The ultimate kosher food and drink extravaganza comes to town

‘Dry January’ was spectacularly resigned to the history books as the nation’s ultimate kosher food and drink extravaganza rolled into town.

This year’s Kedem Food & Wine Experience was the biggest yet, with nearly 1,000 hungry patrons descending upon the Sheraton Grand on London’s Park Lane.

The stars of the show were undoubtedly the expert traders showcasing their 500 wines, spirits and liqueurs from more than 60 producers worldwide.

Connoisseurs- and those pretending to be connoisseurs- alike were bedazzled by new faces for 2026.

These included Domaine Arnaud Baillot, one of Burgundy’s rising stars from the Côte de Beaune, known for beautifully elegant wines, and Israel’s Lahat Winery, founded by acclaimed winemaker Itay Lahat.

Leading wineries from Spain, France, Italy, Argentina, California, New Zealand and New York poured their latest vintages, sharing stories of innovation and craftsmanship. The quality and diversity on show reflected the remarkable evolution of Kosher winemaking.

The Whisky & Spirits Area was also the biggest yet, serving up premium whiskies, craft spirits, small-batch liqueurs and innovative kosher distillers from around the world including Brown Forman, Glenallachie, Angus Dundee, William Grant and Gordon Mcfail.

Of course, being a kosher dining event, much of the chatter was centred around a gargantuan buffet, catered by star chef Arieh Wagner.

Long queues quickly formed around an array of meat stations, with seemingly endless succulent short-rib beef, lamb shoulder, duck, turkey and chicken all on offer. And if that wasn’t enough, the sushi station and range of immaculately presented desserts made for a night to remember.

Benjamin Gestetner of Kedem Europe, who organised the event, told Jewish News: “In gathering together to drink wine and eat good food it was a reminder of the power of the simple but meaningful act of coming together. By the end of the night, guests left smiling, having discovered new favourite bottles and shared in an experience that was as much about people as it was about wine.”

Perhaps most remarkably, such was the generosity of the gargantuan buffet, there were even leftovers by the end of the night.

Yes, you read that right. Leftovers! Whatever next?

For us, it’ll be a ticket for next year!