Celebrating our past presidents’ choices of wine
I love presidential history, especially when food and wine are involved. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to celebrate Presidents Day (my editors insist I point out the official holiday, the third Monday in February, is Washington’s Birthday observed) with a series of columns dedicated to the food and drink served at the White House. To kick us off, here are wines you can buy today that have found their way to some of the world’s most historic tables.
Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, $50
This iconic French Champagne has been served many times at the White House. The earliest menu I could find was from a February 1902 luncheon for President Theodore Roosevelt and Prince Henry of Prussia. It was served both from magnums and as an ingredient in a punch. (Haven’t I always said punches were great for parties?!)
This was a popular choice of President Dwight Eisenhower, though instead of serving it at the beginning of a meal, as we often think, he served it with dessert. He used it to toast leaders from Germany, Colombia, Nepal, and — of course — President Charles de Gaulle of France. Korbel Brut Natural Sparkling Wine, $25
In August 1969, President Richard Nixon hosted dinner for the Apollo 11 astronauts and toasted them with this
California bubbly. It was also served a few years later by the Fords at a luncheon honoring King Baudouin I of Belgium.
When the Reagans hosted King Hussein I of Jordan for a state dinner in November 1981, they might have been gilding the lily when they served cabernet from the acclaimed Jordan Winery. It was paired with beef tenderloin and a potato souffle. Trefethen Family Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay, $42
Regardless of your politics, it’s hard to ignore that the Reagans — Californians, of course — had great taste in wine and were eager to show off American wines to the world. For the 1983 visit of Queen Elizabeth, they paired this standout chardonnay with lobster terrine with golden caviar and dill sauce. Duckhorn Paraduxx, $60
In 2005, Laura and President George Bush hosted a Valentine’s Day dinner and served this lovely red blend paired with bison tenderloin and Hudson River foie gras. Ridge Vineyards East Bench Zinfandel, $50
At the Obamas’ last state dinner — in November 2016 honoring Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy — the menu showcased American wines made from grapes of
Italian origin. I have a few bottles of this in my cellar, and I can promise it’s delicious.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Karia” Chardonnay, $45
Although President Donald Trump abstained from alcohol, he served this heavily oaked Napa chardonnay for a May 2019 dinner honoring the White House Historical Association. It was paired with an heirloom tomato and avocado terrine with Key lime vinaigrette.
As always, you can see what I’m drinking on Instagram @sethebarlow and send your wine questions and quibbles to