Overview: President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping toasted with sparkling wine from Schramsberg Vineyards during a state dinner on September 24, 2026. The selection holds historical significance for U.S.-China relations, echoing the winery’s previous service at President Nixon’s 1972 visit to Beijing. Dignitaries raised glasses of Blanc de Noir from Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga before their first course.
The Full Story
At a recent state dinner at the White House honoring Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, September 24, a Northern California wine played an important role. President Donald Trump and Jinping and other dignitaries toasted with glasses of sparkling wine from a Napa Valley winery on Thursday, Sept. 24. 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.
The menu at Thursday’s state dinner was a showcase of American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence. Diners consumed yellow squash veloute with wild mushroom fricassee, crispy pancetta and scallion oil, followed by sesame crusted sea bass with sauce verte and braised baby bok choy. Roasted garden eggplant, vanilla cremeux and White House honey ice cream with sour cherry confit center on top of walnut frangipane completed the dessert course.
Brand & Industry History
Jacob Schram began developing the vineyard property in 1862. It was purchased by Jack and Jamie Davis in 1965. 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.
What This Means
The choice of vintage has special significance for Trump and the U.S. government regarding U.S.-China relations history. Since then, Schramsberg sparkling wines have been served at official state functions hosted by every U.S. presidential administration. “Treasure Island” author Robert Louis Stevenson visited the winery in 1880 and included descriptions of his stay in his book “Silverado Squatters.”
Consumer Takeaway
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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