California winery Kendall-Jackson has announced that it is sending 'a few congratulatory cases' of its Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay to President-elect Barack Obama.
In a People magazine interview, Obama mentioned that the wine was a staple at his Chicago home.
Traditionally only American wines are served at official White House events.
Kendall-Jackson spokesman Mark Osmun said Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay was also served at the Reagan White House.
As to owners Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke’s political preferences, he said, ‘I don’t know what they are. Obviously, his main affiliation is American.’
White House incumbents are no strangers to product placement. Jimmy Carter – whose fortune came from peanut farming – gave a big boost to that industry during his tenure, and Reagan’s fondness for Jelly Belly jellybeans made that candy a hit.
Clinton was famous for slipping into McDonalds whenever secret service permitted. George W Bush hasn’t been as successful a brand spokesperson.
Obama himself has sophisticated tastes. He’s said to have a soft spot for Hart Schaffner Marx suits, Fran’s artisanal chocolates from Seattle, and organic Black Forest Berry Tea from the politically progressive, Bethesda, Maryland-based company, Honest Tea.
It is not known how and when he will respond to the Kendall-Jackson overtures.
Written by Tim Teichgraeber
