Episode 15: Josh Rynderman, owner and winemaker of ESSA Winery, Cape Town, South Africa.

In Episode #15, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome Josh Rynderman, owner and winemaker of South Africa’s ESSA Winery.
Joshua Rynderman is a man brimming with audacious energy evident in his easy smile but even more so in his craft. Joshua has built the young ESSA winery of South Africa following training under master boutique winemaker, Benyamin Cantz, of the fabled Four Gates Winery of Santa Cruz, CA.
In this episode, we taste through four Essa Wines:
Essa, Liv & Luv, Western Cape, Rose, 2024
Essa, Altira, Cape South Coast, 2023
Essa, Franschook, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
Essa, Emunah, Hemel en Aarde Ridge, 2020
Josh discusses the origins and winemaking behind each of these wines. Dr. Kenny Friedman & Rabbi Yisroel Bernath ask Josh about his wine journey and the origin of his South African winery. They cover wide-ranging topics, including climate, terroir, and starting a new winery in the current landscape. Josh talks about his desire to bring his wine to as many people as possible and adding a third kosher certification to his wines. Josh tells Kenny & Rabbi Yisroel his overarching philosophy of making wine “l’sheim mitzvah” and for the ability of people to make kiddush over his wine.
Kenny & Rabbi Yisroel ask Josh about his vision for the future and thank him for joining their podcast as a special guest.
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