a bottle and taste a little piece of wine history. And if it’s already a favorite, then you know exactly why it endures.

Frequently Asked Questions