As the nation turns its attention to the upcoming election, it’s worth remembering the role fine wines can play in diplomacy. Anderson Valley wines, with a rich history that has graced international state dinners, continue to be a key player at the world’s most prestigious tables — including the White House
Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley may be smaller than some of California’s other famous wine regions, but the bottles produced there have graced some of the most distinguished tables in the world – including the one at The White House. Sure, pouring wine for the political elite can come with tight deadlines and a few logistical challenges, but these wineries took these obstacles in stride, doing whatever it took to deliver and serve wines worthy of their prestigious settings.
A Call From The White House Leads to a Big Break for Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley didn’t become an approved appellation until 1983, and Philo’s Husch Vineyards produced its first appellation designated white wine vintages – Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer – that same year. The following year, HA Oswald Junior, a longtime Mendocino County farmer, got a phone call that would elevate the profile of the then-unknown appellation – and help put Anderson Valley on the greater wine world’s radar.
“When the phone rang, it was The White House calling, saying, ‘We need your wine for a State Dinner,” said Zac Robinson, recalling the moment his grandfather got the good news. “He about jumped through the roof, he was so excited. The problem was, they didn’t understand where Anderson Valley was. The wine needed to be on Air Force One, down in Santa Barbara, where Reagan’s Ranch was, in about, oh, eight hours.”
The call ended quickly, and HA Oswald Jr. soon found himself behind the wheel of his Volvo, making the roughly seven-hour drive down the coast to deliver the precious cargo ahead of the eight-hour deadline. He reached his destination with just enough time to load the wine into Air Force One, and it made its way to Beijing’s Great Wall Hotel, where it appeared on the table during a state dinner in a milestone moment for the Anderson Valley winemaker.
While subsequent news stories took a “Reagan Lectures China” focus, a follow-up story entitled, “Mendo Wine Makes China Trip” had wine writers from across the nation and around the world seeking out samples of Husch wines. Even Herb Caen, the influential San Francisco columnist, weighed in, helping Anderson Valley transition from a relatively obscure wine region to one earning considerable – and well-deserved – praise and recognition. This memory is shared by Zac Robinson, 3rd generation of Husch Vineyards in our 2024 documentary.
Roederer Debuts an Extra Dry “White House Cuvée”
Decades later, Anderson Valley wines still find a place of honor at the White House, showcasing the legacy of excellence and dedication that continues to define the region. While Husch was the first Anderson Valley winery to have its wines enjoyed at an official state dinner, it wasn’t the last. Roederer Estate, the California outpost of the French Roederer family, has produced several wines worthy of White House service, including its Brut Rosé and Roederer Estate Extra Dry cuvées.
Roederer’s Extra Dry is a sparkling wine with a fascinating history. Originally named the White House Cuvee, this wine was crafted at a higher dosage to balance a touch of sweetness, making it an ideal pairing for dessert. Its debut at high-profile events includes its service during a June 1994 state dinner hosted by the Clintons for Japan’s Emperor.
L’Ermitage made an appearance in December 1996, poured to honor French President Jacques Chirac and during a State Dinner in honor of Czech President Václav Havel in September 1998. The elegant wine, served in the East Room, complemented a grand tablescape featuring Eisenhower gold plates and gold vermeil candelabras, reflecting the prestige of both the occasion and the wines poured.
With these high-profile pours, Roederer’s RE Extra Dry has taken a unique role in diplomacy, symbolizing connections across cultures with a California spark.
President Biden, a Known Teetotaler, Toasts With Roederer Estate Brut Rosé
Roederer Estate, the California outpost of the French Roederer family, also produced wine worthy of a White House dinner service, having its Brut Rosé served during a State Dinner attended by French President Emmanual Macron in December 2022. The event even caught the attention of Wine Spectator.
The full-flavored, pale pink sparkling wine then made a second appearance in 2024, with President Joe Biden breaking a self-imposed rule of not hosting events after 8 p.m. in an effort to get better sleep. Instead of hitting the hay, he welcomed several heads of state and government to a NATO summit at the White House, where he, a known teetotaler, even took a rare sip while raising a glass alongside other world leaders.
“As one of California’s very few sparkling wine houses that is deeply rooted in France’s heritage and traditions, we are incredibly proud to have Roederer Estate Brut Rosé served at the Thursday, Dec. 1 state dinner in light of President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Washington, D.C.,” said Roederer Estate Winemaker Arnaud Weyrich. “Wine has long served in maintaining friendly diplomatic ties in the White House. Today, we are honored that Roederer Estate played its small part in the long-standing relationship between France and the United States.”
With a history as rich as its flavor profile, Roederer Estate continues to be a staple for state dinners, underscoring how wine can transcend borders and bring people together at the highest levels of diplomacy.
Anderson Valley Meets Singapore: Waits-Mast’s White House Moment
Waits-Mast’s 2012 Pinot Noir from Deer Meadows Vineyard in Anderson Valley was poured at a White House State Dinner honoring Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Paired with a main course of American Wagyu Beef, this wine showcased Anderson Valley’s excellence on the global stage. Fittingly, Singapore is the only country besides the U.S. where Waits-Mast wines are available in restaurants—highlighting the international appeal of Anderson Valley wines in truly distinguished settings
A Toast to the New President, With Goldeneye Pinot Noir
In January 2009, Goldeneye‘s 2005 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir also earned a place of honor at the White House, served during President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Luncheon in Washington, D.C. Paired with duck breast and pheasant, this wine showcased the exceptional quality of Anderson Valley wines on the national stage. Alongside its sister winery, Duckhorn’s 2007 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc was poured with a seafood stew, rounding out an impressive lineup for the historic event.
Maggy Hawk Wines Arrive to Pennsylvania Avenue
While wines from Husch Vineyards and Roederer Estates found their way to some of the world’s most exclusive dining circles, they’re not the only Anderson Valley wines making waves there. In April and September of 2023, Maggy Hawk Vineyards, located in Anderson Valley’s northwestern “Deep End,” also earned its place in political history, having its pours grace both the U.S. Department of State tables and at the Blair House, the White House’s private VIP guest house for global dignitaries. The 2020 Skycrest Chardonnay was served for the Pacific Islands Forum Summit Dinner and the 2018 Afleet Pinot Noir at a luncheon for the President of S. Korea.
From Humble Roots to International Acclaim
While Husch, Roederer and Maggy Hawk have all played a part in elevating Anderson Valley wines to international renown, their presence in some of the world’s finest culinary settings also highlights a broader truth. Today, Anderson Valley wines aren’t just on the radar – they’re revered in elite circles, earning a well-deserved spot, not only in fine dining, but in national and international diplomacy. Cheers!