By admin 
At a recent state dinner at the White House honoring Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, a Northern California wine played an important role.
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President Donald Trump, Jinping and other dignitaries toasted with glasses of sparkling wine from a Napa Valley winery on Thursday, Sept. 24.
The choice of vintage has special significance for Trump and the U.S. government.
Which California wine was served at White House dinner?
Before dignitaries tucked into their first course of yellow squash veloute with wild mushroom fricassee, they raised glasses of Blanc de Noir from Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga.
Jacob Schram began developing the vineyard property in 1862. It was purchased by Jack and Jamie Davis in 1965.
The winery has two locations in the Napa Valley.
Why is Napa Valley winery special?
The winery’s Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine was poured for President Richard Nixon’s famed “Toast to Peace” during his historic 1972 visit to Beijing.
Nixon’s trip to the People’s Republic of China heralded a thaw in U.S.-Chinese relations.
That was the first time a Schramsberg Vineyards vintage — or any American wine — had been served at a state-sponsored event either at home or abroad, according to the winery’s website.
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Since then, Schramsberg sparkling wines have been served at official state functions hosted by every U.S. presidential administration.
It’s not the only brush Schramsberg Vineyards has had with fame.
“Treasure Island” author Robert Louis Stevenson visited the winery in 1880 and included descriptions of his stay in his book “Silverado Squatters.”
What was on the menu for President Trump, Xi Jinping?
According to the White House’s official site, the menu at Thursday’s state dinner was a showcase of “American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence.”
Here’s what diners ate:
First course
- Yellow squash veloute with wild mushroom fricassee, crispy pancetta and scallion oil
Second course
- Sesame crusted sea bass with sauce verte
- Braised baby bok choy
- Roasted garden eggplant
Dessert
- Vanilla cremeux and White House honey ice cream with sour cherry confit center on top of walnut frangipane.
Can I taste Schramsberg Vineyards winer?
Tasting at Schramsberg Vineyards’ two locations is available by appointment only.
A Schramsberg Vineyards experience, such as a cave tour with a tasting at 1400 Schramsberg Road in Calistoga, can be booked online.
The same is true for booking one of several tasting experiences at Davies Vineyards, 1210 Grayson Ave. in St. Helena.
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This story was originally published September 25, 2026 at 3:17 PM.