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I Wonder Which Wines are Served at the White House
I'm putting together the wine program of a new area restaurant, so have spent a bit of time perusing some top wine list in DC. I've seen some fabulous lists around, and it got me thinking...what are they pouring in the most famous, illustrious, and powerful table in the world? Which wines grace the tables in the White House?
French cooking and French wine were the main stay at the White House for years. The tradition began with Thomas Jefferson (the father of Virginia Wine), with his wine cellar built over the east collonade (sadly, no longer there). He was said to have spent over $175,000 in today's sum on his collection. The next important (as in wine speak) residents of the White House to elevate wine to the status of Jefferson were the Kennedys. Mrs Kennedy was a francophile through and through - from her flawless French (spoken with impeccable Parisien accent) to her taste in couture. Her love of France extended to her choice in wines, essentially putting Petrus on the map and justifying its $1500 price tag.
The French proclivities of the White House quickly changed when President Johnson declared that only American wine will be served in the Mansion. The tradition has since stuck. Rumor has it that President Nixon sneaked his French Champagne by ensuring the bottle was wrapped in a napkin as he was served (that tricky Dick...).
Reagan so loved his California wines that he practically eschewed the rest of America's vineyards. President Ford tried to show off Michigan wines to the dismay of his guests. Current President Bush serves Texas' own Becker Vineyards at his ranch in Crawford, as well as the White House.
I've dug around, my journalistic investigative skills on fire, and found a few specific wines served. Wines that you can find on your local wine store shelves...
But. You have to wait to next blog to find out.
Cheers!
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