Manischewitz is a brand of sweet red wine that is common at Jewish celebrations because it is kosher. While it was originally created with Jewish consumers in mind, Manischewitz has also found popularity outside of the Jewish community.

Manischewitz Origins

When droves of Jewish people settled in New York City in the 1940s, the Monarch Wine Company, which was based in Brooklyn, saw an opportunity to reach the growing Jewish population by creating an inexpensive kosher wine.

The Monarch Wine Company was not widely known, so they established a licensing deal with the Manischewitz Company, which was known for producing kosher foods. The licensing agreement allowed the Monarch Wine Company to pay a fee for the rights to use the Manischewitz name on its kosher wines.

How Is Manischewitz Wine Made?

Manischewitz wine is made with fermented Concord grapes. Sugar is added because sometimes the grapes taste bitter. The wine is bottled in Brooklyn and uses grapes grown in New York.   

Why Do Jewish People Drink Manischewitz?

During the Prohibition, Jewish families had to make their own wine to drink during Passover. They smashed Concord grapes, added sugar and let them ferment for Passover. Manischewitz’s recipe is essentially the same, and the company used the idea of tradition to market the wine since it tasted identical to what families had been making on their own.

Jewish people continue to drink Manischewitz because it is what they are used to drinking. So, while Jewish traditions did not specify Manischewitz wine in particular, Jewish people became so accustomed to its distinct flavor that the wine became part of the tradition.

How Did Manischewitz Become So Popular?

An intelligent marketing strategy allowed Manischewitz to gain recognition outside the Jewish community. The Monarch Wine Company focused its advertising efforts on African American and non-Jewish populations so Manischewitz could find mainstream appeal outside of its established Jewish market.

Manischewitz Wine’s Role in Bar and Bat Mitzvahs

Manischewitz was mostly drunk at Passover, instilling in it an ingrained sense of religious and traditional significance. Although it’s not explicitly required, the wine has found its way into other Jewish ceremonies such as weddings, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs.

Amenities

Any party requires a significant amount of planning. Bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvah add some additional traditional layers and familial expectations to consider. Planning the event might seem overwhelming if you have other responsibilities that require your attention. Choosing the right venue can make your job a lot easier, especially if the venue has their own vendors that can handle many of the logistical challenges (like catering or sound) for you.

Event Planning

Event planning services help ensure your needs are met so your bar or bat mitzvah goes according to plan. Bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs typically include several ceremonies or events. It can be a relief if the venue has someone to help organize and execute the plan so you can enjoy the festivities.

Décor

Décor could make your celebration unforgettable. Many bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah receptions have a theme, and décor helps the theme come to life. If you have a lot of rehearsals or other obligations on your plate, you may not want to search for décor to match the party’s theme. The vendors we work with and the team at CrystalView can help.

Audio/Visual

Music and lighting help set the tone for an event. A venue with an outdated sound system or lighting might struggle to bring your vision to life. When touring different event venues, make sure to ask about the location's audio/visual capabilities.

Catering

Manischewitz wine is an important part of bar and bat mitzvahs, but buying wine is the easy part. Providing food and beverages takes more work. CrystalView works with some of the most renowned caterers in the Washington D.C. area.

Visit CrystalView and Find Out Why We’re the Best Washington D.C. Venue for Your Child’s Celebration

At CrystalView, we strive to help our clients host unforgettable events for any occasion. We provide event planning, décor, audio/visual, catering services and other amenities. If you want to host a bar or bat mitzvah or another private event in Virginia, you should schedule a tour of CrystalView.